On Ancient Ground

Down in flames

Livia was thrown into a cave cell and she screamed fury at what used to be her army. She finally calmed down enough to look around and sit against the cold wet wall of the cave. The only light was from a torch that was fading quickly. "This isn't how it is supposed to end" She mumbled to herself.

A voice came out from down the wall. It was an old man hunched over. He was not visible until he spoke. "Maybe this isn't how it has to end".

Livia stood and looked hard at the man in the darkness. "Who are you , show yourself?!"

"I am but an old man who does magics and was locked here long ago." The words were shakey.

Livia sighed. "A peddler of lies, that will not help me now. A sword would be more helpful." She sat back down and threw a handful of rocks.

The old man came closer and spoke softly. "I may be a peddler but I assure you it is not of lies. I have something that can help you. I have something of value."

Livia put her hand up and turned away. "You have nothing. If you cannot stop me from dying this day you have nothing I need."

The old man sat but feet from her. "You will die this day."

Livia's head snapped back toward him but before she could speak her continued.

"But that doesn't have to be the end. You can come back."

Livia laughed "Foolishness. Death is the end. There is no coming back."

The old man held up a finger. "But there is. I can cast a spell that would allow you to come back. It is tricky, but it can be done. I have done it before."

Livia shook her head. "If you have such power why not leave this place? Why stay locked up and offer this to people such as me?"

The old man leaned back against the wall. "My time will come. I know this. But yours doesn't have to end here today. What do you have to lose?"

Livia thought a moment. She didn't have anything to lose. There was no way out. She was going to die one way or another. Why not take a chance on maybe coming back. She looked a the man. "What would I have to do?"

The old man nodded and held out his hand. "Only what I ask of you."