Darkness... emptiness... solitude... That was the only thing I felt in this pitch black darkness. I can’t remember how long have I been here or what am I supposed to do... wait a second... who am I? What is my name?! Questions just kept pilling up in my head to the point it was ready to burst. I couldn’t feel pain but still I couldn’t shake the feeling that my feet were killing me... How long am I wondering through this place? But none of these questions seemed to matter to me. There was something else... something of the utmost importance that I couldn’t remember. Damn! What is this place?! Am I dead? If this is hell then burn my soul away and stop this torture I’m going through.

How long has it been since my last thought? Hours, days, seconds or years? It seemed time was irrelevant in this place... it was like darkness itself prevented the flow of time... and the flow of life... I was all alone with my thoughts as the only guide and companion to keep my sanity. But now at least something changed... I could see three lights in the distance. They were so dim that you could barely see them, but surrounded by nothingness this was something that couldn’t pass unnoticed. Lights?? Thank heaven for this glimpse of hope! Was I running? I don’t know. The lights didn’t seem to be getting any closer. After the first rush of hope, I started to feel despair once again. I stopped  and looked around. Nothingness. Absolute darkness except those lights that were shining in the infinite distance. In that exact moment the lights disappeared...

My journey continued... to where? I didn’t know. Only my instincts were pushing me forward now and they were telling me I can’t surrender... that I can’t give up... There was something I need to do. Something I have to discover... But what was it? My memory felt like it was erased by fire and ice in the same time... scorched to unrecognition and frozen shut for all eternity. My soul felt so heavy and weak... but at the same time filled with rage and... darkness? Why is all this anger and sorrow locked in me? What in the world happened to make me like this? Questions without answers... existence in nothingness. I collapsed...

My eyes were open and yet I couldn’t see nothing... still something was there... in the dark void that surrounded me.  I could feel a presence near me... and I felt something new. Fear. I was terrified without even knowing the reason why. Something is behind me! As that thought ran through my mind I sensed something was on my shoulder... cold... colder than anything I could imagine. And it was heavy to the point it hurt. Run! Run and don’t look back! My subconscious was screaming for me to escape this cold grip, but I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed with fear. The only thing I could do is face this thing, whatever it was. Slowly turning, my eyes began to see what was now in front of me.

It was some sort of entity. I couldn’t see it even though it was right in front of me. It was darker than everything else in this place and the only thing I could clearly see was it’s dark cloak. Chills were running down my spine and the weight of it’s gaze made me drop down to my knees. My eyes were trying to find something where it’s head was supposed to be but the only thing there was the endless blackness. Still I could feel it’s eyes buried deep in there somewhere.  Who..? Why...? I couldn’t think in that moment. Something was about to happen. I could feel it... you could cut the tension with a knife. Suddenly it happened. It’s right arm reached once again toward my hand, but this time it didn’t touch me. My instincts told me to close my eyes, but I couldn’t. I just gazed with fear and wonder at the sight in front of me and the event that was unraveling. Bones... it’s hand is only made of bones! This new discovery changed nothing in me... it was something I have foreseen. I’m dead... at least now I can be sure of it... But why was it reaching out to me? It felt like hours have passed before the boney fist stopped before my eyes. There was no malicious intent in this move. How did I know that? It felt like it could destroy my soul with just a touch. But the fist was clenched because it was holding something. What is it holding? My soul? My sentence? I was ready to accept whatever it was. The fear and anger left my soul and the only thing I could feel now was a calming sensation.

It’s fist slowly opened and my eyes settled on a white box that was in it. At first I couldn’t bear to look directly at it. My eyes were used to the darkness surrounding us, not to this bright light. This was something I was meant to have. My hands slowly reached up but my eyes were fixed on the empty black hood as if I was waiting for some sort of approval. Nothing like that happened but it also didn’t prevent me from touching the box. The moment I touched the box everything was engulfed with light...

I woke up slowly thinking to myself it was all just a strange dream... or nightmare? I couldn’t decide. My eyes were hurting like hell and I couldn’t see anything. Something is different... something changed... My mind tried to process all the new information that were being gathered by my senses.  The floor... it isn’t cold! It feels warm... this is wood! The place I was in right now wasn’t the same as the dark place I was stuck in ever since I remember. But why is it so dark in here? My question was answered as soon as I asked it to myself... my eyes were still closed.  Why are my eyes still closed? Was my dream true? Did that light blind me? Yes! It has to be like that... My train of thought was interrupted by a new presence. I couldn’t feel it before... it wasn’t there a moment before...like the entity from before. It wanted me to see and feel it’s presence. Forcing my eyes to open I gazed through a misty look around me. It was bright... very bright all around me. And it hurt my eyes to the point I just wanted to shut them.

