Prologue 5 – Time for a change

“So be it.” The mysterious DM finishes the creation of Samantha’s character and stands up. “We should collect my friends and begin the game, care to give me a hand finding them?”

“Sure.” Samantha smiles, maybe this won’t be such a bad birthday after all. She stands up from the table to follow the DM.

“Don’t forget your dice.” He comments over his shoulder.

“Oh, sure.” Samantha responds and turns around and puts her new expensive dice back in their bag. When the final one lands in the bag and intense feeling of vertigo comes across Samantha and she has to grab the back of a chair to brace herself.

“Something wrong Samantha?” The Englishman asks in surprisingly calm voice.

“No, no. I am ok, just a bit dizzy.” Samantha shakes her head a few times to regain her focus. The vertigo leaves, but she feels strange. “Maybe I should get some aspirin. I have some in the office downstairs.”

“Alright, let me escort you. You seem a bit flush.” The DM waits for her to lead the way.

Samantha walks through the great hall and heads down the stairs with the Englishman behind her. She doesn’t speak, something is wrong. Her senses are all confused, and walking on the stairs requires concentration. Reaching the foyer with its large fountain Samantha’s senses pulse erratically; a strange smell as from some foreign ocean fills the room, the flashes of lighting through the glass door give out disturbing shadows, her skin is crawling as if some unknown energy is swirling about. She stops before the fountain and puts a hand on her forehead, she is beginning to sweat.

“A favor.” The Englishman asks from behind. “Could I see your percentage dice?”

Disoriented Samantha acts without thought, obeying the DM’s request. Opening the small bag she puts two figures in to pluck out the requested dice.

“Aaahhhhh!” Samantha groans as soon as she touches a dice, her body is flooded with an intense hot flash. She staggers to one of the benches around the fountain and sits down.

“Maybe you should lay down.” The DM slowly approaches her.

Sweating and panting a bit, her mind swimming unable to focus, she stutters. “What, what is happening? I can’t think straight.”

“Rest for a bit. Don't worry, you will be ready for the game.”

“But . . .” Is all the Samantha can mumble as she begins to lose consciousness. Laying back on the bench she sees the Englishman looking down at her. She thinks she hears the sound of waves.

As darkness over takes her Samantha hears the Englishman one final time. “Happy birthday Ms. Baxter and happy Halloween.”