Eternal Life by Ja'mar al-Karoog

I swaggered into the softly light tavern, and looked about for any able bodied people who might want to join me on an adventure. I had some ale in my stomach, and my sword was just itching to come out and play. But, such things as this were always more fun with a friend or two to share in the glory, and help carry back the loot. There were a few people in the bar that seemed sober enough not to slow me down.

"I'm going out to hunt some Shadows this eve, friends. Anyone willing to join in is welcome to come along. I'm sure there will be enough treasure to suit many adventurer's."

"I would not advise that, young sir," said a voice. It came from a well light table. Sitting there was an old Gharu'ndim man, dressed in blue and red robes, studying some ancient book or another.

"And why is that, old man," I asked, sure of myself.

"Because, young sir, the Shadows have grown much in power, and in danger, as of late. You would do well to avoid them until this war is over."

"Bah," I replied, "what danger do I have to fear? I am tied to the lifestone out back, and should any harm come to me, I will simply be pulled back here, to lick my wounds, and head out again." I laughed. "There is nothing to fear when you do not fear death. We might as well have eternal life!"

The old man scowled at this. "You are a fool if you do not believe there are worse things than death, young sir. But, who am I to deter you from an evening for 'fun' and 'adventure'?" The old man returned to his wine and book, saying nothing more.

"Well, then, there are none who will join me? I guess that means more riches for me!" I ordered a glass of ale for the road, and headed out.

* * *

The day was beautiful, the air just right for hunting. I smiled, as I walked down the hill from Ayun Baqur and into the swampy dires below it. I laughed to myself, thinking of the old man's doom and gloom. He probably never left the city, always with his nose buried in some book or another. But, that didn't matter. I would show him the loot I received after I returned from my hunt.

I walked carefully over the grass, tracking down some shadows, trying not to get ambushed myself. I crested a small hill, and there was the prey I sought. A group of two Shadows and one Lt. Shadow stood watch over the butte before me. I smiled, and unsheathed my flame sword. Putting on a few protective rings, I rushed into battle, crying for blood.

My first blow cut one of the two shadows clean in half. The one left and the Lt turned to counter attack me. I took a defensive position, deflecting the first attack of the Lt, while destroying the second shadow with a wide arching swing. The Lt backed off, seemingly in fear, and I smiled. My smile, however, didn't last long, for I sensed a sudden presence around me. Six more of the Lt's brethren jumped from the surrounding bushes. It had been an ambush! I managed to kill one before the brought me down. I waited to feel myself be pulled back to the lifestone, cursing my stupidity, but the pull never came. They were not killing me, but capturing me. I struggled, but it was no use. My mind went back to the old man, as I tried to figure out why they would capture me, but I passed out before I found an answer...

* * *

A lone warrior breasted the small hill, coming up over the butte. He saw the small group of shadows standing guard there, and unsheathed his sword. Running in, he slew the first shadow with little more than a gesture. The Lt went down slightly harder, but for the warrior, it didn't take much effort. The last shadow was odd, though. It took a defensive position, and wielded it's own flame sword as the warrior had been taught too. Although puzzled, the warrior didn't hesitate to cut through the remaining shadow's midsection. As the shadow began to dissipate, he seemed to hear it say "Eternal life..." in Aluvian, although he might have been mistaken. The warrior shrugged, sheathed his sword, and moved on.