{"id":4020,"date":"1983-07-12T00:01:45","date_gmt":"1983-07-12T04:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=4020"},"modified":"2016-08-08T15:43:55","modified_gmt":"2016-08-08T19:43:55","slug":"arise-first-chapter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/arise-first-chapter\/","title":{"rendered":"Arise, First Chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arise
\nA Tale by Michael DeAngelo
\nChapter One: Versali-Virai<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ship bobbed on the ocean, and Vandelas found himself gripping the rail on the deck even harder.\u00a0 He watched as the foam was cast off the side of the vessel, his face gone just as pale.\u00a0 He closed his eyes then, and wished for the discomfort to subside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not thinking of giving up, are you?\u201d a familiar voice asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese eyes aren\u2019t closed to help me move back to Aven\u2019adiel,\u201d he insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m trying my best not to be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClosing your eyes won\u2019t help with that,\u201d his companion assured him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s your mind that is the problem.\u00a0 There\u2019s a separation there.\u00a0 It can\u2019t make sense of the motion.\u00a0 The only way to feel better is to be on dry land again\u2014or to trick your mind that you\u2019re flat on your feet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do I do that exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it were a bright day, I\u2019d suggest looking far into the horizon.\u00a0 Since the moon isn\u2019t offering us very much light, maybe you can focus there instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vandelas blinked away his discomfort, and directed his gaze to where his friend pointed.\u00a0 There, in the distance, he saw the red lights of the city on the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about.\u00a0 By the time the sun crests over the eastern waves, I believe we\u2019ll be in the harbor.\u00a0 And a few coins richer for it.\u00a0 Most people have to pay for a voyage like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least if we did run into trouble, it would have distracted me from\u2026 all this.\u201d\u00a0 He lurched over the rail again, and waited for the taste in his mouth to summon up the contents from his stomach.\u00a0 \u201cLeave me here, Maravek.\u00a0 When the sun rises, you\u2019ll know where to find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maravek clapped his friend on his back.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be there sooner than you know,\u201d he assured.\u00a0 The man left the elf there to nurse his sickness.\u00a0 He made his way instead toward the helm, where his employer scanned the distance.\u00a0 He rose up the steps and nodded to the captain at the wheel before he came up alongside the burly fellow who felt the sea mist on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe trip went better than I expected,\u201d Maravek offered.\u00a0 \u201cWe made good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, that we did.\u00a0 A favorable wind was behind us the whole time.\u00a0 You sure you\u2019re not with the League?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I had been, wouldn\u2019t I have charged you more, Silas?\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to hide a grin, the merchant clapped his employer on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cThat you would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen,\u201d Maravek said.\u00a0 \u201cRegarding payment\u2026 why don\u2019t you just hold onto my cut?\u00a0 We didn\u2019t run into any trouble, and I was only interested in the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silas furrowed his brow then.\u00a0 \u201cYou may outlive me, my friend, but we all need money.\u00a0 Hiring a crew to protect us from those damned pirates is worth the coin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u00a0 But there were no pirates this time, and I spent so much time caring for my friend that I wasn\u2019t able to work the riggings or sails.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we port, we could use a hand unloading the goods.\u00a0 That is, if you don\u2019t need to prop up your elven friend there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we come ashore, I suspect he\u2019ll only remain for a moments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink the heat\u2019ll break him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maravek shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, he\u2019s too stubborn for that.\u00a0 But he has a few tricks up his sleeves to help him accustom to land again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see about that.\u00a0 Even you had a hard time getting back to normal the first time you sailed from home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I did,\u201d Maravek said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to gather our belongings.\u00a0 It seems we\u2019ll be there sooner than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u00a0 Go and get your knife and your stick,\u201d Silas teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have been thankful for that knife and that stick fi we had run into those pirates!\u201d<\/p>\n

Silas let out a large belly laugh that Maravek was sure would have woken some of the crew below deck.\u00a0 The man walked down the steps, keeping his eyes on the hold all the while\u2014even as Vandelas expelled the small meal that filled his belly.<\/p>\n

