(Author Note: Spirit talking is a form of communication between two souls. It’s a spiritual, often private form of communication. I don’t go into much detail in the novel, but it’s often used in the story.
The rules are as follows; one: Those that can use or understand spirit talking are magicians or beings with strong magical power.
Two: You can spirit talk to a being that can’t. However, the words will be translated through another ability that that being has.
Three: A more magically talented individual can eavesdrop on a conversation of weaker magical individuals, if they so choose.)
“Great, now you come to me. Where were you two days ago when I needed you?” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter Smith was confused as he tried to rub his eyes to clear the mud from them, but couldn’t.
He couldn’t see, but he heard the broad voice of a man speaking directly into his head.
“Who are you? Where am I?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
His whole body seemed to move as whatever he was in, hit a bump.
“Yes, my spirit. I am Dramix, a Drakan of the House of Thimus. We are currently in a slave cage.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter, a nineteen-year-old man who has just started college this year, paused for a moment as he thought about his current situation.
He remembered turning on a console game and listening to the introduction before he blacked out.
“Welcome, new soul, to a world of magic and fantasy. This is a world of strange strangers and wondrous wonders. During your journey, you will experience things you’ve never experienced before. You and your fellow new souls will lead this ancient world into a new dawn…, or it’s final dusk. However, let ye be warned; every action in this world has consequences. So…., how will you play?” (Intro)
“Please tell me you’re a strength spirit. I’ve tried to break free a few times now, but I lack the strength of my ancestors.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter immediately realized that this was the part of the game that defined his playing style.
“I prefer a balance, but I actually favor wisdom.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix sighed with disappointment.
“I was told beforehand that the spirit you desire may not be the one you get, but it’ll always be the one you need.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Once he heard his words, Peter suddenly remembered the last line of the intro.
“Fair warning; you must never reveal to anyone that this is a game.” (Intro)
Peter’s thoughts broke as they hit another bump. He really wished that he could see clearly.
“Would you mind clearing my sight for me, if you’re able to?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix grunted as a shadow covered Peter’s face for just a moment before he could see clearly again.
“Thank you.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix grunted again before responding, “Great! A kind spirit.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter was instantly enraged at his sass and want to confront him, but he couldn’t see anyone to confront. That’s when he noticed that he couldn’t move at all. They then hit another bump, and this time, he found himself on the neck of a red, seemingly reptilian being.
This was rather appropriate. He probably wouldn’t be able to survive this primitive world as his normal American teen self. He might as well play the role he was cast into.
“No, but I am an appreciative one. I may help free you as well.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix’s whole body shook as he quietly laughed.
“Ha! YOU, help ME escape? You’re just an amulet with a soul! I don’t feel any stronger or wiser from using you.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter ignored him as he looked around and noticed that the cage they were in didn’t have a solid floor, only metal bars. The gaps were large enough for a hand to reach through. He then looked at the cage door and saw that it only had a simple lock. If they had something to use as leverage, they could easily get out by busting the lock or pulling out the pins of the cage.
“Can you watch the road and reach down to grab a stick or a rock if you see one?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix turned around and put his back next to the door before responding, “It has to be less obvious so we don’t get caught, but yes, I can get us something like that. However, what then?” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter looked around from his new position and noticed that the driver was protected by a steel plate.
“You’ve probably been in this cage long enough to know how the wagons line up. How many are behind us, what they’re carrying, and who’s in them?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix chuckled with amusement.
“You may actually be rather wise. There are two wagons behind us; one of them holds a single man that they deeply care for, while the other is a supply wagon for the slavers. They also have my belongings in a lockbox in that wagon with the other captive’s possessions. There’s mainly food and water inside of the second one.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter mulled over the new information before noticing the road ahead. If they did escape, there would be nowhere to run before being taken down. It would probably be in their best interests to wait until nightfall.
“Do you think you’ll be able to last until they make camp?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix growled with annoyance before responding,
“I thought about that last night. However, before I could follow through, a group of four broke out. All of them were killed and tied to the lead wagon, their corpses being dragged as we go.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
“Hmm.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
If they’re to escape, it has to be in a way that the slavers can’t follow.
“How long do you think you’ll retain the strength to escape?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix growled again, this time full of anger.
“I have the legacy of dragons running through my veins! I can hold my full strength for days without nourishment!” ((Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter was doubtful that he’s at full strength right now, but he had to go with what Dramix believed he could do.
“Do you know anything about where we’re going, or what awaits us?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix sighed, slightly ashamed.
“Alas, no. I was captured on my way home from the Drakan capital city.
I got drunk in a bar on the border to celebrate my coming of age. When I woke up, I found myself in this cage. I don’t have any idea where we are, but I do know that during every break we take, I could hear a river nearby. I’m fairly sure that there must be one ahead.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter sighed as he contemplated what to do next.
“Ok, I got my stick. What now?” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
