《Altered Realms: Ascension [completed] - Book 1 - A LitRPG series》


 Chapter 0 - Prologue

    <h1>Prologue</h1>


    When a man breaks, shatters into millions of pieces, the first instinct is to fix. Sometimes, it¡¯s just easier to sweep away the dust and start over.


    In a large room, on the top floor of a building that scraped the clouds, a man sat weeping, a damp picture frame in his hands. His unkempt hair, drooping eyelids, and coffee-stained teeth had become his new uniform, one that he had worn for weeks. From the corner of the room, a woman looked on at the man, with panic in her eyes. She mumbled and he ignored her. Now was not the time for questions.


    The man''s head and arms sprawled atop the surface of his once pristine workspace as a holographic display appeared before him. The Italian leather strap on his one-of-a-kind wristwatch hung loosely from his thinning wrist. With a sigh he lifted a finger to wipe away the annoyance, as his mind tried to wrap itself around his current set of disasters. How did this happen?


    Notifications flickered on the holo-projection of his computer interface. They acted as distractions from the repetitive grumbling and heavy breathing of his unwelcome visitor. How long has she been there? He thought to himself as bright red lettering flashed to life, drawing his eyes upward, back to his work, back to his nightmare.


    ¡°Access denied. Universal administrator privileges have been revoked.¡± A monotone voice accompanied a chime of bells that echoed in the room. The death knells rolled in with each repetitive notification, causing him to blink along with the appearance of each new window.


    ¡°Sir,'''' an effeminate voice called out, snapping him back to reality. ¡°Sir, what are we going to do? We no longer have remote access to the system.¡± The voice came again, almost forcing him to lift his head completely. ¡°Should we call someone from technical?¡±


    ¡°Fuck it,¡± The man said, wiping his face clean.


    Placing the picture face down on his desk, his fingertips lingering on its edges. He lifted his head just enough to steal a brief glimpse of Sara, the Vice President of Operations at his company.


    ¡°I am the best fucking technician we have. The system has locked down all outside attempts to take control, and the only person who has override authority is fucking gone.¡± He let out a long sigh, heavy with days of unrest, ¡°We¡¯re fucked.¡± He said with a whisper chuckle. ¡°They are all gone.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The thump of his fist hitting his desk caused his longtime co-worker to drop her coffee. He stood, staring at the steaming liquid on his polished granite floors, and closed his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry sir,¡± She stammered, kneeling down to clean up her mess.


    After taking several deep breaths, he stared through the uncomfortable looking girl before him. Her hands were shaking, and bottom lip quivered as she mumbled to herself. Her hair was a mess and she had been wearing the same clothes for days.


    Without an ounce of hesitation, he spoke, ¡°Someone has to sort this shit out, might as well be me.¡± He locked eyes with the tall blond woman, ¡°Sara, you''re in charge until I get back.¡±


    Sarah straightened her back, stood, and rubbed her eyes as she spoke, ¡°Sir, are you sure this is wise? We no longer have control of the system." Her voice grew firm as she crossed her arms, "Going in there now could be dangerous.¡± Noticing that the man was no longer looking in her direction, she let her hands fall away and sighed with resignation, ¡°What happens if you can¡¯t reach him. What happens if you can''t log out? What am I-" Sarah corrected herself, ¡°Are we going to do without you? You¡¯re all we have left.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about me. Just don¡¯t say a word about what¡¯s going on, to anyone. Do not speak a word about Entarra online, the system, or what happened.¡± The man''s eyes went cold, the once jovial lights behind them having dimmed months ago, ¡°Sara, there¡¯s already over a million people in the situation you just described. But, they don¡¯t know anything is wrong. To them this is all just some bug in the game. They are in danger, many are already completely unable to leave. They are stuck in my, our fucking game. If I don¡¯t go in there, roughly three million others could join them.¡± He said, before rising to his feet.


    ¡°But, sir-¡± Sarah started.


    He cut her off with a wave of his hand, ¡°If something happens to me, or if you don¡¯t hear from me in two weeks then it''s time to call the United World Government. Recall all pods by force if necessary, and divert all funds to long term care. Liquidate every fucking asset we have, if you have to. Just protect as many people as possible, for as long as you can. Then do everything you can to disconnect the system. Shutting it down, at this point, is impossible.¡± He paused, and scratched at a newly grown beard, flakes of dried skin falling to his well tailored suit, ¡°In fact, start making preparations for that very situation right now. If it''s even possible Don¡¯t hesitate to shut the whole thing down, even if we are still inside.¡± The man paused before looking up, staring through a reinforced glass ceiling out into the late afternoon sky, ¡°Then pray, pray to whatever gods you think might listen, that it doesn¡¯t come to that.¡± he said, a finality to his voice before leaving the room.

 Chapter 1 - Bliss

    <h1>Chapter 1- Bliss</h1>


    A chill western breeze flowed through Dawnmoon Bay, towards the far off Wildwood, carrying the stale scent of death with it. The city of Dawnport, its patchwork tapestry of wood and stone buildings, sat perched on a low cliff above frigid waters. Saltwater slapped against rotting pylons, filling the streets with its corrosive mist, as breathless whispers dissipated into the wind.


    ¡°The Wildwoods, a hunter. His name¡¯s Eli.¡± One man said to another, as a pool of crimson liquid gathered at the base of an anvil bathed in cool green light.


    Miles from the city, tucked away in a small cabin, a man tossed in his sheets. His eyes were still closed, as he took in the low chirps of birds and the rustling of leaves from the surrounding trees. Today is another day, he thought as the sounds of a crackling cook fire danced through his kitchen and into his ears. A faint snap accompanied the crack of fresh-cut vegetables followed shortly by a sweet jaunty tune, humming in the background. His wife, Kata was sounding out a simple Wode Elf folk song about adventure. Fried eggs with rye porridge and roasted vegetables again, he thought a smile crept onto his face..


