Chapter 15: The Adventure Begins

Kalann's eyes snapped open.

The first thing he became aware of was that he was not, in fact, dead. He blinked over and over again. Slowly, feeling seeped back into his muscles. His whole body ached, but nothing felt life-threatening. He raised his head, wincing as stabbing pains drove into his neck. He was going to have to move slowly for a while.

A quick glance comfirmed that he was somewhere in the desert of Aridus, most likely the rocky plains to the south of Pailan. The sun was just peeking on the horizon, casting a soft glow over the plains. He lay on a filthy mattress beside several others. His fellow villagers had set up a kind of temporary camp. Everyone who wasn't wounded or sleeping was working on one task or another. Exhaustion was visible on everyone's face.

Sparks appeared next to him, kneeling down. "You're awake. How do you feel?"

"Somewhat bruised," Kalann croaked out. "I'll recover." The rawness of his voice was unnerving. "How long was I out?"