1 Prologue

"Aaargh," the orc screamed in front of me as I slashed at him.

The bloodied sword came to a stop. I brought it back to a ready position. Its weight feeling heavier than usual in my worn-out hands.

I took a deep breath and prepared what energy I had left to face the orc. He was injured form my blade, but I was hurt as well. The ground was strewn with the bodies of orcs and my former companions. The delve into the dungeon had gone poorly. If I could only kill this last orc, I would be able to escape with my life at least.

The orc raised his axe and dashed forwards to hack me. I slipped sideways and used my two-handed sword to parry the blow and slice at his arms. The weight of the blow pushed my sword out of the way so I was unable to do any damage and instead I wasted more of my quickly-draining stamina.

I took stock of my reserves. I was out of any relevant magic and my stamina was nearly gone as well. it would have to be now or never. I steeled myself for the final attack. I raised my sword and charged the orc. I struck forward with the sword and he aimed to use his axe to parry. I ducked in a feint and rammed him with my shoulder. Pain shot through my arm and I nearly dropped the sword. Pushing through with the last of my strength and will, I slashed at his torso.

Blood splashed my face and I turned to face the orc. Though injured, he was fighting for his life the same as me. He still had the strength to continue while I was spent. My chest heaved quickly. I had to use my sword like a cane just to stay upright. This was the end. Why had I gone to challenge this place? Why had we continued when the monsters were stronger than expected?

The orc gave his thunderous battle cry and brought his axe towards my neck. I closed my eyes and waited for the end.

CRACK!

I opened my eyes in surprise. The orc's chest had a burnt hole in it, his armor smoldering. He let out a last gasp before collapsing next to me. I sat down, the tension having been cut. I turned my head and saw a figure dressed in a thick gray gambeson. His finger extended towards the orc, the slight crackle of electricity still on the tip of his finger.

"Hey," I called out to him.

He looked at me and I saw the hint of a smile on his face.

"Thanks for saving me."

I felt a wave of strength wash over me. The cuts and bruises in my body began to fade. He had healed me!

"Aaa-," I started to say to thank him again, but he'd turned and walked forward deeper into the dungeon.

"What's your name?" I called after him. I didn't really expect an answer.

"Kameron," he replied, not looking back.