Maravek couldn\u2019t help chortling at that unfortunate sight, as his friend lay back upon the rail.\u00a0 The grin subsided almost as quickly as it arrived though.\u00a0 That was more rest than many in the great city before them could boast.\u00a0 He only hoped he was not too late.<\/p>\n

One of the crew pushed up on that metal grate before he arrived there, but he caught it as they passed.\u00a0 The sailor clapped him on the shoulder before going on his way.<\/p>\n

The passenger was used to such gestures.\u00a0 He had served his fair share of time on the Lancer<\/em> before, and he had earned his keep in the throes of battle, or by using the other gift he had\u2014the one that had earned him the name Dreamwalker.<\/p>\n

As he crept to his designated spot, he msued that just for a short while, he wouldn\u2019t mind being called Dream-haver.\u00a0 For the duration of the trek across Draconis with Vandelas, he had stayed awake.\u00a0 He was, after all, the one who knew where they were going.\u00a0 A brief rest at the port of Ferah\u2019s Mill did little to offer reverie before Silas arrived in the harbor with the Lancer<\/em>.\u00a0 And when they were aboard, he knew his elven companion would be of no use in a skirmish.\u00a0 It was best to stay awake.<\/p>\n

All the better, he supposed.\u00a0 He was able to enter and manipulate dreams with greater ease when he was fatigued.\u00a0 And if the rumors were true, Versali-Virai had quite a need for his talents.<\/p>\n

He sat at his bunk, a plain little slot against the bow.\u00a0 His belongings were on the floor there, or sitting upon the top of a sturdy barrel.\u00a0 His heavier clothes were folded there\u2014the heat of Versali-Virai\u2019s surroundings would bid him wear something a bit more comfortable.\u00a0 As he placed those unneeded clothes in his pack, his eyes fell upon the one other item that meant something to him.<\/p>\n

Maravek lifted the pendant, a leather cord pressed through a fine steel arrowhead.\u00a0 He clutched it in his hand for a moment, leaving it above his pack.\u00a0 After some hesitation, he cinched it around his neck instead.<\/p>\n

If he couldn\u2019t sleep and find reverie, perhaps he could find solace in a daydream.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

As the Lancer<\/em> dropped anchor, Maravek ventured out onto the deck once more.\u00a0 The bright sun of northern Lustra shone down upon those blue waters, and upon the ship and all who toiled to bring it in line with the pier.\u00a0 The Dreamwalker couldn\u2019t help smiling at the scenario that unfolded topside.<\/p>\n

While the crew worked the riggings and the sails, they danced around the tortured elf, who still seemed afflicted with a pallid shade of green.\u00a0 He was barked at and ushered from one location to the next in order to keep him clear of the men at work.<\/p>\n

Vandelas nearly barked back when he felt another hand upon his shoulder.\u00a0 Maravek stood there though, with a more sympathetic gaze upon hi face.<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain to me your gift once more,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have to stand upon a place to reach it again, or is simply seeing it well enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI must only make eye contact,\u201d the weary elf confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maravek pointed toward the end of the dock.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where you\u2019ll meet me at this time tomorrow.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you head home?\u00a0 Let the other elves of Aven\u2019adiel know you\u2019ve arrived here safely.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure they\u2019d be happy to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Vandelas said.\u00a0 \u201cI told you I would stand by your side to keep you protected from the waking dangers.\u00a0 I can\u2019t very well do that from across the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n

A warm smile was already upon Maravek\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re useless to me like this.\u00a0 You can\u2019t even stand!\u00a0 Go back to the forest and sleep it off.\u00a0 Tomorrow, you\u2019ll remember what it feels like to be on dry land.\u201d\u00a0 When the elf opened his mouth to protest, the Dreamwalker put up his ahnds.\u00a0 \u201cGo on.\u00a0 Before you wobble off the gangplank and end up in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vandelas took in a deep breath, and nodded at last.\u00a0 He turned to port and let his gaze settle upon that area just beyond the pier.\u00a0 Then, at once, a swirl of air picked up the bits of dust and debris that had settled on the deck.\u00a0 Like a clear curtain sweeping over him, the elf faded into obscurity until he was no longer there at all.\u00a0 Other members of the crew who were not as deeply involved in their tasks whispered or muttered under their breath at that queer sight.<\/p>\n