    Eli¡¯s life fit him like an old suit, always the same, always dependable. He needed nothing fancy; he wanted nothing extraordinary. The monotony and repetition made things safe, manageable. He had lived in the city, and it didn¡¯t suit him, or his wife. There were far too many people, and far too many problems.


    He would wake up, chop wood, check the snares, help tend the field, chop more wood, and teach his children their numbers and letters. But today was different, he felt it in his bones. A stiff breeze fluttered against the shutters causing him to shiver. Top notes of pork fat, blended with middle notes of sweetness, and bottom notes of smoke filled the room. Their welcome smells were tainted by hints of rot and decay that caused him to stir.


    The twins, Eric and Savannah, were old enough to help with the chores, but young enough to still find the world amazing. They seemed to view things in ways only children can. An ever-present sparkle of imagination poured into the most mundane occurrences. He admired his childrens juvenile ability to play with a pair of sticks for hours, pretending to be knights, adventurers, or summoners. That wondrous ability to find happiness in simple things had not yet faded, and the thought of their smiles filled him with hope. The struggles of reality had not yet stolen that away.


    They hadn¡¯t seen the darkness of this world yet, the death and endless suffering. They hadn¡¯t seen just how cruel immortal beings from another world can be. Eli had taken them far enough into the Wildwoods for that exact reason. The darkness of humanity hadn¡¯t reached this far, and he hoped it never would. But he knew that his peace could not last forever.


    The proximity to the Temple of Aeryntorr, a derelict temple that once housed a sect of druids, kept most intelligent creatures away. It had been long forgotten to history, but Eli knew all too well where it was. He found it while hunting and told no one its location. The damned ruins were home to abominations, warped by unimaginable powers. No one had been there in years, other than the few people who made their forest home.


    Wayland, the local blacksmith, spoke about seeing unsavory looking adventurers lurking around Dawnport. According to the smith, he saw a small group enter the forest a few days prior to his meeting with Eli. The group asked questions about a stronghold, what types of creatures lived in the Wildwood, and where they may find a guide to lead them to the lost temple. When they had left the city, they went through the western gate towards the temple grounds and towards Eli¡¯s cabin.


    Eli made preparations the day he got home. He kept his bow and belt knife near him at all times. The twins were trained on what to do if strangers arrived. Specific whistles and phrases becoming a part of their daily curriculum, in case of an attack. If his friend said that these adventurers were not to be trusted, then he would listen, and he would be ready if they showed up.


    Wayland was an old friend, having moved to Dawnport at the height of the Three Factions War, the same time Eli and his wife had. He and Eli had booked the same boat to Scorn, both having left from Sardona, on the western coast of Ommuria. When Kata gave birth to the twins, it was Wayland and Eli¡¯s old war buddy, Derek, that would bring them food, water, and other necessities. The middle-aged blacksmith had helped Eli with his tools, equipment, and repairs for years.


    Eli knew that his friend was an excellent judge of character, and Adventurers didn¡¯t care for the citizens of this world. They didn¡¯t care much for anything. So Eli prepared every morning. He checked his bow, axe, knife, and checked their alarms regularly.


    Adventurers came to Entarra from another plane of existence, coming and going between the two as they pleased. Some came in search of power, glory, or wealth. Others came to live out their twisted fantasies and wildest dreams. A few, the outlanders, came to escape their existence on their home-world. Some were cripples or outcasts. Others were ill, or in a coma. Many accepted Entarra as their new home, never leaving, or ¡°logging off,¡± as they called it. But one thing was universal with the adventurers, they were unpredictable and often violent.


    ¡°Eli.¡± came a whisper in the background breaking him from his thoughts.


    ¡°Eli, I know you¡¯re awake. I can hear your gears turning from over here.¡± a sweet, mouse-like, voice squeaked from across the room. It was Kata. ¡°It¡¯s almost time to wake the children, breakfasts about ready, and I don¡¯t want to burn the veggies.¡±


    ¡°Just another minute,¡± He said, pulling the heavy wool blanket over his face.


    ¡°Eli, Miller. If those kids aren¡¯t awake while breakfast is warm, the peccary won¡¯t be the only hide getting tanned,¡± Kata growled in a half-whisper.


    ¡°And, that¡¯s my cue.¡± Eli whispered, thinking she hadn¡¯t heard him. The smirk on her face and malice in her bright hazel eyes said otherwise.


    Eli clothed himself in a hurry and stole a glance at Kata¡¯s lovely form. Her unkempt, fiery red hair framed her sharp facial features as she toiled over the cooking fire. The tips of her pointed ears poked between thick clumps of hair. A few strays stuck to perspiration above her thin pink lips, but she hadn¡¯t noticed. The vivid crimson color provided a nice contrast to her fair olive skin.


    A quick scowl and a nod of her head towards the children¡¯s room gave Eli the motivation needed to get the day started. She caught him staring again. He couldn¡¯t help it, she was captivating. Her athletic figure, gentle yet fierce eyes, and smooth womanly curves pulled him to her like gravity. She was not frail, or weak, and she knew more about survival than anyone he had ever met. That¡¯s why he loved her, because she was capable. Her beauty was just a bonus. Without her, he would have died years ago.


    A set of hunting clothes were hanging near the cooking fire. Kata must have cleaned yesterday¡¯s boar mess off of them and hung them to dry before making breakfast. Yesterday¡¯s snare check provided a fine catch. A wild boar had stumbled into one of the traps that Eli tended each day. I must have forgotten to clean my clothes after butchering the pig, he thought.


    ¡°She¡¯s too good for me,¡± Eli whispered to himself, as he threaded his toes into house shoes and strode towards the back room.


    The twins were still sleeping, their breathing deep. How this was possible with the sweetness of fresh pork, and the roar of a cooking fire on the air Eli couldn¡¯t understand. Even as a child he could smell pork belly from a mile away.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Savannah, Eric. It¡¯s time to wake up,¡± he whispered while rustling strong fingers through Eric¡¯s mahogany hair. ¡°Your mother is cooking breakfast.¡±


    In unison, the two children repeated after their father, ¡°Just another minute,¡± and rolled over.


