On hands and knees she crawled to the waters edge and stared at her reflection taking note of what she saw. Tanned skin, bright yellow eyes with tattoos under them, full lips and long braided hair the color of wheat fields. Sighing she rose and walked over to the discarded piece of fabric that was cut from her chest and wrapped it around her breast.

“That was an amazing feet of magic back there that you preformed.”

She turned in fear to see an old man standing looking at her. He was wearing tattered clothes, carrying a pole and some fish.

“Don’t be alarmed I won’t hurt you. I have no reason to. But I suggest you leave the beach if you don’t want any more trouble. The shores have been crawling with vile creatures lately, and I’m not only speaking of animals.” He began to walk to a small camp and there he sat down and began to skin the fish. Hesitantly she followed, curious to know more about this strange land she seemed to find herself in. She knelt down in the sand by the small fire he had built, and with one hand he handed her a clay jug of wine.

“Here, have a few sips of this.” Slowly she took the jug and sipped. The strong taste of the wine burned her throat.

“Could you please…tell me where am I?” She handed the jug back to the old man.

“Tortage, one of the Brachian Isles. And by the looks of your noble features I would say you’re from Stygia. But your clothing along with the shackles and the brand, I would say you must have been on a slave ship. Perhaps on that ship that went down, it bared the Stygian flag. Slaves come from all walks of life. Some are criminals, some will be sold to be servants and servants of the flesh, and some are even abducted to be sold for ransom. Bad bad business to get caught up in.” He began putting the skinned fish on a stick to place of the fire.

“Stygia…I don’t…recall anything. I don’t even know my name or why I’m here or why I have iron shackles on my wrists.” She raised her wrists urgently to show the man. “I don’t know anything.” Lowering her hard tears began to flow down her cheeks. Her stomach burned from the wine and hunger. The smell of the cooking fish tantalizing her.

“I may be able to help you. You stay here tonight, get rest gather your strength for you will need it tomorrow. Through the jungle lies the city, there you will find an old friend of mine who may be able to help you with the answers you seek. The city is over run now with Red Hand soldiers, it’s not what it used to be.” He chuckled to himself. “That’s why I chose life away from the city.” Looking into her eyes he could tell she was scared, tired and hungry. Who knew how long it had been since she ate or had anything to drink. But he saw her with those two bandits. The power she wielded was strong; it shook the sand beneath his feet. He had heard stories of Stygians practicing magical arts and such. And now he got to see that art put to use.

“I promise I won’t hurt you like those two men tried to do. I’m just an old man living out my days.” He handed her a fish and she started eating ravenously. “Slow down a little or you will get sick.”

She smiled shyly at him and wiped her mouth with her arm.

“Thank you…for your help and the food and wine.”

“Well if you ever find me abandoned on a beach, I just hope you would show me the same courtesy.” He smiled warmly at her and in return she smiled back at him. Finishing his fish he leaned back against a rock and closed his eyes. The bright sun had gone down and the stars began to appear in the darkening sky. She laid her head down upon the warm sand; the sound of the waves against the shore was soothing. Her eyes became heavier, the wood in the fire crackled and popped. She slowly drifted into sleep, the warm breeze kissing her skin. Sighing she fell into a deeper sleep, and the screams began.

Inspired by: Age of Conan: Hyborian Age

Copyright © 2009 Kelli Newbry “Anuste Moon” Guild Lore-The Insurrection