Alone, Maravek walked back toward the cabin, and he was interrupted by Silas.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally done watching for the ol\u2019 infantry, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make a sailor of him yet,\u201d came Maravek\u2019s cheery reply.<\/p>\n

Silas clapped him on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cOptimistic as always.\u00a0 But optimism won\u2019t move crates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I better stretch my back instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve more important things to do,\u201d the merchant captain said.\u00a0 He held out his opposite hand, and dumped a collection of coins into Maravek\u2019s palm.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve always done well by us in the past.\u00a0 And every time we\u2019ve made port with you aboard, it\u2019s been good fortune for us.\u00a0 Whether you believe it or not, you\u2019ve earned your keep.\u201d<\/p>\n

A wide smile was upon Maravek\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for your kindness, Silas.\u00a0 I\u2019m eager for when we meet next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye.\u00a0 Now get going before one of my lads complains of a sore back and I change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dreamwalker gave a bow before clapping his friend on the shoulder.\u00a0 When he drew from the merchant, Silas barked orders at his crew, seeing to it that the cargo was unloaded with haste and care.<\/p>\n

As those orders sank beneath the waves of words on those piers, Maravek took the opportunity to scrutinize the people of Versali-Virai.\u00a0 On the docks, energy and vigor seemed to be the norm.\u00a0 Those sailors who moved goods seemed eager to complete their duties.\u00a0 Various captains were stern, but calculated with commands.<\/p>\n

When Maravek set his sights on the dockhands though\u2014those who lived in the city, and not aboard seafaring vessels\u2014he saw something else entirely.\u00a0 Bloodshot eyes could barely remain open, and when they did, they lacked focus.\u00a0 The dreamwalker let his gaze move from one downtrodden soul to the next, but never spoke to any of them.<\/p>\n

Instead, he kept the various paths in front of him.\u00a0 Walking with purpose and the confidence of someone who had trekked through the city\u2019s streets many times, Maravek kept an even pace, the people of the city always in his peripheral vision.<\/p>\n

After making his way beneath an archway, he arrived in the city\u2019s market district.\u00a0 Adobe buildings and tents were densely packed together, and people crowded each of them.\u00a0 Maravek flipped a coin from his hand into the basket behind one of those stalls.\u00a0 A spin away from the merchant and their many patrons saw the dreamwalker with a juicy mango in his hands, all without the hassle of waiting to be served.<\/p>\n

He proceeded east through the bazaar, only stopping for a brief moment to appreciate the splendor of the mighty statue that was erected at its center.\u00a0 That effigy of a hero from a time long past\u2014a minotaur that saved the city from one thing or another, if memory served Maravek\u2014had seen better days.\u00a0 Flecks of stone had flecked off of it in various places, and its once pristine color had turned into a dusky grey.\u00a0 Birds perched on its shoulders, and the dais that raised it up.<\/p>\n

Not an ideal way to be remembered<\/em>, Maravek thought.\u00a0 But what do I know?\u00a0 I\u2019ve never earned myself a statue.<\/em><\/p>\n

With the hustle and bustle of the market behind him, the dreamwalker kept to his easterly direction.\u00a0 Passing beneath another arch, he arrived in one of the city\u2019s poorer districts.\u00a0 Those residents looked off than any he had seen, though he was unable to distinguish if it was due to horrible nightmares, or if it was just their lot in life that left them appearing so wretched.<\/p>\n

It was nothing worth considering the, he reasoned.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help everyone fight through poverty, but if it was brought about by terrors that came to them at night, he would do everything he could to rid them of their demons.<\/p>\n

Still, the thoughts did invade his mind, long enough for him to realize he had reached his destination.\u00a0 So distracted by the plight of the people, he couldn\u2019t remember making the conscious decision to turn north.\u00a0 Yet there he stood, in front of the door to the Rusty Key.<\/p>\n

