The Harrowing

You wake up in a strange world where nothing really makes sense. It is where people go when they dream and it is a place of demons and spirits. It is your final and most important test in your whole life. You must succeed.

As you look around and take in the surroundings, you hear a voice.

" So, they throw in another one huh ? It is not fair that they do this. The templars, the mages. It isn't right to do this. " There is no person around you, only a little mouse that stands in front of you. All of a sudden the little mouse starts glowing in bright yellow light and it's shape begins to stretch out until there is a human man standing in front of you. " Allow me to welcome you into the fade. You can call me... Mouse. "

" Mouse ? I am guessing that is not your real name. " You say as you cross your arms over your chest.

" No. I don't remember anything from when I was... well, let's just say from before. The templars kill you if you take too long and that is what they did to me. They don't want to risk anything getting out and now I have no body to return to. Same can happen to you as well if you won't hurry. "

" I am sorry that happened to you. How long do I have exactly ? "

" That, I don't know. There is something here that is contained. Fit for an apprentice like you. You need to resist and defeat it. That is the only way to escape. "

" Well if something can be killed then I will kill it. I think it's as simple as that. " With that you flash your hand and there is visible ice forming at your fingertips.

" You cannot just attack everything you see. What you are facing is powerful and cunning, not easy to just simply kill. But there are other spirits who might be able to tell you more, maybe even guide you. If you won't mind I will follow you. I lost my chance long ago but perhaps I will be able to help someone else to not end up like me. "

Your new friend named Mouse turned to the first shape that you found him in and together you went forward in the mysterious place called the fade. You encountered a couple of unfriendly wisps who fired a balls of lighting towards you but neither one of them could barely do any harm to you. You destroyed every single one of them with ease and with every wisp demolished, your confidence grew.

After a short while you came across a forge along with a human looking spirit. A man in an armor stood proudly, looking over the weapons presented at the racks. As he heard you walk he turned around to face you.

" Another mortal thrown into the flames to be burnt. Your mages set up a cowardly and stupid test. You would be better of pitied against one another to prove your skill than to be sent unarmed against a demon. "

" You know why I am here ? "

" You are hardly the first sent here for such testing. You shan't be the last I suspect as well. Since you still remain here it means you have not yet defeated your hunter. I wish you a glorious battle ! "

" What kind of a spirit are you ? "

" I am Valor, a warrior spirit. I care for my weapons while I search for the perfect expression of combat. "

" That is.. certainly interesting. " You try to sound interested. " Did you create them ? "

" They are brought into being by my will. As far as I know, in your world mages are the only ones capable of creating various things through will. "

" Riiight. Could you help me ? I'm sure one of your weapons would be helpful to me ? " You try to show your best puppy eyes at him in hope of him giving you something that could help.

" You desire one of my weapons ? Hmm, I will give one to you, if you duel me first. Valor shall test you in combat as it should be rightfully tested. "

You stand there looking at him, thinking. You could fight him sure, could be fun. Or, you could try to convince him otherwise. In a way you have convinced countless both men and women. With your body.