    But, as they rolled over in their beds, Savannah¡¯s sharply pointed nose twitched. ¡°Wait! Is that bacon?¡± she exclaimed as she flung her sheets back, and leapt to her feet, knocking her brother off of the bed.


    A loud THUMP echoed through the room as Eric¡¯s forehead smashed into the sturdy floorboards. ¡°Ouch, what the hell Sav? I was still sleeping,¡± Eric screamed, now laying on the floor with a look of pain and confusion on his face.


    She shrugged at her brother with a grin as she slipped her pants and a tunic over her pajamas before running out of the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s just some belly from yesterday¡¯s hog. The rest is curing and won¡¯t be ready for a week,¡± Eli called after her as she ran into the kitchen. ¡°And, apologize to your brother.¡±


    While helping Eric to his feet Eli inspected the growing lump on his son''s forehead. ¡°I think you¡¯re going to grow a horn.¡± he said with a smile, ¡°If you¡¯re not careful you¡¯ll end up looking like an Orc.¡±


    The glare in Eric¡¯s bright green eyes burned with anger. ¡°That¡¯s not funny.¡± he pushed through clenched teeth.


    Eric was a calm and peaceful child, this anger was something new. His demeanor was more akin to someone raised in comfort than a homestead in the Wildwood. Spotless, well kept, sleeping clothes covered his lanky stretching frame. He was tall for his age with sharp features, thin lips, and well-manicured, rust-colored hair. A perfect blend of mother and father. The twins both had a blend of human and elf, but Eric seemed to take a touch more from Eli¡¯s human side of the family.


    Savannah however, was shorter than her brother and more well built. They shared the same facial features, hair color, and sparkling emerald eyes, but her ears came to a more defined point, and her skin was a shade darker. She was her mother¡¯s daughter to the core, strong, brave, loyal, and competent. Her ability to track, rear animals, and hunt paralleled her father¡¯s. If it were not for her age and size Eli was sure she could take him in a fight. It was this well-known fact that kept her brother''s anger towards her in check.


    Eli looked up to where Eric had been and saw nothing. His son was storming towards the kitchen, his teeth clenched, and his fists curled into tight balls. The look on his face was sour, filled with intent. The miniature man was about to do something stupid. With a few steps, Eli was behind him, reaching for his shoulder. He was a second too late. A small fist attached to a lanky arm whipped towards the back of Savannah¡¯s head.


    Clap.


    The momentum of the blow halted in an instant. Kata¡¯s hand, which had appeared out of nowhere, was clenched around Eric¡¯s fist hard enough to cause a squeal of pain. Eli hadn¡¯t even seen her move. The last time he had seen her, she was preparing the finishing touches of a delicious smelling breakfast. Eric¡¯s wrist bent at a terrible angle, the pain dropping him to a knee, but not enough to injure the boy. His sister had turned around and was now laughing at her brother. ¡°Oh. You¡¯re in trouble,¡± Savanna laughed. ¡°Ha-¡±


    A metallic twang vibrated in the air, the sound of thin metal on bone. Kata had swung her ladle onto the hand Savannah was pointing at her brother. ¡°Ouch! What was that-¡± Savannah started, before being cut off.


    ¡°Do. Not. Start.¡± Kata¡¯s tone grew cold as she stared into Savannahs now teary eyes. ¡°You know what you did. Apologize to your brother. Then sit down, and eat your breakfast.¡±


    Now Eric was laughing under his breath. ¡°And you.¡± Kata said with a calm finality, cutting off her son¡¯s laughter. ¡°The next time you attempt to attack your sister, I will not stop you.¡± She said with a smile, throwing his fist to the side. ¡°But, I will not stop her either.¡± He nodded, fear clear in his eyes, then sat down next to his sister.


    ¡°Now, breakfast is ready. Who wants to eat?¡± Eli said with a chuckle before planting himself next to his wife.


    Warm salty-sweet fats melted in Eli¡¯s mouth as he bit into the slow-cooked pork, the sensation filling him with warmth. Thyme, sage, and a hint of mint added herbal flavors to the meat as it dissolved on his tongue. Each of them ate in silence and enjoyed the rare treat of sweet meats. Sauteed vegetables from the garden sat atop eggs fried in pork drippings. Kata had cooked the fresh eggs to buttery perfection. The fat dripped from their crisp edges onto toasted day-old rye bread. A meal like this was worth every ounce of work that went into it.


    After they finished breakfast, Eli and the kids cleaned the house. Thirty minutes later, they were ready to start the daily tasks. Eli¡¯s first duty was to gather wood and kindling before checking the traps for game. The kids were off to help their mother with the animals. Their handful of goats, chickens, and two cows would keep them busy for a few hours. Once they finished their individual tasks, they would all help with the garden, and their small field of grains.


    Eli kissed the kids on their cheeks and gave Kata a hug before they left. Before he set out, he slipped on a pair of leather trousers, latched his belt knife in place, and slipped a green leather jerkin over his brown linen shirt. To finish his routine, he checked on his bow and quiver. Kata¡¯s father had made the hickory longbow as a wedding gift. Long straight grains, formed by the rings of an ancient tree, gave it an amazing tensile strength that could kill an adult buck from sixty yards.


    After a war and years of hunting, it still showed no signs of wear. It was a well-crafted tool, one Eli had no right to own. Its string, crafted from the sinew of a magical beast, sat dangling. Kata¡¯s father, a masterful hunter and wise leader of men, had killed the massive winged creature while traveling the great planes of Altea. The memories of their meeting brought a smile to Eli¡¯s face. After looking the bow over and securing the string, he was almost ready.


    The last piece of equipment needed was his trusty felling axe. It sat beyond the cabins threshold, leaning against a bench. That too underwent a quick inspection. An ounce of prevention, he thought to himself while looking over his tool.


