Tales of Eleutheros

Daniel looked in awe as they entered a large, open area, somewhat like a massive stadium, but all the seating areas that surrounded the open center looked as though they were grown out of the ground. How do they do that? he thought. The odd bleachers were littered with many warriors in crimson cloaks, who observed hundreds of warriors in the center, who all wore black cloaks. There were what looked like stations of different combat techniques and executions; spears, swords, and various weaponry, all being used in different ways. Daniel noticed there were Dae warriors walking amongst the rest that wore dark yellow cloaks. They were carrying small batons and held themselves with an aura of authority. This was clearly a training field for their warrior caste.

Oros led the party into the open field of the training grounds, and as he walked, he explained what he could of the surroundings. “This is where our whelps come to practice their abilities.” Oros gestured to the mass of black-cloaked Dae. “They are observed by our warriors in the hopes of being chosen to join one of their squads. It isn’t easy for them, I assure you. Many of our squad leaders bid for some of the more talented whelps.”

Oros walked over to one of the whelps, grasping his black cloak and turning him about. The young Dae’s eyes widened with fear and shock.

“M-m-my Lord!” he said.

Oros gave him a small nod in acknowledgment but continued, “This young Dae is Norii. A fine example of the new generation of warriors.”

Norii bowed his head graciously to the party but held it for just a bit too long. Oros gave him a small nudge and a grunt, and the young Dae raised his head back up quickly.

Oros gestured his hand again to the surrounding stadium. “To many of us, this was our home. The sand under our boots is packed with the blood and sweat of Vul De Rah’s children, who honed and perfected the art of combat.”

Daniel looked down and saw the fine sand between his boots. Even here, he thought, even in a different world, strange and alien, even here there were warriors and conflicts. The thought brought a small bit of comfort. Even if it was a small one, at least there were some similarities. His thoughts turned dark for a moment, the smell of the sand bringing some of his mind back to the war he fought in the sands of the Middle East. He clenched his teeth together and shook it from his mind.

“Tonight, we dine in the hall of Lord Regios, the overseer of our warrior caste,” Oros said, patting Norii on the shoulder and leading the party further into the large stadium.

Daniel looked up to Oros, gaining his composure and clearing his throat. “Oros!” he said with less authority than he intended to muster. “Where do your people train with…” He paused for a moment, wondering how he should refer to the strange power they possessed. “…your magic?”

Oros’ face spread with a wide grin. “Ah, of course.” Without saying another word, he changed direction.

While walking through the stadium, Daniel had time to marvel at how large it was. Not necessarily tall, with massive walls and bleachers like the ones back home, but the field was vast, like several football fields side-by-side. His eyes studied the young trainees next. They had focus and discipline, bringing their weapons down and shouting. He then noticed the sweat that dripped down their faces. He noted another similarity the Dae shared with humans. They bleed, they sweat, they drink and eat. Obviously, they shared similar bodily functions. His mind began to wander again, but his eyes caught something large and looming before him. He looked up to see an enormous dome structure, made of what looked like stone. He blinked in disbelief; it was large and as smooth as marble. The daylight shined off its curved roof and sparkled strangely.

Oros turned to the group and opened one of two massive stone doors as smoothly as though it were light as a feather.

Daniel stood for a moment, not sure whether to proceed first or not. He noticed some of the Dae warriors around him, chuckling amongst each other. He looked at Robert and Katrina for a moment, only to see that they were already looking at him. It was clear they were waiting for him to make the first move. He sighed openly and pressed forward, walking through the large door and into the dome.