The Asterian Dream

III: A Strange Meeting

It had been five days, and there was still no sign of civilization. Conrad was still traveling through the forest, which was clearly quite massive.

As he walked, he pondered his dream from a few nights before. "I am sure that happened. It was too real. Question is, why was I shown that vision?" he thought. "Maybe I'm supposed to tell someone what happened. Well, I should reach Kurnath soon. Hopefully, the Moraks will listen to me."

The road had finally exited the forest, and now he was out in the wide-open fields. While he was traveling down the road, he began to feel a breeze.

He stopped in shock. He held his hand up in the air and realized he could feel the wind. Quickly he unwrapped the bandages around his hands and was shocked. For the first time ever, he could feel the cool spring breeze. As he pulled off his hood, he felt the warmth of the sun beaming down on him.

"I can feel it! I feel something!" he yelled out. There was no one to answer him but the birds, however, he could have sworn the birds' songs became sweeter and more cheerful. He then continued down the road, singing a tune as he went. He noticed his skin was still dried and as of long-dead flesh, but there was a small hint of life to it. For the first time in his life, he actually felt as if he was truly alive. It was a fleeting feeling, but it was the happiest he had ever felt in his life.

A few hours later, it was almost midday. He had arrived in a small town and was looking for somewhere to get some food. As he was used to, most people gave him looks of disgust and avoided him, but he didn't let that put a damper on his mood. He soon found a tavern and went to the front counter. The waiter at the counter greeted him.

"Hello, sir. What can I get you today?" the waiter asked.

"I'll have some mutton and cheese, as well as half a pint of ale," Conrad replied.

"Alright, have a seat at one of the tables. Your food will be ready shortly."

Conrad moved to one of the tables in the back. As he waited for his food, he took a look around at the folks in the tavern. It was fairly full, as people were coming in for their midday meals. He noticed one particularly rowdy crowd of men who were drinking. "Probably just petty bandits who can't do their work by day," he thought.

He continued looking around. As he was idly waiting, he noticed a Morak female in traveling garments enter the tavern. He became curious, as it wasn't common to see Moraks away from the coast. The Morak went up to the counter.

"How can I help you, madame?" the waiter asked.

"Can I speak with the owner of this establishment? I bear important news."

"Yes, of course." The waiter opened a door behind the counter. "Janus! Got a customer who needs to speak with you!" he shouted. Soon, the owner walked through the door and greeted the Morak.

Conrad couldn't hear what they were speaking about, but he saw the owner's facial expression change to shock. They then went to the back of the building.

Conrad's curiosity got the better of him, and he followed them, hiding behind a door frame close to where they were speaking.

"Well, what is the world to do now? There's no way anyone can stop the Rike." the owner said.

"Don't give up hope. There is something that can be done. Send the news as far and wide as you can. Make sure the surrounding towns hear what is happening. If the Rike is to be stopped, humans must unite and face their enemies together" the Morak replied.

The owner appeared shaken, but she nodded. "Yes, yes, for sure. I'll get this news out as fast as I can."

"Thank you. I am in your debt. I will be sure to repay you someday."