I
Exhumed

I gasp in shock, taking in lungfuls of dank, musty air as my eyes flew open. I looked to be inside a very small, stone chamber.

I panic immediately as I start pushing against the sides. There, the right hand wall! It had some give!
I wind myself up then slam into it with my shoulder.

It moved! I immediately throw myself, letting out a roar of anger and frustration. Slowly, the air started becoming cleaner. Then, the wall gave way with a boom, causing me to fall onto the stone slab and the sound echoing. I look up and around at the complete darkness surrounding me. I listened around myself for any sliming, scuttling, whooshing or tramping. And rustling. Can't forget the rustling.

I stretch my sense of sound and smell out around me, trying to figure out which way was out. I slowly shuffled around the room, my senses stretched out, trying to determine the best way to go. I finally stand up, realising I am wearing armour. Leather, too. Not the best when it comes to protection.

There! The air to my left smelt fresher! I slowly walk in that direction. From the slight movement of air and increasing light, I was moving in the right direction.

I soon come out into a hallway. Judging by the lack of movement of the muscled, horned guys who were holding up the ceiling, either they were frozen by the cold (and damn was it cold) or they were made of stone. There was a cold grey light filtering through the edges of what seemed to be a door.

I pushed the door, my hand nearly flinching away from the cold. With a creak and a groan, the door gives way, allowing an icy cold blast of air to hit me, revealing a mountain range, blanketed with snow. I can see clouds scudding below. The thin air is causing my lungs to heave, trying to get oxygen in my system.

You might want to control your breathing a voice helpfully sounded in my head.

I jump, looking around, my eyes flashing, as I felt an unbearable heat race to my fists as I slid into a defensive stance.

"Who are you? Show yourself!" I say, wincing slightly at the cliché. I guess things are clichés for a reason.

Is that how you speak to your King? replied the voice, a tinge of anger hidden in the amusement as a dark shape materialised in front of me.

He was eight feet tall, with massive horns, wide as barn door. In his hands, was a massive war hammer. Eldritch, purple lightning crackled around him as a pair of red glowing eyes sparkled wickedly over a teeth filled smile. And in a rush of memory, I knew who he was.

"Kulkarvek" I breath out, my breath leaving me in a fell swoop as I fell to my knees, my mind screaming in terror to his presence.

Better known to you as Your Majesty he replied, his voice smug as he loomed over me.

Don't worry about the cliffhanger, because next chapter...exposition!

I loath exposition, except when necessary.