    A smooth, well worn, ash haft led to a sturdy black iron double-bitted head. Both blades were wider than normal and curved inward at the heel. One end of the axe was ground to a dull edge to hack through tougher knots found in the local oaks. The other he sharpened the night before. Removing one of his gloves, he ran his naked hand down the blades and handle of his weapon, inspecting for chips, and cracks. Finding none, he slipped the axe into the brass looped frog on his belt. He was ready.


    It¡¯s time to get to work, he thought, before jogging off towards the woods.


    Just before entering the dense tree-line he stole one last glance at his children. They were laughing and hugging one of their goats. The sight brought a large grin to his face, before he turned and made his way to his first task. Several string and bell alarms lined his property. He had placed them near the trees to alert them to any intruders, humanoid or beast. After thirty minutes of searching the tree-line, nearest to his small clearing, Eli found nothing to be out of place. After one final check of his tripwire alarms he headed into the forest.


    Red oaks that were great for repairs and burning grew farther into the woods, getting taller the deeper one went into the forest. But there was another reason to go farther in to find lumber. He could hear his traps. If anything found itself unlucky enough to run through them, they would be easy to reach before it got dark. Sometimes, when he was lucky, the loud hacking of an axe against a tree would startle an animal right into a snare.


    Only thirty minutes into his search, he found a familiar redwood snag, of manageable size. He had marked the tree the day before, as it was only a year from falling. Older dying trees would often start small fires, or become burrows for dangerous snakes. They needed to be removed. These also made great firewood and decorative items. He grasped his axe and got to work. Slamming into the tree over and over, until his hands went numb.


    His body fell into conditioned motions as time blurred into a long series of powerful swings. Repetitive hacking turned an hour into one singular moment. The woods fell silent between swings, as the world became still around him. A deepening calmness reeled him into a sense of nonexistence. He was just a man with an axe, nothing more. Hours went by as he toiled at his work, hacking at his tree. Suddenly, a loud thud, followed by a cracking sound, echoed throughout the forest, snapping him to attention.


    Filling the air like the snap of a whip, the noise caused the critters around him to stir, as if unsure if they should hide or flee. Taking a wary step back, Eli looked up. He expected to see the tree leaning and falling. All he saw was the sun, now overhead as it poked through the canopy. He had been hacking for hours, yet nothing happened. It should come down soon, he thought, inspecting the damage he had done to the tree. Then he heard what sounded like moaning in the distance, an animal crying.


    Another loud snap rang out, causing wildlife to spring into action, this time fleeing from some unknown danger. Now paying more attention, he could sense what direction the noise had come from. ¡°There¡¯s no way I could have snared another boar already,¡± he whispered before stowing his axe in its frog, and snatching the bow from its spot on his back. Something had triggered one of his snares.

 Chapter 2 - Monsters

    <h1>Chapter 2 - Monsters</h1>


    Eli sprang through the trees planting his feet heel to toe, knees bent, and his footing firm. Kata taught him to move quickly, while remaining quiet. A cool breeze filled the air with an unusual fragrance as the scents of fresh cut wood, undergrowth, and wild animals enveloped his senses like a light mist. Again there was a wretched undertone of decay, rot, and iron that grew stronger as he ran. It hung in the air like carrion as he closed in on his nearest trap.


    There is something in one of my snares, he thought as he picked up the pace for the final few yards.


    Crouching down and sticking to shadows, he crept closer, trying to get a good view of the scene. The form of a humanoid creature hung ten feet from the ground, the rope of his snare around its neck. Its shape resembled that of a muscular man in tattered clothes, but its skin was pale and hung loose. No motion was visible from the figure and no animals picked at its remains. Who could this be? How long have been hanging here? Eli thought, before the body snapped its arms wildly, jerking to life while grasping at its neck, trying to free itself.


    Oh shit, he¡¯s still alive.


    In a daze Eli ran to the tree that held the figure aloft and loosened the hold of the rope, letting the body fall a few inches. A sense of wrongness overtook him as he stopped to inspect the man hanging from the tree. Who¡¯s out this far into the Wildwood, and why would they be so close to my home, The thoughts filtered through his subconscious as his instincts screamed a warning. Adventurers.


    Squinting, Eli raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sun, getting a better look at the situation. He noticed something familiar about the trapped man, he had seen him before. As the sun stopped blurring his vision, familiar features became more noticable.


    ¡°Wayland! Fuck man,¡± Eli screamed, recognizing the face of his old friend. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll let you down, but the fall will hurt.¡±


    In a panic, he drew the belt knife from its sheath and cut the rope in one swift motion. The strong tension of the rope released at once causing a loud twang to sound out on the game trail. A moment later, Wayland¡¯s twitching form fell to the ground. Eli stood motionless as he watched in horror, knowing the damage that a six-foot fall could do to a man.


    Wayland¡¯s body slammed to the ground, followed by his head slamming into a rock a thud. A sloping sound, like a sack of meat hitting the floor caused Eli to vomit. His friend was dead, he had to be. No one would have survived that fall. Gathering himself, Eli wiped beads of sweat from his eyes and spittle from his lips. Rushing to Wayland¡¯s now motionless body, Eli began to panic. Stopping a few paces away, he knelt taking in the sight of his friend¡¯s ravaged body.


    Looking closely Eli noticed that his friends hands were crooked, his fingers broken. Bits of fur and meat had somehow become buried under the man''s nails. Grey, dusky bones protruded Wayland¡¯s right leg and left arm, looking like grim spikes. The top of his knee cap peeled through his flesh, bursting through the thin skin, but no blood spilled from any of the man¡¯s many wounds. Chunks of pinkish-gray gelatinous plasma fell free from the now shattered mass, rather than the life-giving crimson fluid. Aging puncture wounds on the torso burst open, releasing a miasma-like mixture of sulfur, bile, and digested food that burned at Elis nostrils and throat.


