Jake, still dazed, tried to make sense of what had just been said, “The rules? What rules?” His aggressor sighed, taking in the extent of the damage to the young man’s body. He shifted his grip and lifted Jake over his shoulder. “Come on, boy, we have to move.”

  He set off at a brisk pace into the forest. As Jake swung over the giant’s shoulder, his body complained about the rough treatment. At last, my Prince Charming fantasy is coming true, he thought. The giant marched relentlessly, pausing occasionally to close his eyes and listen to some unseen call. Meanwhile, the young man drifted in and out of consciousness. Gradually, as the forest light faded and shadows lengthened, Jake's blurry awareness slipped away, surrendering to the dim embrace of dusk.

  When he finally woke, he found himself leaning against a tree, his face throbbing. He gently prodded his damaged skin. Nothing broken. They had set camp in a small clearing. A meager fire, reduced to glowing embers, smoldered before him. Behind, two blue eyes watched him thoughtfully. The giant sat cross-legged, studying Jake like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

  After a few moments of silent contemplation, Jake finally said dryly, “Thank you for saving me. Do you have some ice by any chance?” Without breaking his thoughtful gaze, the man nodded toward a nearby branch, where a piece of raw meat lay. Without a word, Jake took it and savored the slight relief the cool meat offered his blackened eye. Jake returned the unwavering gaze. King of silence? That’s my favorite game. You’ll regret challenging me!

  Night had almost fallen when the man’s gruff voice broke the silence: “You don’t know the rules. You barely seem to know what you’re doing… You’re untrained…” None of those were questions, so Jake remained silent. I won, 1-1, big man.

  The warrior’s intense gaze bore into Jake's eyes as he asked, “Who are your parents, boy? Where does your power come from?” Annoyed, Jake snapped, “What do you care about my parents? You piece of—” But his words died in his throat as the giant’s gaze turned cold and angry. “Manners, boy, manners…” The warning in his tone was unmistakable. Jake averted his gaze and muttered, “My name’s Jake. I don’t know my parents. It’s just me.” He hoped his quiet admission went unheard. After a while, the gruff voice answered, “Gareth. Now sleep, boy, we’ll talk tomorrow.” Staring into the night, he added as an afterthought, “I need to think about what to do with you.”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Jake awoke to the smell of sausages and eggs, his stomach rumbling. “Eat, boy,” said Gareth. While Jake ate slowly, each mouthful a reminder of yesterday’s punishment, the giant began to talk. “You’re a mystery, and you’re in danger.” He got up and started pacing the clearing. “I can’t tell you everything; that would be reckless. But I can’t leave you completely in the dark either; that would be dangerous.” Dangerous? As long as strangers don't start attacking me.

  The warrior stopped and locked eyes with Jake. “Going in and out of the mist, that’s called phasing.” He moved closer. “Usually, strong users come from strong families.” Staring intently at Jake’s face, he added, “You do look familiar…” Gareth pondered for a while, then whispered, “Could it be? Are you his…?”

  His eyes snapped back into focus. “Only one way to know for sure.” Jake had kept silent, mainly because his mouth was full. As he finished his meal, he asked, “You do realize that nothing you say makes much sense, don’t you? Where does this power come from? Why is it dangerous? Why did you come after me? And how do I use it more effectively?”

  Gareth raised his hands. “Slow down, boy.” He scratched the side of his head and added, “I’ll help you…” Jake enjoyed the relief he felt hearing those words. Help from a crazy man? I’ll take it. As if he could hear Jake’s thoughts, the crazy man grinned and added, “... But you’ll have to choose.”

  Jake sighed. Why did nothing ever come simply? Gareth continued, clearly enjoying the moment. He theatrically held up one finger and, in a booming voice, announced, “Choice number one: I’ll share with you all my knowledge about this power; you’ll know its history and the factions involved.” He paused for dramatic effect before taking a deep breath, holding a second finger, and continued: “Choice number two: I’ll teach you to use this power to its full extent.”

  Jake smiled. That was an easy choice. He could figure out the theory on his own. After all, rival bands competing for power weren’t much different from what he’d known as a thief in a world of crime. Taking a deep breath and summoning a convincing air of humility, he bowed his head. “Please, teach me how to use it.”

  Gareth nodded, then boomed, “You’ve chosen.” He hit his chest with his fist, sealing the deal. “I’ll teach you.”

  After a few seconds of silence, Jake looked up expectantly, “So, how does it work?” Gareth’s expression shifted several times. He opened and closed his mouth, scratched his chin, and finally answered, “I’m not really sure.”

  Jake put his head in his hands and moaned.