“Open your eyes.” – A soft voice spoke. All my attention was immediately focused on that voices point of origin. “It’s ok now... you can open them.” The voice spoke again. It was a girls voice. I was sure of that. Her tone was cheerful but at the same time strict like it didn’t want any objections or questions. My sight was recovering slowly and now I could see her standing in front of me. She couldn’t be older than 12 or 13. Long black hair was hiding her white face...which was smiling to me. I was surprised seeing this. But more than that something was familiar in her smile... I just didn’t know what. Her blue dress was a bit torn on the edges, but it was still very nice, not cheap at all. I could even distinguish the fine sutures on it that only reinforced my first conclusion. She was from high society... even her posture and manners suggested the same thing. Everything was becoming clearer and clearer as my sight fully came back and my thoughts settled. Her voice tone suggested she was used to being listened to and her blue eyes commanded strictness and kindness.

“Who... are.. you?” – My voice was barely hearable and just saying these few words made me cough hard. It was like I never used it before...or did I? I have no recollection of it.

“Do you want to play a game?” – she responded to my question with a question of her own. What game? This isn’t the time for games... what should I do? I didn’t know what to say but I could feel she was waiting for some sort of a response. “What kind of game?” – it was the only thing I managed to think of in this state. At least it bought me some time until I can figure out what to do next.

“What kind of game...? Ummmm... I don’t know” – a puzzled look covered her face as she raised her finger to her mouth and looked up to the ceiling in wonder. As I followed her look up I noticed something I haven’t before. The ceiling and the side walls were all made from the same wood as the floor. Is this...Am I inside that box??This was something I couldn’t even imagine before. Still in some weird way it all made sense... time and space were bent in this place... wherever this was. Her voice snapped me back. “A game!” – this was her conclusion. Her face was still smiling, but her tone changed dramatically. I froze. Even her look was fixed on me like if it was forcing me to respond instantly. This wasn’t a question! It was a command. Looking at her I simply responded “Ok...”. Suddenly I felt better like if I made the right decision. Once again I felt relieved. The little girl was also smiling with familiar warmth. Who is she? I asked myself again. There was something about her... as if I knew her... Arrghhh my head is killing me each time I want to remember something... The girl approached me reaching for my right hand and finally holding it she said “You must promise me something first.” She looked up to me with a sad face as if these were the last moments we spend together. Like she will never see me again. Her blue eyes were pleading me to accept. “Ok... what is it?” – I asked her while kneeling down in front of her so I could see her face more clearly. I had a strange feeling about this. Again, something is about to change dramatically, but this time I didn’t want this change. It felt nice here... it felt...like home. Yes, it felt like home. A home I couldn’t remember and a family I couldn’t embrace.

“Please find the ones that killed me.” – her words pierced my soul like a cold steel dagger. My whole world shattered in a moment and words just couldn’t come out of my mouth. I could feel a tear running down my cheek as my sight began to blur again. No! I don’t want to go! Please! Let me stay a little longer! My whole soul was shouting but nothing could be heard. As darkness  was slowly engulfing  me again I could feel her hand squeezing mine in a gesture that only meant she didn’t want to let go. I was crying with my entire soul. My pain and sorrow were endless. I lost her! I lost her again!

Chapter Two – Second chance

My whole body was numb and I could barely feel anything. I was lying on the ground face down, dust covering my face and filling my mouth and nose to the point I was chocking. Coughing was a natural reaction that followed... spitting out all the dust I took a deep breath as if it was my first. No strength was left in my body but I managed to turn my head and rested my cheek against the ground. The calm breeze caressed my hair...oh this feels good...but where am I? What is this place? As my eyes were searching for anything familiar, anything that would mean something to me, I remembered the little girl. Sadness filled my heart instantly but I didn’t know why I was feeling like this. Why did she have such an impact on me? I didn’t know. I hope she’s all right. I promised her...and I will keep my word! A rush of adrenaline flood my body. Get up! I have to get up! Rolling on to my back took some effort, but I was slowly recovering my strength. The sky was painted in a beautiful blue color with a few white clouds spread over it. Seagulls were roaming the skies in search of food and their voices echoed throughout the shore. It was a beautiful day. It was my second birthday...

Finally I managed to sit up straight. Looking down at myself I could see that my clothes were torn severely. My shirt was missing its right sleeve and it had holes all over it. My pants were in no better condition – they were ripped in a few places, but it didn’t matter. I looked up only to see the vast sea in front of me. I have been lying near the edge of a cliff over the sea... its smell filled my nostrils and I took another deep breath, only this time I wasn’t fighting for it. It was slow and long, taking in all the fragrances the sea was offering... the aroma, the sun, moist, salt ... it was all mixed in a flawless balance. This was the first time I enjoyed something. A smile was shaping on my face as I enjoyed the sight. The waves were clashing against the cliffs creating a mighty symphony. I was standing up on my two feet now, enjoying this festival of colors, sounds and sensations that were curing my soul. I looked down at my fists as I clenched them. It is time... my journey begins now and I will follow this path set before me even if it cost me my life. No more doubts were left in me, I knew what I have to do. I have a mission now, a purpose for my life deprived of memories. I will find out who took that little girls life and I will find out who I was.