    The sight of Wayland¡¯s slack, lifeless face caused his stomach to churn for a second time. Fresh blood spilled from the mouth giving off steam as bits of flesh hit the ground with a wet slap. A smooth clean laceration stretched across the dead man¡¯s throat from one ear to the other.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way the snare did this,¡± Eli whispered, catching his breath through the breaks of each word.


    Gathering himself he stood, before circling the corpse. A soft splashing sound came from below as Eli stepped in something viscous and warm. He looked down to see a deep pool of blood around his boot. The chunky crimson liquid seeped through the laces and into his sock, as he stood staring in confusion.


    ¡°Oh, what the fuck,¡± Eli shouted, removing his now blood-soaked foot from the now ankle-high pool.


    The still-bleeding corpse of a fawn lay maimed five feet away from where Wayland now rested. Claw and bite marks covered almost every part of its body. Entrails spilled from a fist-sized hole in its belly like fruit from a basket. The deers dull gray eyes now faced the animal¡¯s haunches, its small head twisted like a pretzel.


    Now, this is interesting, Eli thought to himself as a gurgled raspy breath filled the now silent woods.


    ¡°I wonder what did this,¡± the words escaped Eli¡¯s lips in a whisper, just as he heard the rustling of leaves stirring near the corpse of his friend.


    Eli looked back to see Wayland twitch, his lungs rising and falling unsteadily. The body of the fallen man jerked as it rose to its feet. Bones snapped into place creaking in resistance as the creature that was once a man arranged itself. Fingers moved, and eyes fluttered open, but nothing was there. No life showed behind them, every small sparkle of intelligence had vanished. Its mouth dropped open letting loose pieces of deer flesh as another stream of warm blood fell to the ground.


    One leg moved towards Eli, then the other. The rotted bones ripped through decaying flesh. Lurching forward, it stretched out its arms, clumsy movements carrying it toward the nearest living creature, Eli.


    Moving with unnatural speed Wayland reached a hand for Eli¡¯s throat. His fingers ended in chipped bones, rather than flesh, as if gnawed off by a rabid animal. Unable to react Eli stood unmoving until the semi-skeletal hands reached him, boney fingers stabbing into soft, living tissue.


    ¡°W-Wayland? Wayland, what happened to you? Are you okay?¡± Eli gasped.


    Cold, iron-like, fingers gripped his throat, their unearthly strength attempting to destroy his windpipe. ¡°Wayland,¡± a half-breathed scream escaped his mouth.


    Eli looked on in horror as his friend¡¯s head tilted, almost in recognition. Then the monster clacked its teeth. Opening and closing its jaws, smashing them together like a crazed animal, the undead creature bit off a large section its own tongue. Still no blood, Eli thought, before his friend jerked forward towards his exposed jugular.


    Instinct forced a reaction as Eli slammed a hand into Wayland¡¯s face, the abrupt action breaking him from his stupor. Wheezing, his vision blurred as the dagger-like fingers found deeper purchase in his throat. He was running out of oxygen, fast. He should not be this strong. His arm is almost off, Eli thought, as his right hand snapped upward, his belt knife still intact.


    Slamming the blade through the arm reaching for his throat, caused the monster¡¯s grip to falter. With the small release of pressure, air forced itself into Eli¡¯s desperate lungs. The sound of flesh tearing and bone breaking caused the remaining nearby birds to scatter. Flashes of previous violence to rushed to Eli¡¯s mind, forcing his body into action.


    With a quick motion Eli exposed the palm of his free hand and drove it into Wayland¡¯s face with enough force to cause his nose to explode. Grabbing the man by the forehead, he then shifted his weight forward onto the arm now palming his friends face. While the force of the blow had prevented Wayland¡¯s teeth from removing Eli¡¯s exposed trachea, it had also knocked the walking corpse off balance. After taking a small step to his left, Eli positioned his leg behind Wayland¡¯s. With all of the force and leverage available to him, he pressed forward.


    Eli¡¯s momentum carried him through the zombie as he leaned his shoulder into the maneuver. Now parallel to Wayland, his elbow bent at a ninety-degree angle, he threw the living corpse headfirst into the ground. Any sense of balance the creature had vanished as it sprang backward, off of its feet. Pain erupted in Eli¡¯s knee, as it hit the ground, followed by the full force of the body following it. The impact shook the forest floor with a small tremor, and a crack that reverberated from a skull hitting an exposed root. Bits of bone chipped onto the forest floor splashing nearby leaves with gelatinous fluid..


    Leaping to his feet, Eli took two quick steps back. With a deep deliberate breath, he processed an important fact. This isn¡¯t Wayland. It¡¯s something else. Fear, anger, and confusion poured over him. His best friend was dead. Or, is it undead? He thought, his mind unable to stay calm. This, thing, just tried to eat me. He thought before whatever was left of his breakfast filled mouth, the queasiness taking his attention away from the thing at his feet.


    As Eli looked away, the undead figure moaned and righted itself, attempting to regain its footing. Eli looked back, went pale, then swallowed, as the creature attempted to plant its legs under itself. Slowly, he slipped his belt knife into its sheath and clenched his around the handle of his axe. While the tool¡¯s main purpose was chopping down trees, it could ruin flesh and bone with ease. The axe¡¯s weight calmed Eli¡¯s nerves, as he pulled his weapon from its home, its cool ash handle familiar and unwavering.


    Wayland planted both feet beneath him and lumbered forward. As his ruined leg landed, broken bones buckled and snapped. The releasing of connective tissue sent a resounding crack echoing the trees. Grey jagged bones extended from flayed skin, splitting it like a torn sheet of parchment. Now dragging the destroyed limb, the creature stumbled forward. While slowed, Wayland¡¯s corpse was still mobile. Shambled forward, with basic intent, its good arm stretched outward as if he was dying of thirst and Eli''s flesh was an oasis. Realization dawned on Eli as thoughts of what he had to do settled.


