It was midafternoon by the time they had reached the encampment. Dri was thrilled. She had fought a group of bandits and few goblins on the way. She knew she was going to have nice, purple bruises tomorrow from the battles. Maybe I can get this done soon. I'd like to go back to bed in my own bed tonight. The soldiers greeted her, saw she posed no threat to them, and opened the gates for her.
As soon as she stepped inside the fortified gates, Dri heard an odd voice. In truth, it sounded more like a collection of voices. "Well met, Arisen. Can you hear our voice?"
"Rook, did you hear that?" Dri asked nervously.
Rook didn't reply. "Master, we are near a riftstone, if memory serves." Well, technically I guess that counts as a reply. "I know the way, Master. Follow me." Rook then took off, leading the way to the stone, which was in one of the many tents.
The riftstone seemed odd, yet familiar. It was a slab of rock, engraved with many strange markings. Like ancient runes almost…It was then that she remembered that there was a stone like this in Cassardis, near the well. Only that stone wasn't glowing like this one was. Dri walked up towards it, and heard the voice, or voices, again.
"Well met, Arisen. Can you hear our voice?"
"Yes." Dri said quietly, not wanting to arouse suspicion of anyone that might've been in earshot.
"We speak to you from across great distance. The pawn legion has awaited you." Pawn legion? A legion made up of pawns entirely? Interesting. "Pray, forgive this strange and impersonal greeting. This rift serves as a gate. It connects our kind to your world. It opens to the Arisen, for they possess a will powerful enough to guide the legion. If you would claim to be among the Arisen, prove the strength of your resolve."
"I shall." Dri was curious how she could accomplish that task and waited for a reply.
"Very well. Then we shall guide you in your trial." Trial? What trial? "If you are an Arisen in truth, this humble task will prove no obstacle. The Arisen must possess the valor to stand against all threats, and the power to quell them. A tireless spirit of self-improvement grants the strength to lead the legion. Pray, show it now."
"How? What is this task?" No answer was given. Dri thought about it for a minute, then decided to talk a walk around the encampment. Maybe that would give her the answer for her question.
It wasn't long before a group of knights were running to an exit. One of them shouted "The beast comes! Hurry!"
Intrigued, Dri followed them out of the encampment. At once, Dri saw a Cyclops nearing the encampment. Instantly she knew that the task she was supposed to complete was to defeat this monster. Dri drew her blades, and entered the fray.
Once the Cyclops was dead, Dri nearly passed out from exhaustion. She had climbed the damned thing a few times, first breaking off the tusks, then stabbing it in the eye. Eventually, she was too tired to climb back on, and had used up some of her arrows.
Dri returned to the riftstone wearily. I just want to head home. I am so freaking tired. Damn that Cyclops, damn the bandits, and eternally damn the goblins. The voices spoke again. "With that, your trial is complete." Yes! So I should be able to go back soon then. Good. "You are the Arisen in truth, proven beyond any doubt. Now, I bid you select a companion for the journey ahead. They shall serve you and you alone, to share in your hardships and aid you in every endeavor."
Dri then felt a tug in her head, if that was even possible. It felt as if a part of her was being pulled away to be reshaped. A few seconds after the tugging sensation stopped, another rift opened in the air. This time, another man fell through and landed. Holy crap! He's freaking GORGEOUS! Dri focused on him. He was about half a foot taller than she, twice as broad, and completely ripped with a sun-kissed complexion. He had dark brown hair and a matching goatee, along with too many scars to count. But it was his eyes that began making her weak at the knees. He had soft brown eyes that seemed to pull her in with every glance. His raised his hand in greeting, just as Rook had. He also had the same glowing mark on his hand.
Dri! FOCUS! She shook her head and then noticed that other than Rook and the new pawn, there were many more lined up by the tent. Also, a few soldiers gathered on the outskirts, peering in curiously. What's going on?
Rook and the new pawn took a knee. "Our fealty is sworn to you, Arisen. From this day, the legion men call pawns live and die by your command." Dri just looked between Rook and the new pawn, confused as to why they were bowing their heads. Before she knew it, all the other pawns gathered began to do the same.
The soldiers looking in spread the message of what had happened quickly throughout the encampment, judging by the noise, and finally the pawns rose and left. Except for Rook and the new pawn, that is. Dri walked up to the newcomer, looking at him more closely.
"Hello, Arisen," he greeted in a sinfully deep voice. What? Why am I thinking this? He's a pawn. Pawn plus human is a giant no-no.
Dri composed her thoughts quickly. "Hello. What is your name?"
"I am called Draekkor, or Drake if it please you."
"Drake, then. I am Dri, short for Adreahnna. Do you need some arms?"
"No, Master. I have them here." It was then that Dri saw that he carried a sword and shield.
"Ah. Well then, I'm very glad to meet you. I was hoping to do some more jobs today after we return to Cassardis. Please stay in the encampment for now. Rook?"
"Yes, Master?"
"How exactly do I enter the rift?"
"Place your hand on the stone, and I will follow you in."
Dri nodded, then did as Rook had said. Instantly, she was transported to a dark cloudy world. There was nothing there, except more pawns. It felt vast, but strangely empty. It felt completely devoid of life. Dri looked at Rook. "Is this the rift?" It's freaking creepy and uncomfortable as hell. I don't like it here.
"Yes, Master. To find pawns, place your hand back on the stone and concentrate on the skills and gender you want. To exit, focus on returning to your world."
Dri nodded, then walked up to the stone. Instantly, she felt a pleasant tingling in her head. This is going to be very interesting.
A short while later, Dri walked out of the rift, accompanied by two pawns. Both were female, one was a mage named Krystal and the other was a fighter named Onyx. Once Dri stepped back into her world, she spotted Drake. After regrouping, Dri led them to the notice board to pick up any odd jobs, before leaving to head back to Cassardis.
A/N: Yay shmexy pawn! He's here, but romance? Could be a while...