A woman's voice stirred Allendis from the darkness. His eyelids felt unmoving. Truthfully, he didn't want to wake up but the cold winds made it harder to stay asleep.
The breeze hit his face as he slowly let light take over his vision.
He was in a room with a large circular table. Wooden chairs were scattered around it. In the middle of the table, stood an ethereal tree with its branches sprawling into the ceiling. It was shining brightly as the sun.
Allendis awoke already seated at the table. The interior had a mix of smooth stone and wooden walls. There was also a fireplace across the room, drawing his eyes to the fire. The flames flickered but it failed to warm him.
Above the fireplace, was a large tapestry of a blonde woman. Her features were hidden by not just her hair, but the age of the painting as the colors were fading already.
This looks like a meeting room of sorts. Allendis thought.
To his left were two doors. Set askew from each other.
To his right was a statue of a naked woman. Its arms raised as if carrying something from above. There were a pair of wings behind her and her limbs were wrapped around by vines.
Where am I?
Allendis stood up from his seat. He wore his usual gear. A light black armour that covered his chest, forearms, and legs. Black leather covered everything the armour couldn't.
He had his dark brown cloak, ragged from all his travels and his boots that had stepped foot in the most dangerous of Eddan's bloody locales.
At his waist, he had his sword sheathed on his left, while a small bag was on his right.
He also had his flintlock pistol, opposite of his sword, tucked in his holster. A good weapon–back when the Galencia League did well to innovate to keep ordinary men at the level of dangerous monsters. This thing wasn't capable of going up against Chaos.
It always fetched a hefty price. The only way he could get it was through illegal means. It was worth more than a mercenary's life these days.
Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary—
Allendis' eyes widened. There was no gaping hole in his abdomen. The stench of blood and smoke was all but gone.
He checked as he placed his hands over his abdomen. Just flesh. Then, to his face for any grime or dried out blood. Nothing.
What the hell is going on? I bled out. I had my gut ripped apart.
Yet he still breathed.
There was a chill that ran through his body. The fire ebbed sideways as if it was being blown by the wind.
Creaaaak.
Allendis turned to the door opening inwards. He was a fair distance away from it. His sword would not reach.
But his pistol would.
So he drew his gun and aimed at the door. It obscured his view. There were soft and measured steps thumping on the wooden floor.
As the steps got closer, the figure slowly showed itself–a man clad in white armour. Hunched over and hands behind his back. The armour resembled that of stone instead of steel. There was no reflection in it. His face was a bit long just like his white hair. Wrinkles that showed age and wisdom curved around his eyes and lips.
He looked like a veteran who had gotten frail if it weren't for those eyes.
Those damned eyes that felt sharper than any blade.
Their eyes met. The old man's eyes looked at the pistol and scoffed.
"A visitor, I presume?"
Allendis stayed silent. Both of them did as the old man waited for an answer. He didn't even know where he was.
"I died." Allendis simply said.
"Yes well…we all do someday."
The old man was calm and unnerved by the weapon aimed at him.
"No, I died a few moments ago."
The old man sneered.
"And you think this is the afterlife? Quite the imagination the Watchful Goddess gave you."
Allendis was close to pulling the trigger but he needed some answers. The old man didn't seem like a monster.
"Still, it has been awhile since someone has visited this place."
That caught Allendis' attention. The old man really did know more.
"What is this place?" Allendis asked.
The old man scoffed once more. It seemed he loved doing that.
"This is the Argontale Chamber. Think of it as a gathering place for lots like us. My name is Virion, I maintain this sorry haven."
The old man said as he completely faced him, eyes never faltering.
"What do you mean lots like us?"
"Those who were chosen by fate itself. You were not the first but you certainly came in late."
"Hold on, chosen? Chosen for what, for dying like cattle a second time?"
Allendis did not like the sound of that. He was nothing more than a mercenary. An ordinary man with no title nor renown.
"That is none of your concern for now."
Like hell it wasn't! This was his life. He may not have lived a life of glory but it was still his.
So he shot his gun. Not at the old man's head but close enough.
"Tell me. Now."
Allendis still aimed his pistol at Virion but eased off on the trigger. He was too focused with his current predicament.
"This is a neutral, peaceful abode. I will have to kindly ask you to drop that boorish weapon."
Allendis held his gaze. Virion was unmoving as the stone armour he wore. Just maddening silence.
"Not until you tell me what I'm chosen for." Allendis said in a low tone.
"Hah! And what? You will shoot me? Do it then, child. Pray that our God-Queen shows you mercy!"
Allendis' finger was hanging by the trigger. If he killed this old man, Virion, would he be unchosen by someone?
He was not proud of how he led his life up until now. The blood he had spilled. The desire to just survive, to live another day because the world has turned to shit for lowlifes like him.
The only lasting memory that he found pleasant was his time as a child. The only time where he could dream of something grander than putting food at the table.
Still, even if he led a shitty life, he would not hand it to destiny.
Being chosen for something? He'd rather go back moments ago and lay to rest than be a plaything.
"Good grief." Virion sighed. He rubbed the temple, soothing his headache. It was the first movement he made.
"Fine, perhaps the truth would motivate you in some way. Put the weapon down."
For now, he complied with the old man's wishes.
"Good. In any case, I welcome you to the Argontale Chamber. Be sure to be of use. Or not."
Allendis remained silent. He may have dropped his pistol but his eyes were still on the old man who seemed to barely give a damn.
Suddenly, Allendis felt his mind getting lighter. His vision was getting foggy. It wasn't unlike the time he died.
He heard Virion laugh. It was a pleasant one. No, it was unequivocally sardonic. It pissed him off.
"It seems your flesh's time to wake."
Allendis clutched his head, trying to stay awake as his other hand reached out to Virion.
"Argh, wait! I'm not done…"
"You are, for now. Unfortunately, you will visit soon. Perhaps the others can provide you with answers."
Virion said as he walked away towards the other door. Unbothered by his state.
Allendis heard a low chuckle.
"If you are ready to take this journey, I will be at the library. Until then, enjoy the new road ahead."
Those were the last words Allendis heard as his groggy mind took over.
Thud!
Just darkness. This time though, he refused to sleep through it, clawing towards waking. All he could hear now was the sweet serenity of leaves falling.
He needed answers.