Chapter 2

Thirst...that great thirst...the insane madness that drives men to cannibalism. This is the insatiable urge Luc felt as he awoke. His mouth seemed dry, his gut empty. His fangs seemed to call for a soaking...Luc shook his head to try and calm the thirst, but to no avail. Rising, he left the sanctuary of the two trees and ventured into the night.

There was little moonlight to light his way as Luc set off on the road toward his the first artifact. Luc had been educated in the races and geography of the Old World when he was young. Therefore, from his current position, the closest place was...

"Loren forest," Luc muttered to himself. Loren forest lies to the east of the Empire. In the shadows of the forest hide the crafty Wood Elves. The most agile and accurate of all bowmen in the Old World, these warriors are not only deadly, but nearly impossible to find in their confusing forest. Luc merely needed a shield, and then he could be on his way. However, with the defensive elves, this would be harder than expected. It would also been at least a ten day journey on foot, and only being able to ravel by darkness would delay Luc's efforts even more.

The dirt road seemed to stretch indefinitely as the part before Luc was always shadowed. He ran along the road, as no living creatures save for the occasional crickets were in sight. It was still before midnight giving Luc a good six hours before the blasted sun would rise.

Luc's energy began to drain out of him and his speed decreased. He began to pant and cough as his mouth filled with bile. He spluttered and leaned against a tree. "I need blood..." he gasped. "No!" he cried out. "I cannot, I must not slay humans. But I might need to if I am ever to complete my mission." Looking around him Luc saw only the road before and behind him, shrubs, a tree here and there and...a deer.

Luc approached the deer slowly. It was strange to see a creature like this grazing at an hour such as this. Rabid? Possibly. Luc wasn't sure, but his lust for blood removed all trace of care. Springing from behind a shrub, he pounced on the creature, bringing it to the ground. It struggled madly to get away, but his size and strength prevented it. Drawing his sword, he slashed at the creature's throat, ending its life. He then put his lips to the open wound and began to drink deeply. It felt good as the cool red liquid dripped down his throat and into his awaiting stomach. Luc rose after he felt no more was necessary, and continued along the road.

In the distance loomed the forest of Loren. Luc hesitated before venturing into the deep woods. Vines and roots were everywhere and Luc found himself looking at his feet to make sure he did not trip. As certain brambles barred his way, he unsheathed his sword and slashed through them. Then, Luc's ears absorbed the sound of trembling brush. He turned and aimed his sword at the tree, awaiting and attack. A hail of arrows rained down, pinning themselves in his armor. Luc jumped and slashed at the branch where the figures perched brining three to their deaths. The several others made a whistling sound like that of a sparrow.

A flash of metal lighted the dark night. A man, wild and untamed, attacked Luc with the full fury of the Wilderness. A Wardancer! Luc tried his hardest to parry but the attacks still scored marks across his body. Luc cursed his luck but continued to block. Soon, he noticed his sword cracking along the blade. Then with a final strike of fury, the Wardancer shattered the blade. Fragments of metal flew everywhere and flew into both of the men's bodies.

Luc had no weapon to save himself now; he would have to rely on brute strength. Raising his mighty arms, he aimed a punch at the left side of the Wardancer's head. The agile elf dodged artfully and then brought his swords across Luc's chest.

"Rarr!" Luc let out a guttural and almost primal roar. He raised his fists in anger and swung at the wood elf. His attack was unavoidable, slamming the elf's skull from both sides. It split open and the body, now limp, fell to the ground. Luc smiled and licked at some of the Elven blood. Next, he picked up the two discarded swords and slung them onto his belt.

Luc quickly got a hold of himself. "I'm sorry that I slew you," he said to the dead body of his adversary. He turned and set off deeper into the forest. The forest seemed almost too serene. The point of a spear in Luc's back changed all that.

Wheeling around, Luc drew his swords and slashed the spear haft. Six Elves stood behind him, five brandishing spears while the other drew a saber. They all carried a yellow shield with a green leaf insignia. Luc knew he had no chance against them all.

"I merely need a shield!" He called to them. "Then I shall be on my way!"

"Lies! You speak lies!" One called. "Attack my brothers!" The elves charged bringing their spears at him. Luc dodged them easily and brought his swords down to cleave off the ends of another two. These warriors drew their own sabers and began swinging wildly at Luc.

"Damn it!" he cried as one of the weapons cut a bloody swathe across his left shoulder. He rushed forward and, sheathing his swords, grabbed onto one of their shields with both hands. The elf and his brethren began to stab at his but he did not let go of the shield. Finally, he pried it from the grasp of the warrior. Luc was covered with scars, but it didn't matter as he felt no pain. Rushing off with the shield, Luc left Loren Forest.

End of Chapter 2