    The sight of the smith now filled Eli with rage, as he whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my friend.¡±


    With one final step back, Eli settled into the stance he used while chopping trees. Shifting the weight of his body, letting it distribute onto both legs, he swung. The heavy iron axe hurtled towards Wayland¡¯s waist with the force Eli would use to fell an oak. The axe connected above the left hip with enough force to cut the body in half. Flesh parted like waves crashing on stone. Bones shattered into hundreds of tiny fragments, as metal carved through them with ease. Tiny strings of muscle and sinew were all that held the grotesque being together. Intestine and bile spilled from its destroyed torso as it fell to the floor. Wayland¡¯s legs stood motionless for a breath before following the rest of his body to the earth. The earlier miasma amplified in strength tenfold as various fluids spilled from the now gaping hole in Wayland¡¯s stomach.


    Shaking too violently to control himself, Eli¡¯s hands slipped, causing his axe to hit the ground. Bending at the waist, he grasped quivering knees for support. Forcing himself to take deep deliberate breaths he tried to calm his mind, piecing together what happened. Wayland was a good man, he thought, tears pooling in his eyes.


    Looking down at the axe now laying next to the body, its blade covered in reddish black ichor he realized what he had just done. Eli had killed the smith with his own axe.


    ¡°He would have killed me,¡± he said now sobbing, ¡°That wasn¡¯t Wayland, not anymore. That wasn¡¯t wayland,¡± He repeated, as tears left streaks through the gore and grime that now covered his face. As he wept, something landed on his foot. Still looking down he realized what it was, and shouted, ¡°Oh, come on!¡±


    Wayland, or rather his torso, was crawling across the ground with one arm, trying to find purchase on Eli¡¯s leg. The ruined mouth still clicked away as it tried to bite anything it could find. Shaking the hand from his boot in disgust, Eli stomped his foot down on the creature¡¯s already fractured skull. The flimsy bone casing burst like a melon falling from a table, as a chunky gray-brown mush exploded onto the forest floor. The decayed brains curled around Eli¡¯s reddish-brown boot, as the creature¡¯s arm fell limp for the final time.


    Reaching for the fallen axe, Eli¡¯s movements were slow and hesitant. While trying to avoid coming in contact with the torso at his feet, he slipped in brain matter. The sudden shift caused Eli to stumble and fling the sludge onto the handle of his weapon.


    Well, I¡¯ll have a mess to clean up later, or Kata will kill- The thought died as he rushed towards his family, grabbing his bow on the way.


    Branches snapped and dry foliage crinkled underfoot, as he sprinted towards his cabin. Eli knew that it would take him twenty minutes, if he sprinted, to get back to his family. Images of zombies shambling into his peaceful clearing flashed into his mind. The thoughts were like waking nightmares. Visions of Kata and the twins being attacked by undead horrors sent adrenaline coursing through his veins. I need to get home. If there¡¯s one, there may be more.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    His wife could defend herself better than he could. Hell, she taught him most of what he knew. But she had two children to protect. The more people you have to look after, the harder it becomes. As Eli ran, his mind raced, thinking of what could be causing the dead to rise. It¡¯s that cursed temple, I know it.


    Trees flew by as he ran, their branches scraping shallow cuts into Eli¡¯s flesh. His legs burned from the strain of sprinting for over two miles. Closing in on the clearing, he could see a bright orange glow slipping through the gaps in the tree-line. He sprinted faster, his muscles pleading with each step. The tips of fire danced above the tree-line like wisps to a melody, growing larger with every stride. Shrill screams shattered the late afternoon sky, breaking the eerie quiet. They came from the direction of his once peaceful glade. They came from his home.


    ¡°No, stop. Don¡¯t harm her. I¡¯ll give you whatever you want.¡± Kata¡¯s shouts filled the air, her voice firm, but pleading.


    Eli stopped at the edge of the tree-line, being sure not to expose himself. Not knowing the situation, he looked out over the small open space to check for threats. Flames roared as their cabin burned, bathing the area in intense light. All of their livestock lay dead in their pens their throats slit or heads crushed. Three armor-clad figures stood in Eli¡¯s vegetable garden. They were across the fields from Eli, but well within bowshot.


    One man stood nearest to the blazing structure, while two others flanked Kata. Eli looked on at the slight frame of his son¡¯s broken figure. Eric¡¯s ruined body lay at the feet of the figure closest to the cabin, bleeding from several wounds. His face, savaged, spewed blood from his nose and eyes. Unsteady breaths caused the boys chest to lift and fall slightly. The person standing above him was a pale ghostly looking Cloud Elf draped in scarlet robes with a black lining. His left arm wrapped itself around Savannah¡¯s neck, like a python coiled around its prey. A dagger floated inches from her left eye as if lifted by an unseen current of air.


    Tears rolled down Savannah¡¯s face, but she stood calm and unmoving, teeth clenched. Her eyes were open, cold, and devoid of fear as they shifted from place to place. Eli stepped back, deeper into cover, not wanting to give away his position. Sudden movement could cause a panic that would lead to his family¡¯s death. Being sure to make no sound he reached for his bow. As he prepared himself, he kept his eyes trained on his wife.


    Kata stood before the two remaining figures, a short sword in her right hand and her boot knife in the other. Blood seeped from multiple wounds on her body and face giving her a grim look. She had been fighting all three before the twins had been captured. The sight filled Eli with panic, anger, and no small amount of pride. His wife was a force of nature, she had held herself against three adventurers.


    ¡°Hey, Chris,¡± a stout dwarf-like figure clad in heavy, darkened, chain mail armor called back to the lanky wizard, causing him the thin man to grimace, ¡°I mean Koldun. I don¡¯t see any hunter here, just this chick and her kids.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s here, and you better fucking find him.¡± The man¡¯s order came out in a slither as if his tongue was forked.


