Chapter 2: Knights

“Pleasure to meet you.” Jak nodded.

“Thanks. Hey, out of curiosity, do you know where the Elvish village is?” I asked him.

“Sure, I know all about the mystical hidden elvish village.” Jak rolled his eyes.

“Oh. So it’s well hidden, then, huh?” I sighed. He nodded.

“Yeah, but there’s actually a researcher in town looking into the Elvish village.” Jak explained.

“Perfect! How far to town?” I asked. Jak shrugged.

“Couple hours walk. Are you new to the region?” Jak asked. I nodded.

“Yeah, I came from a VERY far way away, in search of this Elvish village.” I nodded.

“Oh, I see. You’re a rumor hunter.” Jak nodded.

“Um, totally. This is my first adventure, though. Any tips?” I asked.

“Sure. Keep wary. I know there’s a few small creatures wandering about, but the bigger stuff appears sometimes.” Jak advised.

“Gotcha. That way?” I pointed. He nodded, and kept walking past me. I started off across the well-worn path. As I walked, I practiced moving the sword around. Everything felt eerily real, and I wasn’t particularly sure I liked how real it was. As I was walking, lost in thought, I heard hooves clattering and I looked up to see some two heavily decked out knights thundering towards me. I dived aside as the horses pulled to a stop. One of the knights jumped down and held a sword against my neck, and unfurled a scroll beside my face. They shook their head.

The other knight pulled off their helmet and blond hair fell down. The knight was literally inhumanly gorgeous, the rendering of this game was awesome! Her icy blue eyes raked down my body.

“Do you know this man?” the gorgeous knight accused. The other knight held up the scroll so I could see it.

“I do, actually. He said he was Jak the rogue.” I said. The gorgeous knight stiffened.

“He dares..?” the other knight scowled, and I learned they were male.

“Who is he, really?” I asked.

“Zahreem, a dark mage.” the gorgeous knight huffed.

“So, uh, why did he let me live? I’m only level 1.” I asked.

“Good question. Which way did he go?” the gorgeous knight asked.

“That way.” I pointed. The other knight took off down the way. The gorgeous knight sized me up.

“Who are you?” she asked.

“Sebastian. I’m a blade mage.” I said politely.

“I see. Well, I’m Alia, swordswoman.” she nodded.

“Uh, pleasure to meet you.” I smiled.

“I suppose.” she drawled, a little teasingly.

“So... I’m looking for town.” I said. Alia considered me.

“That way.” she pointed. I nodded.

“Sebastian!” she called after I started walking. I turned.

“When you get to town, ask to hear the tale of Jak.” she said and swung herself back up onto her horse and rode off.