Warrior Of Death

Chapter 2: Dream or Reality

Duncan’s Point of View

The light, the winds, and then that sudden pull. Before I could even realize it, my legs touched the ground again. The area was dark. It took me a while to adjust my eyes. My gaze fell on the torches, which were barely illuminating the area. With furrowed eyebrows, looked around to find me near the woods. To my wonder, my dress had been changed into some kind of loose trousers and a weird shirt or whatever. Where was I exactly?

Soon my eyes followed all those men standing in silence, not from afar. Curiously, I took a few steps forward. As I arrived closer, they suddenly turned to me. Bowing their heads, they gave me the way, as if they all were waiting for me. I looked at them nervously, gulping hard. Was it another trick of Caleb and his gang? I couldn’t help but wonder. My legs kept walking forward. Slowly, I discovered someone lying on a wooden frame. His body was covered properly under a white sheet, only revealing his face. Was he… dead?

A hand on my shoulder jerked me from inside. I turned my face to meet the stranger.

“Our men are devastated. This is not the time to mourn.” That old man spoke with fire in his eyes. His hair was tied into a pony and his clothes were from ancient centuries. A huge sword was hanging from his waist. He was probably in his late sixties, or maybe older, but his frame was well built. The way his eyes were looking at me as if they were waiting for me for ages. Did I know him? I started at him blankly.

“I know he is gone. You have just lost your father, and it is probably a little too much to ask right now, but we need you, as our guide, as our protector, my lord.” That old man continued.

Guide? Protector? Me? He was kidding, right? I scanned the area once. All those eyes were staring at me with hope. And their physiques were twice of me, probably. Huge weapons were decorating their arms or waists. I was surrounded by a group of dangerous-looking warriors. These all set up were giving me a familiar vibe.

“I don’t think I’m the right guy…” I managed to reply at the end. They had clearly taken me for someone else.

My words brought sadness to their faces. Suddenly, that elderly man took out his sword. God! Was he going to… kill… me? One swing from him, and I could say goodbye to my life. I took a step backwards in fear. His eyes were fixed on me as he knelt in form of me, so did others. Gradually, he placed his sword in front of my legs.

Bowing his head, he spoke. “my lord, please return to us. We need your guidance. The time is troublesome for all of us.”

“Save us, my lord, save us.” Others followed his voice.

I looked at the man laying who just died. He was apparently my father, as they mentioned. I had never seen him in my entire life. And how could they think of me as someone else? Their attires were telling me that they were all warriors. Why were they bowing in front of a guy like me? It felt like the dreams I always had. Wait a minute. It wasn’t real. It was just another dream, maybe. Yes, that was it. Just another dream. Soon I would wake up and everything will be over. But where did I fall asleep? In the museum? Or on the bus? That weird light was definitely a dream as well.

I started to feel relax. Well, since it was just a dream, I could just play along with these people. There wouldn’t be any harm. I straightened my posture as I looked at them.

‘Yes, Duncan, that’s your moment. Live it while it lasts.’ I smirked. Wait? What should I say? I know nothing about them! How about me throwing some dialogue of White Shadow? That would be so cool!

“As long as my heart will beat, I will fight for justice.” I declared, tried to keep my voice steady. To my wonder, my voice wasn’t feeble like always. It sounded as if it carried some power.

“Rise,” I gestured them to stand up, just like the White Shadow used to do. It felt good. I wished this kind of dream never ends. Not at least by me falling from the bed, hurting my back. Really wasn’t a very pleasant way to wake up, anyway.

“In that case, we shouldn’t wait.” The old man responded, standing up from his position. So did others.

His gaze fell on a guy standing nearby, and then he gestured to him to do something. That guy nodded once in understanding and disappeared near those awkward looking houses. Soon he came back with a sword in his hand. Wait, wasn’t it the one I just saw in the museum? That red stone was shining brightly in the dark.

He handed it over to that old man, bowing his head in respect. He had to be someone well respected in the clan. The old man held that sword in front of me. Was that for me? I waited for his next move.

“In the name of Fire, with the blessing of our ancestors, I, Josiah, giving you the mighty sword of justice, which will bring peace in this dynasty.” He announced as if it was some kind of coronation. Cool! To be truthful, I wanted to yell and scream, but I kept my composure.

“Ahem,” clearing my throat once and taking a few deep breaths, I finally spoke, “I am honoured.”

I took the sword from his hand, wondering even if I could carry it. It seemed to be heavy. A burning urge of swinging it built up in my chest. Gripping on the sword, I moved it in the air once. To my wonder, sparks omitted from its blade following the movement. It took me aback.

Suddenly everything became black, and all those people disappeared. I tried to adjust my eyes to the dark, confused. This dream was getting creepier. The appearance of a sudden bright light proved me right. I saw that same dark shadow. A gusty wind surrounded me again.

“I knew you were the chosen one. Now you have accepted it. The fate of the Skeleton Warrior Clan and this dynasty now rests in your hands. Do well, young warrior. Bring peace to this world.” That man spoke before disappearing, leaving me again in front of that bunch of warriors who were looking at me with hope.

Wait! Did he just mention Skeleton Warrior Clan?

“The Skeleton Warriors are honoured with your return, my lord,” that the old man blurted, scaring the hell out of me! Skeleton warriors? Those dark warriors? I never wanted to be a part of them, and I was their leader now? How on earth did that happen?

It was just a dream. It would be over soon I tried my best to comfort myself though my heart was saying otherwise. It wasn’t just a normal dream to be broken any time soon.

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