Chapter Five
By Untwisted

Reprinted with permission.
Added 07/20/2002.

Dajyrad awoke from his blissful sleep with a jump. Hovering over him was Dulcion, wide eyed and grinning. "Here are the potions Padre asked me to brew you!" said the alchemist giggling. "Moo!" he added, throwing Palyn a sideways glance. Clearly this man had spent too much time around potions and herbs, although he had kind eyes and a friendly smile... in an insane sort of way. "Baaaa!" bleated the man happily before leaving.

Chuckling to himself Dajyrad collected the box of flasks the man had left and moved them to the floor. Carefully chosing a flask Dajyrad uncorked it, making sure not to spill any. The fumes from the brew smelt strongly of honey, and seemed even in vapor form to restore Dajyrad's vigor. Gently corking the bottle and placing it back in the box Dajyrad noticed a potion unlike the others, in color and thickness. Removing it he also noticed a small scrap of parchment beneath, reading, "Do not uncork this one -- it's not meant to be consumed. Throw it at an enemy." Shrugging Dajyrad placed this potion back in the box, taking extra care not to disturb its contents too much.

After dawning a new tunic and leggings, Dajyrad ambled in to the morning sun, Palyn close behind. Turning to the east, and then the west Dajyrad tried to remember where the kitchen was, but was soon distracted by Dulcion perched atop the highest building with a bow in hand, and odd looking arrows. Carefully nocking an arrow the man drew the bow with all his might, and released. Across the oasis a loud BOOM resonated, followed by an insane cackle by the archer.

"Some uhhh, nice arrows you got there!" shouted Dajyrad to the alchemist.

Dulcion replied, "Aye, and you'll find that I..."

But he was interrupted by Dajyrad, "Yes I know, left me a little present with the other potions! I'll make sure to use it carefully! Might I ask which way the kitchen is?"

After a short series of directions, Dajyrad and Palyn found themselves in the kitchen. Dajyrad found plenty of things to eat. When he had finished cooking the drudge gut sausages, he portioned the meal out between Palyn and himself. Together they ate happily, they hadn't eaten well for well over two weeks now. Chewing each bite slowly, they made sure to relish the flavor and texture of the juicy sausages. When the meal was finally finished the duo was ready to get a bit of fresh air and relax.

Leaving the kitchen Dajyrad turned toward the forge where the sound of metal pounding metal radiated from. Upon arrival the two were recieved a nod from Mach Xin who was meticulously shaping a vicious looking spear head. "Padre's lookin for ya." said the crafter, without taking an eye from his work.

"Really, where is he?" said Dajyrad hesitantly.

"Check the armory." coughed the man, while waving a plume of smoke that had just risen away from his face.

"Comere!" said Padre, beckoning Dajyrad toward him. "I need to size you for some armor. By the way, do you prefer a lighter amuli, or a heavy celdon? The amuli will insulate and you from the elements better, but the celdon provides a much better armor level over all. Oh yes, the amuli is also a bit more manuverable in."

"Ummm, amuli I guess." answered Dajyrad.

After being fit for a suit of beautifully crafted amuli armor Dajyrad was sized for boots, plate gauntlets, and a helm.

"There," beamed Padre, "now you look like a warrior!"

Padre ushered Dajyrad to the back of the armory to a large door easily wide enough for three men to pass abreast. Giving the door a good shoulder, it swung open for Padre. Through the door was a small set of stairs leading to some sort of storage cellar, and a walled in field. Lining the side walls were training dummies of all shapes and sizes. Amongst the back wall were six archery butts, arrow shafts protruding from the otherwise well kept surfaces.

"This will be your home," spoke Padre, "from now until I deem you ready."

Dajyrad nodded slightly, and looked at Palyn who seemed perfectly happy in this plush grass.

"You will attack that." said Padre, pointing to a large dummy to his left.

"With what?" questioned Dajyrad.

"Your hands of course, your feet, hell use yer head, you wear a helm!" bellowed Padre enthusiastically. "The first thing you must learn is not to rely on your weapon."

Casually Dajyrad strolled up to the plush dummy. This could be a lifesized doll to some girl, and he felt silly for attacking it. Never the less, he let loose a barage of punches and kicks.

"Good good, I see that you have learned to fight unarmed." ranted Padre.

Dajyrad nodded, breathing heavily after his attack against the less then formidable opponent.

"Well until your spear is finished you may roam the area and relax. Your training will begin tomorrow I spose." Padre said, while leading Dajyrad back through the armory to the street.

Dajyrad removed his armor and lay it on his bed, opened his sack and rummaged through for a few moments before closing it and leaving the room. For the rest of the day, and even well after the moon was over head, Dajyrad and Palyn relaxed by the oasis. This place as odd as it may seem was beginning to feel like home.