He wasted little time venturing inside the dreary place.\u00a0 Its splintered wood and grimy windows did not paint the place as habitable, let alone hospitable.\u00a0 But when he arrived inside, he suddenly felt a weight lift off of him.<\/p>\n

The bartender, a skinny fellow with tattoos covering all of his visible skin, looked up from the well drinks, and made eye contact with the surprising patron.\u00a0 He arched an eyebrow for a moment before reaching an epiphany, and when he did, he pointed a finger toward Maravek.<\/p>\n

With a smile on his face, the dreamwalker waited there as the man raced around the bar, and out to see his visitor.\u00a0 The bartender ran so fast it seemed he would collide with the guest.\u00a0 He stopped just short though, and threw his arms out wide.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaravek, my friend.\u00a0 It\u2019s been too long.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think it could be you.\u00a0 You don\u2019t look like you\u2019ve aged a day.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled his guest into a fierce embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Enzo,\u201d the dreamwalker replied as they separated.\u00a0 \u201cYou look completely different than when I last saw you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just a boy.\u00a0 But you helped me find peace.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t had a problem since.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m grateful for that.\u00a0 Sometimes I find that a most powerful nightmare finds a way to resurface.\u201d\u00a0 He took a beat then, and placed his hand on the younger fellow\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI was sorry to hear about your father.\u00a0 Saul was a good man.\u00a0 I regret that I was not able to see him one last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enzo bobbed his head and averted his gaze.\u00a0 \u201cLife goes on for some of us,\u201d he finally offered.\u00a0 \u201cBut, that life is not pleasant for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk about what plagues them so.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bartender nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou still drink whisky on ice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remembered my drink?\u201d Maravek asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my drink,\u201d Enzo replied.\u00a0 He poured two glasses, and passed one to his esteemed guest.\u00a0 \u201cA toast, my friend: to the better days that are bound to be ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dreamwalker clinked his glass against the other, and took a sip of the drink.\u00a0 He furrowed his brow and looked at the contents, nodding satisfaction.\u00a0 \u201cThis is good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch too good for an establishment such as this,\u201d Enzo jested.\u00a0 \u201cAfter Father passed, I decided to try and make a better place out of this.\u00a0 The deck is stacked against me\u2014the location isn\u2019t the greatest\u2014but there\u2019s been some noticeable changes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say your stay should be more enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maravek smiled and took another swig of his whisky.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s talk about how to make life more enjoyable for the others who live here,\u201d he said after his lips smacked together.\u00a0 \u201cTell me everything you know about these nightmares.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enzo shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot much to tell other than people are having a hard time.\u00a0 They\u2019re sleeping less, complaining more\u2014you see them in the streets walking about like zombies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny particular place in the city its more prevalent?\u00a0 Any people more affected than others?\u00a0 Men?\u00a0 Women? \u00a0Children?\u00a0 How long has this been going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo long, my friend.\u00a0 Maybe three months already.\u00a0 I\u2019m happy you were able to get here so soon.\u00a0 My only regret is that it wasn\u2019t soon enough.\u00a0 These nightmares claimed their first victim only last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone has<\/em> died from them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bartender nodded.\u00a0 \u201cOld man Wylas\u2014a retired fishmonger.\u00a0 Some say he was just meant to go, that it was time alone that got to him.\u00a0 His daughter believes otherwise though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis daughter?\u00a0 Did she live with him?\u201d he asked as he rose from his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, you\u2019re going now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s more than just speculation, I have to.\u00a0 If the nightmares are killing people now, we may be running out of time.\u00a0 Could you point me out to the home of this Wylas?\u201d<\/p>\n

Enzo circled around the counter, and gulped down the last of his whisky.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take you there myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your tavern?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bartender clapped his old friend on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cThere are bigger problems in Versali-Virai.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Arise A Tale by Michael DeAngelo Chapter One: Versali-Virai   The ship bobbed on the ocean, and Vandelas found himself gripping the rail on the deck even harder.\u00a0 He watched as the foam was cast off the side of the vessel, his face gone just as pale.\u00a0 He closed his eyes then, and wished for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-12Q","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4020"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4020"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4021,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4020\/revisions\/4021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}