Short story: Opening Scene

You awake from a feverish dream in a mysterious shack. The last thing you remember is your uncle leaning over your shoulder, showing you how to use the old computer he gave you. Some old game was loading. Then came the dream. It was like you were falling and flying at the same time, until suddenly…

Your eyes finally focus on the rotting beams above your head. Sunlight streams in from a gash in the thatched roof, illuminating your surroundings. Where are you? It’s a small shack comprised of a single room; a dusty bed and an old crate pushed into the corner. You start to get up when you hear a rap on the door.

You hear a loud whisper, “Hello, is anyone there? Hello??”

You cautiously walk to the door and open it. A tall man, about 30 years of age with a fitted leather tunic and well worn slacks stands before you. He’s out of breath and there’s mud splattered across his clothing and face.

“By the Eye! It’s you!”

You stare at each other for a few uncomfortable moments… Is he waiting for you to say something?

“Umm, where am I?” You stammer.

“The traveler! You must be! I was told to be here at this time… That on this very day you would arrive…” He pauses, taking a cautious step away from you, “You are the traveler aren’t you?”

Your head is still spinning. You have no idea what is going on. “I’m not sure what is happening right now. That dream… I just woke up here.”

“You don’t know how you got here? How is that possible?”

He steps forward and looks over your shoulder into the shack. “This shack is in the middle of nowhere! I’ve hunted these lands for years, and even I have never come across it before.”

He places a hand on your shoulder and looks you in the eyes. “Listen, we don’t have time! Others are coming…”

He pauses. “My name is Thomas. All I know is that I was told to come here today and find the one sent to us by the Eye. I have to take you to the old shrine and present you to the Sorceress– well, her ghost… or spirit thing…” he shudders. “Whatever. We don’t have time to waste! Grab what you can from this shack and let’s go!”

And so your adventure begins…