Shaan bit into the oversized plum, the juice dripping down his stubbly chin. It was delicious. Though he’d only discovered plums and blackberries, as well as a few small creatures for game, this was proving to be a rich haven of tranquility. However, he was sorely in need of supplies. He had managed to sling the small hides of his kills over his shoulders and had taken to lapping up the trickles of water from certain run-offs he’d spotted. Items such as a pack and flask would do him much good. He still required a pair of sheaths as well.

  With great care, he’d shifted further west and happened upon a stream, where the mountain run-off was flowing heaviest. The rock formation had produced a land bridge further north and led Shaan to where he sat now, atop a hefty tree.

  “… not far…” the voice interrupting his thoughts was one of three men. They came into view below him, trudging through cones and branches and causing a ruckus. “I’m really hoping for another strength boost,” one of them cheerfully proclaimed; A young man, carrying a studded iron shield on one arm. Full of eagerness and ambition.

  Strength boost? What an odd statement. He appeared human, as did one other. They both wore light, studded leathers and grey capes, the older one with a sack slung over his shoulder.

  The one between them was anything but human. He was reminded of the serpent-man… Iksani, was it? The creature was wrapped within a thick blue cloak. The hood was down and he could clearly make out the sagged, leathery skin and pinpricks of horns lining his contours.

  Another one! Unbelievable…

  The creature began to speak as the three moved farther along. “Remember to focus, whatever comes will be…” the voice trailed off.

  Shaan thought a moment. They seemed pleasant enough and he was in desperate need of assistance. He thought back to his days of being a father, a husband. How he’d frustrated his family with foolish ideas of safety in isolation. The constant secrecy and mistrust.

  No, my days of solitude are over.

  He spit out the plum pit and descended from the tree, calling out to them. “Hello there.”

  All three whipped around in surprise. A hint of fear shone through the scaly creature’s eyes for a brief moment until he attempted to compose himself. Shaan could now see the bracers equipped by the two humans. The young man raised his arm to point directly at him and pressed something on the bracer’s surface. Nothing happened.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “That’s not how it works, Haddaz,” the other human said. He was slightly larger and carried a formidable looking mace at his belt. He took several steps toward Shaan, his hand caressing the hilt at his waist. “Greetings, are you lost?”

  “I… yes, it appears I am.”

  “Are you from the north division?” The cloaked creature asked, eyes narrowing. “And where is your bracer?”

  “I… uh…” He wasn’t sure how to answer.

  “When did you arrive?” Asked the one called Haddaz. He shifted for a comfortable grip on the shield. Somehow, Shaan knew that the young man wasn’t referring to this specific area. He took a moment to answer.

  “If I recall correctly, it’s been weeks at the least.”

  The cloaked creature muttered something to the man with the mace. It did not sound encouraging.

  The man turned back to Shaan. “Your clothing would suggest that you’ve been in contact with others. Tell us who supplied you with them and why you are out here alone.”

  The stream of questions was aggravating. Any hope he’d had of these being hospitable folk was quickly beginning to diminish. Shaan took a deep breath and spoke.

  “Listen, it has been a trying few weeks having to survive in these conditions alone. All I ask is for a few supplies, which I will happily trade for.”

  After some additional muffled conversation with the creature, the man turned to face him once more. This time, he removed his hand from the hilt of the mace and attempted a smile. “Forgive us, my friend. We were caught unawares is all.” He held up his arms in a welcoming gesture. “Fortunately, our village is not far from here. We’re on our way there this very moment and would be pleased to have you join us.”

  It was brief, but Shaan saw it. The look of confusion that the one named Haddaz had thrown the older man. So he thought he could take him for a fool, did he? And the creature… that one looked about as trustworthy as a mountain cat once your back was turned.

  He sighed. So be it…

  “Give me a moment.” Shaan disappeared around the tree he’d been perched upon and rustled within a leafy bush. He emerged from behind the tree with nothing but his curved black blades in each hand.

  The two men gaped at the odd-looking blades, and at the stranger wielding them. Even the cloaked creature seemed baffled by the sudden turn of events.

  The man quickly drew his mace, the cold iron ringing sharply in the air. “I warn you now,” he snarled while pointing the brutish weapon at Shaan. “If you choose to fight, you will not live to regret this error!” He then removed his pack and cape with his free hand, letting them drop to the ground.

  Shaan grinned. He did not know what this man was capable of. Perhaps he could wield that mace with more efficiency than any who ever tried. He, however, had lived through a deadly war. He’d commanded thousands, feared nothing and no one on the field of battle. Even before he’d harnessed these soul-crushing blades, he’d tapped into a power rarely ever seen by gods and mortals alike.

  And he liked his odds.