CHAPTER 2: Bentam's Visit

Sola scouted the coast of the island, but the ship has already set sail and was nowhere to be seen. His keen eyes scanned the moonlit waters, and he could see as far as the point where the sky touched the water. Still, he could not catch even a glimpse of the ship or its sails. His square jawed face grimaced as he sighed.

Making his way back towards the village, Sola walked along the side of a pebbled road to avoid being struck down by any random mob that might happen to come by. He ran a hand through his short brown hair as he muttered to himself. Sometimes he thought that Kyriet and himself were the only two sane people on the island.

A long time ago, Sola heard rumors of a woman with great political powers within the Priests' circle. Someone who had the power to clear him of a crime he did not commit. He met her the same way Shobat did, and after performing a certain task that involved stealing a book that was in the Priests' possession, which to this day, she has still not revealed its contents, Kyriet did as promised and managed to clear him of all charges. She has since called him back for repeated tasks, and over time they became loyal companions, and formed a partnership that benefited them both.

Sola maintained full awareness of his surroundings as he reached the entrance of Gai'tain. The island and its village were referred to by outsiders as well as locals as " the Land of Madmen", an aptly fitting name, he thought, even though he lived here his whole life and didn't know any other way of living. Kyriet told him of how this land came to be, of a time called the Breaking, when all the men who had the power to channel went mad. Many people of all types fled to this untouched island, away from the madness and the Dark One's touch. In time though the madness overtook the island once the rest of the world settled, and became wilder and hellish with every turn of the Wheel. Much of what used to be a peaceful city has now been reduced to a mud-ridden hovel that can barely qualify as a village. Any outsider that has the courage to venture into this place are often attacked by those driven insane, as a rule people who are not recognized are not treated as welcome. Very few of those that have arrived here don't often stay; they often flee or are driven mad themselves.

Sola didn't want to go back to Kyriet empty-handed, so he made his way to the hut where Bentam lived. Bentam was an unusual breed of person; claming to be from the mainland, managing to avoid mob attacks when he arrived. Sola reached the alley where the hut was, and fell to the ground as he was pushed out of they way by the Priest's Army. He cursed silently at himself as they passed by. The Priest's Army way the representation of law here on the island, controlled by the Council of Priests, a band of 7 of the highest-ranking Wise Men. He did not like the Council, or their Army, but like everyone else that lived here, Sola believed that without them, conditions in Gai'tain could be a lot worse.

Sola got back onto his feet and dusted off his dark brown breeches and tunic, checking to make sure his dagger was still in place at his waist. He arrived at the hut, and since there were no doors on any building in this shanty part of town, he poked his head into the entrance.

Bentam's hut was a one-room building with no windows, made completely of thatch walls and roof. The only furniture consisted of a makeshift bed of straw in the back and a small basket containing various fruit. A small, wiry man sat on the bed in a meditative posture with his eyes closed.

"It has been a while since last we talked, Sola." The hairless man's gray eyes matched Sola's own black as Sola stepped inside the hut. "What is wrong this time?"

"Nothing, Master Bentam," Sola sat in a cross-legged position in front of the man. Sola was of average height, but compared to Bentam, he was a giant and felt uncomfortable standing. "I was hoping you might be able to tell me something about the ship that came by the island."

Bentam's steely eyes stared at him for a moment, and the frail man coughed loudly before speaking.

"I had heard rumors of a ship nearing the shores, but I have not been outside to see for myself. I am an old man, and as I'm sure you know, the streets are not safe for a person in my condition to be wandering about." Bentam paused to catch his breath. "Why do you ask?"

"Bentam, you told me once that you came from the outside, the mainland. An informant told the person that I work for that someone from the ship reached the island, and managed to get some message out before a mob attacked him. Have you heard anything about a dragon being reborn?"

Bentam's eyes opened wide in surprise.