When Eray opened his eyes, he saw blurred silhouettes.
Three figures were standing over him. All three were tall and armored.
His vision slowly cleared.
They were human… no. Not human.Their ears were long. Their faces flawless, but cold.
The figure at the front stole Eray's breath.
Because of her beauty.And because of the pure danger she radiated.
She was a woman. Eray had never seen such beauty on Earth or in any other dimension he had served in.
She wore silver plate armor that followed her body closely, elegant yet clearly functional. Engraved runes glowed blue across the metal. A thin, graceful sword hung at her waist.
Her long, platinum-colored hair flowed in the wind. Her face was smooth, as if carved from marble.
But her eyes…
Blood-red.
There was not a trace of mercy in them. She looked at Eray the way a hunter looks at prey.
One of the soldiers beside her pressed a spear to Eray's throat.
"Filthy human," the soldier said in the Elven tongue. Eray's translator was not working, but the disgust in the tone was clear.
Eray shook his head to show that he did not understand.
The soldier tensed, ready to drive the spear forward.
"Stop," the woman said.
Her voice was sharp and clear, like crystal glasses shattering. She spoke in the Common Tongue.
She leaned toward Eray. With her armored glove, she grabbed his chin and roughly turned his face toward hers.
"This armor…" she said, examining the exo-suit."Crude junk… but…"
Her gaze shifted to the dead beast beside him. The massive Stone Breaker lay there with its neck twisted, yet there were no sword or blade marks on its body.
The woman looked back into Eray's eyes.
For the first time, a spark of curiosity appeared in those cold crimson eyes.
"You did not kill that thing with a blade," she said."There is a trace of magic. Dark magic."Her lips curved slightly. "Since when did humans…"
Eray tried to speak, but only a rough sound escaped his throat.
The woman smiled.
But it was not a warm smile.
"A mage," she said, turning to her soldiers."And a mage with iron toys. A rare piece."
Then she looked back at Eray.
"Which master do you belong to, human?"
Eray could not answer. His mind was spinning.
"Princess Velira," one of the soldiers said."We should kill him and take his armor. This human could be a servant of a powerful lord. He may cause trouble."
Princess Velira placed her hand on Eray's bloodstained chest armor.
"No," she said calmly.
"Killing him would be too easy. I want him alive."
She leaned closer. Their faces were inches apart. Eray could smell her scent, a mix of lavender and metal.
"You can hear me, can't you, little soldier?" Velira said mockingly."You're lucky today. I'm sparing your life."
She straightened and turned away.
"Bind him. We're taking him to the camp. You know my father enjoys new toys."
"And if he resists?" a soldier asked.
Velira glanced back over her shoulder. Eray's consciousness was fading.
"If he resists," the Princess said indifferently,"cut off his legs. I only need him to talk and cast magic. He doesn't need to walk."
With those words as the last thing he heard, Eray sank into darkness.
The Raiders had sent him to die.
Instead, he had fallen into something far worse than death.