    The remaining two figures stood waving their weapons towards Eli¡¯s wife. The Dwarf in sturdy armor wielded an odd-looking scepter in his left hand and a relic with sharp angles in his right. A plaited leather helm protected his face, preventing Eli from getting a good look at his facial features. The second figure was seven feet tall, wore very little armor, and no helmet. His size made him look like a giant next to his companion. The hulk¡¯s rounded, bunched together, facial features reminded Eli of a pig. Two large horns sprang from the crown of his head, curling in a spiral pattern to the rear. He looked like an oversized Orc, or half Ogre. In his hand, he held a long two-handed claymore with the ease of someone holding a twig. As he swung his weapon, his grip shifted from one hand to two in a practiced motion. The Stonekin looked out of place in Scorn, as they were not on good terms with Humans, or Wolffen.


    Koldun called out from behind Savannah, his grip on her throat tightening, ¡°I told you, we¡¯re just here for some information and your stuff,¡± he said while waving his free arm in smooth arcs. The caster¡¯s movements caused the dagger to swoop in the air. ¡°If you would have told us what we wanted and handed over your belongings, this never would have happened.¡±


    The being holding the massive sword took a step closer to Kata, ¡°You stupid NPCs don¡¯t know your place. Just give us the damn quest and location of the Temple of Aeryntorr. Then we¡¯ll leave.¡± He smiled, ¡°After taking your shit.¡± The tip of his sword danced in quick circles as he spoke, ¡°That blacksmith told us you would know how to find it. Sent us looking for someone named Eli.¡± His scratching voice paused as a grin formed on his face, ¡° Right before we split him from ear to ear.¡±


    Anger and hatred filled Eli¡¯s soul, his hands reaching for the quiver slung to his back. They did that to Wayland. They attacked my family. They burned down my home. He thought, his fist tightened around the bow, enough to cause the wood to strain. At that moment, he knew he would kill these men. He had to.


    Eli watched on, ready to attack, but before anyone could act, Kata sprang into action. Her knees bent, like a coiled spring before she leaped at the man with the massive blade. A quick feint of her sword shot towards the man¡¯s unarmored chest, causing him to block. She then sidestepped to his right, moving into his guard. Her movements blurred together as she sliced her knife deep into the exposed flesh of the orc¡¯s forearm. Kata¡¯s grip loosened for a moment as blood trickled down her enemy¡¯s arm, severing tendons. Unfazed by the crippling attack, the man simply smiled. It was as if he felt no pain.


    He mumbled at the Dwarf under his breath as a strange golden glow enveloped his body. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help. I got this bitch.¡±


    The large warrior glanced at his wound as it healed in an instant. Shaking his head he shot the dwarf a stern look, then got into position. A moment later, the stout man with a scepter clenched his relic in his fist and chanted under his breath, creating another wave of golden light. Crap, he¡¯s healing him, Eli thought to himself, training an arrow on the man holding Savannah. But I¡¯ve got to save the kids. He let his grip loosen slightly. Before he shot, Kata turned her head slightly, as if she knew he was there and gave him the signal to hold.


    Eli watched in fear and indecision, he knew that his wife was right. They didn¡¯t know he was there, and they were looking for him. If he was to make his presence known the adventurers would kill his family. Suddenly, the Dwarf¡¯s chanting stopped the Stonekin¡¯s wounds vanished. When the healing glow faded the heavily armored man planted his feet and rushed his foe. The cleric¡¯s stocky legs generated momentum at an alarming pace, allowing him to close the distance between him and Kata in a blink. Noticing the oncoming attack she slid forward, into her enemy¡¯s reach, while leveling her sword at his chest. Inches from impaling himself he shifted his weight, sidestepping the blade. Now, parallel to Kata, he aimed his heavy spiked cudgel towards Kata¡¯s exposed face. Lifting his weapon, twisting at the waist, he attacked. The force behind the crushing blow was enough to smash a small boulder.


    Struggling with an urge to change targets, Eli kept his bow trained on the wizard while Kata held her own against the two powerful adventurers. With the grace and speed of a dancer, Kata lowered her stance and swept a leg towards the squat figure, halting his advance. The maneuver caused a momentary break in combat, as the flow of battle reset itself.


    ¡°I told you, we know nothing. You can keep what you find here, just let the children go,¡± she snarled at the oncoming assailant. ¡°There¡¯s no need to fight.¡± Kata shouted with rage. ¡°At least one of you will die here today.¡±


    Out of the corner of his eye, Eli could see the stocky figure, as he sidestepped behind the taller man, attempting to get into Kata¡¯s blind spot. As soon as he disappeared from view the taller man swung his sword in a large horizontal arc, causing Kata to roll to her right, leaving her wide open. Kata twisted away from the attack, taking her eyes off of the Ogre to follow the healer¡¯s movements.


    Eli wanted to scream a warning as the warrior used the dwarf¡¯s distraction to slam his gauntleted fist into her face, but he stayed silent. He had to trust his wife to recover, and stay in the fight. The force of the blow knocked her to the ground. Noticing another opening the Half-Orc followed up with a knee aimed at her jaw. Kata flung herself backward, landing on her back, with her arms pressed against the ground. The devastating attack had missed her chin by less than an inch. Seeing his wife out of immediate danger, Eli released a sigh.


    Eli knew what would happen next, she had done this to him in training a thousand times. As expected, she launched herself back to her feet with a deft spring and a fluid attack. A flick of her wrist sent dirt and rocks into the eyes of her opponent, followed by one of her boot knives. Stepping back a few paces the large adventurer lowered his sword and clutched at his face.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± The word hung in the air as the man roared in annoyance, scrambling to remove the debris from his temporarily blinded eyes.


    The belt knife sheathed itself to the hilt in the overgrown man¡¯s neck, cutting off all sound, and dropping him in an instant. He wasn¡¯t dead, but he would be out of the fight. With the man down Eli pulled the string of his bow, checking his aim. You only get one chance to surprise an enemy.


    ¡°Enough,¡± the robed figure shouted, the floating knife inching its way towards Savannah¡¯s eye.


