The Litchs Manual

The Litchs Manual

John Arshen

4/23/2014

            "Infinity is a term that many use loosely, or with great ease. Many believe a righteous man can live on in another and then another and then another. Now what if I said both extremes can do this. Both the holy and the sinister, could do the same would you believe me? I have a story that proves righteous man are not the only people who live on and on and on. Years ago in the wonderful and prospers lands of the Roman Empire lived a man by the name of Mamercus Marcius Otho, he worked with his father on an old dairy farm. Marcius was an only child which left many things fall on his shoulders as his dad grew older. In years to come an illness known as the Antonine Plague strike the city. In fear the Otho family turned to magic as many others did. They would spend their family’s wealth on this magic, to insure they would live. But it did not work by 167 AD Marcius was the last member of his family. Filled with fear and confusion Marcius left his old farm home behind. Years of travelling would fill Marcius head full of stories, stories of lands fill with beasts never before seen and magic that would really work.

            Soon he reached a small town he had never heard of called Yim. Yim had few people in the town and they few there would not speak to Marcius. Tired and hungry he went straight for the town’s tavern. He could her music and laughter which was something new for this town. He opened the door to see an empty tavern, the fire pit had no smoke coming off of it there was no bard, no owner and no customers. Stunted by what he sees he enters to investigate. "Hello? He calls Is any on there? "With no response he walks toward the back of the tavern and to his surprise he sees something on the table. With further evaluation he sees it’s a book. Labeled in Greek characters he could not really read it." It says Hunters Manual says a strange voice from behind him "He turns to see a skinny man not much taller than him with untamed black hair, he was wearing strange robes like a priest but they were different, maybe a Greek monk he thought." How did you know that?   Because it’s my book, I wrote it. So are you a hunter? Yes and no I do hunt but it’s not for the common beast. Common Beast? Yes you know deer, wolfs, foxes they are worthless on the market. Then what do you hunt? I hunt creatures that would make that common man cower in his boots and make even the bravest heroes cry like cowards. Oh really, if that’s so then why are you hunting them you look like neither a hero nor common man. That’s because I’m not I’m a hunter. Ok then how many have you killed? What? If you’re a hunter how many of these beast of great terror and fear have you killed? Well it’s in the thousands or so. Well so me, so me one of these beast you speak of I wish to see one in person. You are no hunter they will kill you out there. I am not afraid of these so called “Beast” all I think is you’re a crazy man. Fine, but I warned you if you parish on this trip I will leave your body there. Sounds good to me, lead the way… Uh. Lucius My name is Lucius Marcius Nerva. Ok lead the way Lucius. "Lucius and Marcius leave the dark and dreary tavern and head to a general store. Lucius buys some food and extra clothing for the trip as well as a sharp steel sword that would shine in the sun. They then began there journey to a far of land, with the unknown town of Yin behind him Marcius felt different, he felt happy and excited something he had not felt for a long time. For one moment in years he would be useful and he knew it. After a week trip from Yin they came to a big open field. The field was enchanted, the trees so tall the clouds bowed to them. The lake shined brighter than any gem he had ever seen. Even the grass moved in a way that was hypnotic. These land was peace itself."