The fog rolled over the city like waves, as Zen looked at his faded old map, with tiny tears on the edges.
Zen looked up to the dirt road that lay before him, from the exit he stood at. "According to the job request, it should be a ten day walk to the south. At the end of the village called Yor."
Zen rolled up the map carefully, as he placed it back where he took it out from. The sun casting a golden hue over the peaks of valleys. Leaves crunched under his black scuffed boots, the fall was a nice season but what came after left a bitter taste in Zen's mouth.
Neighs from horses, Zen's ears twitched. Hooves stomped on the ground as they approached him. "Morn'n lad, where ya headed?" The drive pulled the cart to a stop next to him.
"Morning sir, I'm heading south to Yor."
"O is that so lad, then how bout I give you a ride half way them. As my farm is in that direction?" The driver gave a toothy grin.
Zen thought for a moment, then nodded to the drive. It would save him some time riding half way there, Zen hopped onto the back of the rickety old cart, straws of hay still scattered around the back.
Lashing his whip at the horses, the cart jerked foward. Alsmost sending Zen flying off. "So lad, do you have a job there in Yor? Judging by your outfit and weapon, I'd bet you are an adventure.
Zen clenched his jaw, he did not want to talk right now, although he was thankful for the lift. "Yes sir."
"Mmmm.... You ain't much of a talker lad."
Zen remained silent, proving the mans clam.
"Lad, I understand, although you could be a little nicer. That dark thing your holding onto will lead to your doom some day."
Zen's eyes rounded in fear, how did this man know, from just one look. Zen moved to jump off the cart, but was halted. "Lad, if I were you, I"d stay put. I'm not trying to be rude, just saying form experience is all."
Zen froze stiff, how did this man know, his back was turned to him. The ride was long, tension filled the air, as the cart hit every bump on the dirt road. Making the ride more uncomfortable.
Zen got off at a turn, as the driver went straight on. Waving Zen goodbye and good luck on his job. "Strange man that is." Finally feeling at ease once again.
Zen made his way to Yor, in blissful silence. Listening to the birds chirp happily throughout the day.
The village was small, it wasn't as busy as where Zen came from, more quaint and welcoming.
Zen went down the hill entering the village as smoke rose from various chimneys, making the air look hazy. Village people looked on as Zen made his way through.
An elderly lady with twin braides stopped him. Making him halt in his steps. "Hello sonny, are your here as well, to enter the dungeon?"
Her question threw him off. "As well?"
"Yes sonny, most of the others have long passed since early this morning, causing quite the ruckus, if I do say so my self. He he hee." She cackled like a witche.
"Yes ma'am, I have come as well." He should have thought of it earlier, knowing he would not be the only one to see the old quest. Zen's knuckels turned white with frustration.
"Then good luck sonny." She gave a warm smile, her eyes creasing ever so slightly
Zen gave one in return, although his did not reach his eyes, as he continued on.
Walk to the boarder of the village, near the bottom of the mountain, several other adventures stood in groups waiting to enter. Over a hundred of them.
Zen sat far from the others observing all ot them. Axe welders, sword welders, magic welders, healers and a few bow users like him.
"If I knew there would be so many I would have n..., no I need this job, its they only way to obtain what I need."
A fox girl near the entrance spotted him, observing him aswell. Zen felt eyes on him, looking around to see who it was. Seeing the fox girl, she smiled brightly at him. Zen only glared at her, not wanting to get close to anyone else.
His hand snaked toward the pendant that hung around his neck, gripping it tightly until his hand began to hurt.
Zen was brought out of his daze as rusty doors squeaked open. "LISTEN ALL ADVENTURES, BECAREFUL WHEN ENTERING THE DUNGEON AS SOME MONSTERS LIKE TO WAIT AT THE OPENING." A burly man spoke from the dungeon entrance.
Zen rose from his spot, ready for what lay ahead. A long huge claw stuck out of the opening spearing the man in his chest.
Screams erupted as the bulky man vomited blood, his eyes fading as his body was dragged back into the dark cave. Some adventures doubled over vomiting what ever they had eaten earlier. The rest stood in fear, not excepting the sudden attack.
Growls, snarls and many other noises, began coming from the opening. More monsters appeared, one of them stained in blood, licking its lips for its next meal....