My head pounded as I woke with a start.
My eyes darting open I quickly surveyed the small room I found myself in. The room was a familiar place littered with pages and small glowing gems.
The familiarity lulled me into relaxation as I gently sat back appeasing the beating pain still infesting my head.
It must have been around midday considering the comforting glow of sunlight invading the small tent.
I sat in silence for a few minutes reflecting on recent events. A lot had happened since the last time I'd been in camp. Between being stuck in prison, awakening my characteristics and my fight with Skulk it felt like a while since I'd been in relative safety.
My reflection time was cut short by a low rustling sound near the door. The small cloth door was gently pushed apart allowing the gentle sunlight to illuminate the room. "Awake already, my injury-prone friend. You seem to be making this a habit."
Lorath strutted into the room and stared down at me.
I hurriedly sat up forcing through the aching pain which accompanied the sudden movement.
"What happened after I went unconscious"
My last memory was of Itch saving me before I blacked out. I had to know what happened after.
"Not even a thank you, My friend I spent a lot of my healing gems on you"
"Thank you, Lorath, now answer my question"
"You were napping for a straight week my friend, Had it not been for those new tricks of yours you wouldn't have walked out of that battle even with my help.
Your friend skittled before anyone else arrived. Itch managed to get the upper hand because of the wounds he had sustained".
"Is Itch alright"
"He's fine, a few small cuts but nothing that would put that old bastard down.
He's another you'll have to thank. If not for him, well I'm sure you know even I can't resurrect a severed head."
"I should go check in with him"
I slowly pushed off the small bed that Lorath had set up for me testing each leg separately. They seemed mostly healed.
"Not so fast"
Lorath pushed me back onto the bed.
"The king requires your presence in the throne room. He expressed that I escort you personally."
I laid my head back against the wall. Not even a moment's rest with this fucker.
I resolutely pushed myself up and off the bed quickly finding my footing. Most of my bed ached but nothing I couldn't push through.
"Let's not leave the big man waiting"
"That's the spirit, my friend"
I followed after Lorath as he made his way back out of the tent. The warm sun caressed my bristled fur as I stepped back out into the outside world. It had been too long since I had last seen the sun.
I lived most of my life without it but having it for even a few days makes you miss its warmth.
Lorath did not wait for me to enjoy the sunlight instead pressing on at a brisk walk through the camp towards the largest tent.
With a quick jog, I caught up and followed him the rest of the way. The camp had changed only minorly. A few new tens and more permanent-looking buildings had been set up but apart from that not much had occurred.
Most likely the underground had undergone the largest changes. Rats do not typically sit for multiple weeks in the same place without doing anything.
After a short while, we finally arrived at the familiar large tent and forced our way through the cloth door. Inside sat only one individual.
"Hello my Lord"
Lorath was the first to talk bending slightly down to one knee.
"I have brought the prodigal son to you"
"Do not entertain me with your jokes Lorath, you can leave, I would like to talk to the boy alone."
The king looked as imposing as ever and sat on his throne which overlooked the room. Upon hearing the king's command Lorath made a brisk exit.
Loraths was oddly subservient to the king considering his jokey nature. I'll have to ask him about it someday.
Returning my focus to the rat I too kneeled down to one knee.
"You requested me, my lord"
"I hear you have awakened some new tricks boy."
Seems it's impossible to hide my new awakening from anyone.
"Yes my lord, I awakened them while trapped in the goblin prison"
"Yes about that, I do apologise, my boy, we thought you did. If we'd known otherwise we would have come to save you. Especially with your new talents."
I know as well as he does that's a lie. But to call him out would be no more than a death sentence.
"That is comforting to hear my lord"
"Anyway, back to business. These powers describe them to me"
I recalled back to my feelings and emotions when using my characteristics.
"Well it's difficult to explain, I just sort of will my characteristic to appear and it appears. A sea of vibrancy which eats away at anything I will it to".
"HAHAHA"
The rat exploded into laughter to which I recoiled slightly at the surprising burst of emotion.
"Awakening with no training, you have good talent, my boy. What you describe is a devourer prism, in its most barbarous of forms. The trademark skill of a devourer. An insatiable spectrum of colours is only visible to the user.
How do you use it, my boy"
"Well, I just sort of force the colours to flow towards something to devour something"
"Hmmm, you still have a long way to go. From now on you're being promoted again."
I'm starting to think promotions get handed out all too willingly and that all I gain from them is just more work.
"From now on you'll be my very own protege, Your lessons with Lorath will be replaced by myself"
Lessons with the king himself. This is my chance to grow stronger. I must take this chance. So next time I see that fucking lanky piece of shit ill rip his other eye out.
"You are free to go"
Exiting my rage-filled trance I got up and briskly exited the tent and began making my way back towards our area of the camp.
-------------------
"He will be a useful weapon, don't you think"
"A weapon must be sharpened before it is used. You were all too eager to send him on that suicide mission."
"Tchh, Such mission unveiled his talent"
"Remember where you stand in my plan you rodent."
"I am sorry master"
"Your power is my plaything, do not forget this."