The small path I was following was leading me to an old cabin in the middle of nowhere. Who in the world would want to live here? But whoever it was, he or she could tell me where I am. Maybe I could even find some clues for my quest... The cabin itself looked really old, made entirely of wood. It had 2 small windows and a small balcony which overlooked the sea. There were signs that no one was living inside...the window shuts were either hanging barely or lying down on the floor. The front porch had a few holes in it and the door was slightly open. I reached out to push the door but I stopped for a moment. What if someone lives inside, however improbable that is? What am I supposed to say? “Hello there, I don’t know who I am or where I’m going, but can you tell me where I am now?” It sounded crazy even to me. Still, I had no choice. It was either this or wandering outside for who knows how long.  I pushed the door and entered the wood cabin.

As the door opened I realized I was worrying for no reason. There was no one inside except me. The whole room was covered in a thick layer of dust and the air felt a bit heavier than outside. The dust on the floor was undisturbed which meant no one entered this place for a long time. Still this place was hiding some secrets. An old desk was right in front of me with some books on top of it and a quill. It was a working desk... for a writer? I took a few steps forward and searched the desk with my eyes. Dust was covering most of the papers that were laying around in no particular order. Intrigued, I picked up a paper and blew away the dust in order to find out what was on it. The small dust cloud that I created made me sneeze. There was nothing on the paper but a few names... of plants? Ingredients? This looks like some sort of list... it doesn’t help at all. My eyes began to discover other parts of the cabin. A book shelf! Maps and parchments! There were plenty of stuff in this place and some of them could be even useful. Swiftly I reached for the nearest scroll of old parchment. It was in a pretty decent shape, but when I opened it the strong odor of moist overwhelmed me. It was a map... of some land I couldn’t recognize. Searching for my possible location, my finger was sliding across the map... Marind Bell, Loreroot, Golemus Golemicarum, Necrovion, No Man’s Land... none of these names rang a bell in my head.  Of course they are unfamiliar... I can’t remember a thing. Still, I was a bit disappointed as I expected of finding something that I could relate to. Continuing my search I came across an old pair of pants and shoes. At least they are in a better shape than mine – my thoughts as I put them on. They were a bit big, but in the current situation they surely beat walking barefoot.  All the other stuff was useless to me... at least for now. I couldn’t understand any of the books on the shelf or the scrolls with some sorts of ingredients. Finally I inspected the cabin once more before leaving...  didn’t want to forget anything I might use later on. I secured the map I found earlier in my pocket and stepped out from the door.

The sun was slowly setting over the sea and the warm touch of the last sunrays caressed my face. I walked for over 5 hours and made around 7 miles. My exhaustion was returning and my feet felt heavier and heavier. Maybe it was a mistake not spending the night in that cabin. At least I had a roof over my head. Thinking of the roof I looked up to the sky. I could already see the first few stars at the far east. A huge mountain was in that direction that gave away an eerie feeling. That place gives me the creeps. What was it called again... Necrovion? That is a place I don’t want to visit for now. The surroundings looked like a desert, sand and dust everywhere. There was some grass and short bushes, but it was all yellow form the draught they were suffering. I was already thirsty and the landscape made me want water even more. I suppose finding a well will be next to impossible here.

The night was slowly crawling up on me and every inch of my body was screaming for rest. There is a windmill just up ahead...maybe I could find shelter there. I need to rest or I will collapse...and God knows what kind of creatures lurk around here... My pace got a bit faster. The windmill wasn’t that far ahead and it’s shape was dimmed by the dusk, but still clearly visible. On the left side of the road there was a small abandoned house with windows and the door barred with planks. It looked abandoned for ages... the wood was rotten and it was barely standing together. For some reason it gave me the chills... maybe it was because that awful mountain was behind it in the distance. I looked the other way and focused on the windmill which was maybe half a mile away from me now. By the time I reached it, there was just enough light to see inside. The door opened with a loud squealing noise that could awake the dead. Shivers run down my spine from the sound. The inside of the windmill also looked abandoned. Broken baskets, wooden boxes and an old press... all covered with a think layer of dust that proved the fact no one used it for quite some time. I was too tired to explore the whole structure and decided to rest on a half-full bag of flour that someone forgot to take. It looks like someone lefts in a hurry. I just hope I can get a decent night of sleep.With that final thought I fell asleep.

It was freezing cold. You might say even unnatural. The wind was howling outside and that old door was making unbearable sounds. My sleep was defiantly interrupted. I was shaking... but it wasn’t from the cold air... something was different from the time I fell asleep. All around me was pitch black and I couldn’t see anything. My eyes were hurting while I was trying to adjust to the darkness. Some kind of noise... what is that? Then it struck me like a lightning bolt.  I'm not alone...