Origins of a Nomad

Part Three: The Ruined

Part Three: The Ruined

It took me three hours to navigate my way back to the inn where Mai and I had been staying. All around me buildings were collapsing, people were crying out for help, and their cries were met with more arrows. The entire city was ablaze, and smoke hovered all around.

Our room was wide open, all of our belongs gone. I cursed under my breath and made my way back into the chaotic streets. It was then that I got a look at who was attacking Hideaway. They wore ceramic plate armor, the grinding of stone filled the space around them with every step they took. Chain mail was one under that, it's rattle only adding to their imposing nature. The helmet was tough leather and metal, painted to match the ceramic. Each carried two blades, attached to their hips, a full quiver of arrows and both a compound bow and crossbow. Each one was a one-man army. The Ruined. Something about them seemed off, the way they moved was almost mechanical, unfeeling, inhuman.

I waited for them to pass before running the opposite direction, back to where I'd lost track of Mai when I ran from Damian earlier. Except, there was nothing there, only the ruined remains of the buildings that had succumbed to the fire. I huddled down, unable to contain my fear any longer. I was alone, and it was the one thing I never truly wanted to be. I was lost, Mai was missing, and I had no idea what to do next. If I went back the way I came from, I'd run to my death, but if I stayed in one place, death would still find me.

"MAI!" I cried out, adding my voice to the silent roar of flames, collapsing stone and anguish that filled that starless night sky.

I had no options left, I couldn't go forward, so I went back. I raced back to the Tavern, the inn. Fewer and fewer people I passed by were actually alive. The bodies of the unlucky lined the streets, arrows littering their bodies. Weapons lay beside most a sign that they'd fought back. Further proof of how unstoppable The Ruined were. I found myself outside the home where I'd left Damian, but no one was there now. Everything was scattered, they'd left in a hurry.

"Please..." I muttered, trying to keep my thoughts from spiraling out of control.

The heat was growing unbearable, sweat dripped down my face and body, reminding me I was still nearly topless, save for a sheer undershirt. It was drenched and clung to me like a ten-pound weight. I tried to wipe the sweat from my face, but my hands were just as slick and only made me feel worse.

"Mai!" I called out again, hoping she'd hear me, hoping she'd find me.

The first signs of dawn were coloring the sky when I found myself standing outside of Hideaway. So many were gathered, watching as their city burned. What confused me, was that there was no sign of The Ruined anywhere. Could they still be in the city, setting flame to every living being, every standing structure? What would make them go to such lengths?

"The Guardians of The Change."

I looked over to see the vendor from the North that Mai and I had spoken to the morning before. Which at that moment felt like a lifetime ago.

"I wasn't entirely truthful with you yesterday young lady. The Change is out there, and these soldiers who attacked Hideaway are proof of that. You see, The Ruined protect the alter, they awaken when anyone who is deemed unworthy, that is, without The Change, enters their domain. Now, they seek The Change. Attacking Hideaway means that at some point long ago, The Change was here in this area. They will not stop until The Change is found. It will be up to you and your friend to find it now. Follow The Ruined, they will never rest."

Before I could ask him anything, or how he knew so much, he was turning to leave and he simply raised his hand in farewell offering only one more clue, "Starkey was brilliant. But he was foolish."