    The tip of the sinister blade caused her to blink, and a shallow cut opened up on her skin. A single drop of blood seeped from her eyelid.


    ¡°Drop your weapons, and give us what we want,¡± the magic-user hissed as he kicked Eric in the ribs. The attack halted the child¡¯s breathing, but he was still alive. ¡°Or, your children die.¡± Eli saw his enemy¡¯s head move slightly. A nod followed by a wink in the Dwarf¡¯s direction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry though, after they die I¡¯ll need some new minions. So, I¡¯ll bring them back,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Then, we¡¯ll hold you down and force you to watch as your children eat the pieces we carve from your body.¡±


    Eli changed locations, looking for a better vantage point, one with a clear shot on the thin Elf. Savannah was still standing, unwavering, while one eye sat closed. The thin streak of blood dripping from its lid pained Eli, making him furious. He could not wait any longer.


    His agony grew as Kata dropped her blades with a sigh of resignation. ¡°Let my children go. We will do whatever you ask. But,¡± she hesitated. ¡°But we do not know where the temple is.¡± While she said nothing of Eli, she wasn¡¯t lying. Eli had never told her of the temple''s location.


    A burst of uncontrollable laughter filled the air. ¡°Now that¡¯s a good girl.¡± the Elf said as he released his grip on Savannah. The blade still hovering in front of her eye as he continued. ¡°But if you have no information, you have no use-,¡± The man¡¯s words were cut off as Eli¡¯s arrow slammed into his chest.


    Time slowed for Eli as a chain of events unfolded in sequence as if choreographed. Looking down at his chest, an arrow sprouting from his heart, the Elf grimace. A single, imperceptible twitch of slender Elven fingers caused the floating dagger to move as if stuck in molasses. Whimpers of pain were followed by a fount of blood.


    Eli roared, ¡°No!¡±


    His vision blurring from the volume of the voice escaping his mouth. His hand loosed another arrow, sending it rocketing through space. The stocky figure slammed his scepter into the side of Kata¡¯s face, dropping her to the ground. Savannah¡¯s body dropped to the ground, a dagger sprouting from her still closed eye.


    The arrow flew as Eli¡¯s hand whipped back to grab another. His vision muddied as a fountain of tears sprang forth, mixing with the dirt, blood, and grime from his previous battle. He could still see his target, two arrows stuck in his chest like the branches of a tree. With a wound that would kill any normal man, Eli¡¯s target looked down peering at his chest, refusing to fall. Refusing to even blink. The thin man tore an arrow free, a slight spurt of crimson following its head.


    ¡°Who the fuck is out there?¡± The Elf called out in frustration. Then realization hit him, bringing a toothy smile to the man''s face, ¡°It¡¯s the hunter, find him.¡±


    Eli¡¯s third arrow slammed into a newly formed field of shimmering magical energy. Unphased he fired another arrow, to the same effect. He knew that his attacks only served to give away his position. As he turned to circle his enemies, he fired another arrow, this time at the man¡¯s head. His projectile smashed into the shield, cracking it. Before he could reach back for another arrow, something firm and leathery wrapped around Eli¡¯s chest. Someone grabbed him, pulling him deeper into the woods. He had no time to react, and even less to struggle.


    Falling backward, off-balance, a twinge of pain erupted in Eli¡¯s back. A sharp, cold object ran through his armor with ease, tearing through muscle before sinking deep into his chest. I¡¯ve been stabbed, Eli thought. The image of a needle being pressed into a balloon came to mind, as something burst in Eli¡¯s chest. There was no pain, only the loss of breath as he coughed blood into his hands. Looking down at his burning cabin, the strength drained from his knees, causing them to buckle.


    A strange tingling sensation washed over Eli, like a limb falling asleep. The dagger lingered as unfamiliar sensations began spreading through Eli¡¯s body, radiating through him in waves. A sense of calm washed over him as the object slid out of his back in a slow, steady, motion. Thick warm liquid poured from the hole it left, filling the inside of his sturdy leather armor. His assailant pulled him close, wrapping him in a gentle embrace.


    ¡°Eli, I¡¯m sorry,¡± The tender voice of someone familiar whispered his ears. ¡°I had to do this.¡±


    Eli knew the attack was fatal. The thought somehow reassured him as he watched his wife stand, scream, and charge the tall mage. She ignored the chanting of the cleric who was now hovering over his fallen companion. Kata released her fury into every quick step, while Eli watched on, amazed at her ferocity. As she ran, the Elf stomped his booted foot, snapping Eric¡¯s neck with ease. The subtle rising and falling of his son¡¯s chest stopped, his body going limp. Savannah¡¯s lifeless body sagged as she fell forward. No longer supported by her murderer, she fell to the ground.


    The corpse of Eli¡¯s daughter laid crumpled over her brother¡¯s, as if in a loving embrace. With another flick of the mage¡¯s wrist, pillars of bright emerald light erupted from the ground, directly beneath Eli¡¯s wife. Kata screamed in agony, her body covered by searing green flames in an instant. Her steps continued as she pushed through the pain, trying to reach the man who had slain her children.


    As his world crumbled and burned around him, Eli watched with wide eyes. He had failed. His family was dead or dying, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Eli seared the image of this brutality into memory. The physical features of the three adventurers were etched into his soul. Then, with every ounce of his spirit, Eli prayed to whatever gods would listen and cursed these adventurers. He wished for their souls to be damned, for their kind to be stripped from the land, and burned to ashes.


    Eli¡¯s body gave out as he too fell forward, his breathing slow, and the blood coursing through his veins slowing to a halt. As his eyes closed, Eli¡¯s anger broke like a fever and regret set in. No one would avenge him or his family. These adventurers would never see justice. Even if they did, they would be reborn. Acceptance set in as the painful tingling that crept over his body gave way to a cool feeling and a sense of dissociation. His mind broke, as his soul was extracted from its mortal shell. Kata¡¯s screams were the last thing Eli heard before the world fell silent and his vision faded to black.