Sharp and forceful, the voice cut across the air like a whip, startling me from my confident stride. "Hold it right there!" it cried, echoing off the old stone walls around the town gates.
I blinked, surprise wrinkling my brow. Who could be qualified enough to confidently stop me? Who would have the gall to bother a bloodmage? Is he crazy?
A flutter of discomfort danced in the pit of my gut, and I pondered. Their faces marked a mix of amazement and what looked like relief, and then the guards made way for me to see a man marching deliberately towards me.
Wearing shining armour and a flowing red cloak, the guy radiated power that was hard to ignore. His angular, sharp features matched the intensity of his eyes, which appeared to cut through my otherwise apathetic exterior. I mentally checked myself to ensure that my poker face was firmly in place.
Maybe this man is a high-ranking official? I thought, using the clichés and archetypes of innumerable fantasy games I had written as a programmer and even the games I had played. Alternatively, perhaps he was even a noble, a lord of this land?
I pretended nonchalance by forcing a nonchalant shrug.
"Me?" I questioned, arching a pretend surprised eyebrow. "I think you might have the wrong person."
I adjusted my stance in an attempt to show lack of fear and even vague irritation at being disrepected. It never pays to show weakness, even the wild beasts on earth know this.
The man's lips curved into a sarcastic smirk. "I don't think so, we don't tend to get lots of mages of your class here," he answered, his voice edged with a little bit of steel. "So no, I was absolutely referring to you. I apologise for any perceived hostility. These are difficult times, you see."
My heart missed a beat. So what now? Should I make a run for it? A cold sweatshirt pricking my skin begged questions. Has my reputation already permeated this place? Was the original Ash well known here? Its too damn early for me to start running afoul of rules!
The officer waved at the zombie thrall slinking at my heels. "That... thing," he remarked, disdain tinging his voice. "It's causing unease among the ordinary folk here. Keep it on a leash."
I watched the thrall, its empty eyes fixed blankly ahead. It had been docile enough thus far, but the officer's comments seemed to set off an aggressive spark within its crumbling skull. It extended its almost skeleton fingers, and then lunged towards one of the guards with a guttural scream.
Fortunately for the guard in question, years of training had sharpened his reflexes, making the guard respond quickly and with relative ease. He quickly parried with his blade and blocked the attack of the thrall and then landed a well-placed kick to its chest. The creature staggered backward, its motions temporarily erratic.
With their hands on the hilts of their weapons, the other guards observed the exchange with a mix of fascination and nervousness. Only the thrall's ragged breathing broke the tight hush that crept upon the scene, and the subtle clink of metal against leather.
Their leader, the high ranking official, moved forward, his aura of repression pouring like pressure down upon the undead monster. With a cautious step back and confused gaze, the thrall—whose motions were slowing and erratic—backed off.
I almost could see a physical sphere of influence. Confused and trying to clear my sight, I blinked. No, I was not seeing things. Without raising a finger, he had really sudbued the thrall
He is strong, I realised, a shiver of discomfort slink down my spine. Much stronger than I had thought. Definitely.
I held up a hand, my voice strong and commanding. I said, "Enough," to the thrall. "Stand down." I could feel the feedback between us, the master-slave connection between us activating and compelling obedience from my servant.
The thrall stopped momentarily, its eyes flitting between me and the policeman. Then it sank to the ground, its limbs turning slack, with a last, sobbing groan.
The officer turned to face me with unbroken focus. "You choose quite interesting servants, Mage," he remarked. "But you seem to still have much to learn about its control."
I looked at him, my own eyes flickering with a mix of inquiry and defiance. "I am still learning," I said, my voice measured precisely. "But I guarantee you, I won let it to do damage. It definitely has not been allowed to hurt anyone."
He raised eyebrows and stared at me.
" Uh, other than this one time he tried to attack this guard." I grudgingly agreed.
The man nodded, a flutter of approval flickering on his face. "See that you don't," he advised. "For your benefit as well as those of people around you."
He turned to his men, his voice resonant with power. "Let him pass," he gave the directive. "But pay great attention to him. We would not want any... unpleasant events."
The guards moved aside, eyes tracking me across the gates. I was frustrated yet also relieved. Though I had just avoided a conflict, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
Realising this, a cold dread started to settle in my gut and I'm not ready for. I'm not yet strong enough.
I turned back at the town gates, the officer's commanding form silhouetted against the backdrop of the light. I vowed, my hands tightly closing, I would work to get stronger. I have to learn to control my abilities so I might be the bloodmage I was supposed to be.
I mean, how hard can it be?
Driven now, I turned and walked into the busy town, my zombie thrall following faithfully after me. The game had only started, and the stakes in it exceeded what I had ever thought. Still, I was resolved to perform and win.
I could not have it any other way you see.