Chapter 3: Moonblood

I trudged wearily down the road towards the village. My thighs ached from the constant walking, and I felt a little light-headed as I approached the gate.

“Traveler! State your allegiances!” a guard called, drawing a sword. I raised my hands warily.

“I’m Sebastian. I’m a blade mage, and don’t have any allegiances. I’m new to the Mystic Kingdoms. I heard a rumor about an elf village and came to find it.” I explained. The guard hesitated.

“Look, I’m level one, and I’m exhausted. Even if I meant you harm, what could I do?” I asked tiredly. He nodded and waved me in. As I approached the inn, I realized I didn’t have any money.

Crap. I headed inside, and flopped into a seat at the bar. The barmaid, a busty brunette with warm brown eyes, turned and gave me a kind smile.

“Hi. I don’t suppose you have any rooms for free?” I asked. The barmaid hesitated.

“I’m Sebastian.” I said, extending my hand.

“Diane.” she said, shaking it. I could tell she was wavering.

“Tell you what, Sebastian. You can have the room for one night. But tomorrow you’ll have to run a little errand for me. Deal?” Diane raised an eyebrow. Diane seemed nice enough, so I didn’t particularly expect anything cruel or unusual.

“Sure.” I smiled, exhausted and relieved. Diane handed me a rusted key and I went upstairs and unlocked my door. It was obviously the cheapest room, but I just locked the door and flopped onto the cot and crashed.

———

I awoke to heavy pounding on my door. I glanced sleepily at the window and the night sky, the moon high up in the sky. I stumbled to my feet and answered the door. On the other side stood a man. The man had a thick, muscled body, along with a full black beard streaked with grey, and pale blue eyes that had crinkle lines around them.

“Can I help you?” I asked. The man shrugged.

“Maybe. You have any allegiance?” he asked. I shook my head.

“Hmph. You want one?” he offered.

“What allegiance?” I asked.

“The Moonblood. We’re an order of travelers and nomads. Our founder was a werewolf, but we’re mostly humans now.” the man said.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“I’m Josiah of the Moonblood.” he nodded.

“Sebastian.” I introduced myself. Josiah modded politely.

“How strict are the Moonbleeders?” I asked.

“That’s not what we-. Never mind. Not very. We’re mostly a halfway house. No restrictions or anything.” Josiah appealed.

“Why me?” I asked. Josiah glanced away.

“It seems Diane’s a little sweet on you. Her necklace... it’s very valuable to the Moonblood leadership. Diane’s the only direct descendant of-” I slammed the door in Josiah’s face and crawled back in bed.

———

It was mid-afternoon when there a gentle knock on the door. I stood up to get it and saw Diane there, looking fearful, and then I was thrown backwards against the wall. In walked Jak, or, well, Zahreem.

“Hello, Sebastian. It appears you ratted me out.” he said with a small smile.

“Doesn’t seem like it bothered you too much.” I huffed. Zahreem laughed heartily.

“No, no it didn’t. Those knights were no real threat. Disemboweled the male, and left the woman for dead on the road. But you... you interest me. Blade mages are rare in this world. A blade mage without allegiance? Almost too good to be true.” Zahreem smiled wickedly, his teeth suddenly looking a little too pointy.

“I don’t mean you any trouble.” I huffed. Zahreem walked closer. He put his hand on my head.

“An escape route? To another world? I think not!” Zahreem bellowed. I gasped a searing pain tore through my skull. I no longer felt simulated. I really felt bone-tired, sweaty from fear, and terrified.

“There we go.” Zahreem chuckled.

“Zahreem, stop!” I gasped, suddenly **** for air. Zahreem crouched.

“Methinks not.” he smiled.