Free Erebos by Ursula Poznanski Page A

once more without a destination in mind. He longs for the music, or voices, but there is only the night wind’s light breeze, and . . . a distant rushing sound. This time he doesn’t hesitate to follow the sound and it’s not long before he comes upon a river that glows a completely unnatural light blue colour in the night landscape. Sarius looks around for a fire. Without a fire there’s no conversation, and without conversation there’s no information. He could kindle one himself – after all, he has the ability. Perhaps the fire would attract someone, and they could talk. Sarius is almost bursting with unspoken questions. Then he remembers that Sapujapu only lit his fire after the messenger with the yellow eyes granted permission. Better not break any rules.
    He walks for a long time, until he thinks he sees a gleam of light some distance away. His initial delight is mingled with trepidation. Sarius alone in the heathland feels very vulnerable to attack. He draws his sword, but immediately feels ridiculous and puts it away again. Each step seems to betray him by its loudness.
    When the fire comes into view, he sighs with relief. The scene appears peaceful. There are only two figures standing in the flickering light: a dark elf and a vampire. He doesn’t know either of them.
    â€˜Hi. Is there room for one more?’
    The dark elf, whose name is Xohoo, shifts aside.
    â€˜Of course. Even for a One. What’s your name – Sarius? Shit, that reminds me of Latin.’
    â€˜Don’t mention the world outside Erebos,’ the vampire, whose name is Drizzel, warns him. ‘Otherwise you’ll get your knuckles rapped so hard by the messenger that you won’t be able to hold a sword any more.’
    Drizzel. Sarius has come across the name before, he just can’t recall where. He looks at the glowing blue river thoughtfully. ‘Tell me, can I ask you guys something?’
    Drizzel bares his fangs.
    â€˜Sure. And then we’ll think about whether we give you an answer.’ Sarius considers carefully before he puts his question.
    â€˜How come you can see that I’m a One, but I can’t see your level?’
    It’s Xohoo who answers.
    â€˜Because we’re more advanced than you. You only ever see the levels of those weaker than you.’
    â€˜So when I’m a Two, I’ll be able to recognise the Ones?’
    â€˜Exactly.’
    Finally – some useful information. Feeling pleased, Sarius follows up with his next question.
    â€˜How do I become a Two? I can’t see my points anywhere, or a progress bar.’
    â€˜That’s not how it works. You have to wait until he thinks you’re ready.’
    â€˜He?’
    No further answer is forthcoming from Xohoo, which pleases Drizzel.
    â€˜Good, you’re finally shutting up. You know perfectly well that we’re not supposed to blab so much.’
    â€˜But I haven’t given any secrets away,’ Xohoo defends himself. Steps can be heard in the background. A barbarian joins the small group. She’s much taller than Sarius, but her tiny skirt is ludicrously short over her muscle-packed thighs. She carries an enormous axe over her shoulder. Sarius checks out her name: Tyrania. That’s very telling.
    â€˜It’s dead boring around here,’ she states in greeting. ‘Don’t we have a quest?’
    â€˜No. Can’t you tell?’ Xohoo answers.
    â€˜Okay, anyone feel like a duel?’ Tyrania takes the axe off her shoulder and whips it around in a semi-circle, barely missing Sarius’s chest.
    Drizzel has nothing but scorn for her suggestion. ‘Are you daft? We’re not in the city here, let alone in the Arena! Anyway – me, fight a duel with a barbarian? I’d have to be as thick in the head as your lot. Go start a fight with one of those other muscle-bound idiots. One of these days you’ll figure out that life energy doesn’t