Rifted
Rifted
Episode 1
you
SPEAKER_06:If I say no, will you go away? Leaving? Any idea where my shirt is? Fine. If you find it, keep it. It's probably ruined anyway. I can hear you talking. Then stop listening! Good morning. Not yet. I'm tired. Shit. Where's my hat? And your shirt? But I wasn't going to say anything.
SPEAKER_05:Can you two go talk somewhere? Officer Norton! I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was you. Not a problem. Good morning. Did you need something from me?
SPEAKER_06:No, just... He's here for me. And we're leaving. Well, have a good morning. What's his name? None of your business. No, not? I'm only asking because I can't remember it. I wasn't trying to pry. Right, because you remember the name of every Dravara grunt you encounter. Well, I certainly try.
SPEAKER_07:Huh.
SPEAKER_06:Once you've collected your things, you can meet me outside the stables. Patrol. That's why I came to find you.
SPEAKER_01:I need a shirt.
SPEAKER_06:Excuse me? A shirt, Daniel. I need a damn shirt. Anyway, I'll be there in a minute. Don't be too long. I'll get the horses. And don't forget... Your coat. Your coat.
SPEAKER_01:Snow blanketed the frozen branches of trees that stretched towards the pale, overcast sky. I
SPEAKER_06:don't really need you to check up on me, you know. You didn't show up for patrol this morning. I had to do something. Will you just be careful, please? I don't want you getting in trouble. Of all the things I do regularly, sleeping with strangers isn't going to be the one to kill me. Whoa. Do you see that over there?
SPEAKER_01:Snow blanketed the frozen branches of trees that stretched towards the pale, overcast sky.
SPEAKER_06:No, no, no. Get back on the horse. Relax. There hasn't been sightings in months. Actually, three weeks ago to be exact. And last time there was a sighting, someone was killed. I, for one... Would love to remain alive for the next few months. I didn't know you were in such a hurry to get out of here. I'm... not, really. But that's not the point. Come on. Five years. What? In five years, the entire time I've been here, I've never seen one. Have you? A few times, yes. Last time I saw one... Its head was on a spike. Aurora, don't look at me like that. Come on. People hunt animals all the time. It's not a person or something. Would you do that to your horse? What? I... Okay, enough. We're done with this conversation. What are you looking for, anyway? It's a fire pit. We're the first patrol out here, aren't we? To my knowledge, yes. Why? Then it's not a Dravara fire, is it? Aurora, is this really... No horse tracks either. No boot prints other than mine. I don't think we should be here anymore. Get back to your horse. Giving orders now? We both know that doesn't work. Please. Something's been here. Yes! And we should leave here before it comes back. Why does it matter to you anyway? Curious is all. Isn't that enough for you? Get back here. Now. In a minute. Something's spooking them. Please, let's get going. Calm down. Here we go. Cavalry arrives.
SPEAKER_00:Sirs, we were sent to call back patrols.
SPEAKER_06:Is something
SPEAKER_00:wrong? No, sir. Not currently. It's precautionary, that's all.
SPEAKER_06:Paranoia, then. Well, in that case, piss off. This was just getting interesting. What he means to say is that we'll be right there. No. Fully meant it. Don't speak for me. Don't know why he's acting that way. Sigh. Thank you for riding out here. Do you have to be a complete ass to everyone? I'm not. I'm begging you. Please, don't start anything. We only have a few months left. And then, finally, we're out of here. Just... avoid pissing anyone off until then, okay? I get it. Be nice. I'm not an ass to you, see? One person is a start. You are an ass to me. But for some reason I choose to deal with it. Now you're just being spiteful. In fact, I think I hate you more often than not. Spiteful. Good morning, Officer Norton. Excuse me, Officer Norton. Oh, sorry. I don't think I'm quite awake yet. Did you say something? Were you here in place of the madame? Yes, but she should be back tomorrow if you're needing something. I came down here to tell you that the classes are called off, sir. The storm last night collapsed part of the roof in one of the barracks. Was anyone hurt? No, sir. It scared some of the new recruits pretty good, but I don't think anyone was hurt. Is there something else? Well, yes. I was hoping if you weren't busy or something, you could help me with
SPEAKER_01:something even if we don't have classes today, sir.
SPEAKER_06:What do you need help with? I want to send a letter home. A short one. Are you asking me to write it for you? Don't know how to spell the words, sir. Right. Well, what do you want me to say? Tell them...
SPEAKER_01:Ah, tell them I said I'm hoping I can visit soon. I've been doing extra work. Good things, you know. Um, say that I miss them all. My sisters, too. I don't... I... I don't know what else to say in a letter,
SPEAKER_06:sir. What's your name? Ben, sir. Knew an officer. The chief officer before myself with that name. What do you do? Are you a stable boy? A patrolman? Oh, no. I'm just a cook, sir. I don't do anything brave. Well, the Jervara need food, don't we? I, um... I don't really want to tell them that I'm a cook, sir. Could you, um... Could you tell them that I've gone on patrols? I have. I swear, sir, I really have. Turning this into a proper novel now. I'm sorry, sir. You don't have to write anything else. Just say I'll come back when I can. I'll come back soon, okay? You can write your name, can't you? I think you should sign it. Oh, um, right. Thank you. Very much, sir. Anything else I can help you with? I really should be getting back. Could you write? When you got here, I mean. No, I couldn't. I didn't know how to do much of anything. But I think most of us don't come here knowing much. Now, I should be getting back. I have a letter to bring to a friend of mine. And I suppose I'll find something else to do after that. Thank you, sir. Have a good morning. Thought I locked that. You're lucky I wasn't doing something scandalous, Daniel. Well, appreciate the restraint, then. Letter for you. You said that. Just put it with the others. Do you ever read them? Why does that matter to you? Well, I can get rid of them if you want. That's why I'm asking. That pile takes up the whole corner of the room. Where would you put them? Don't suppose you have a corner to spare? Burn them? Absolutely not. I can take care of it. I'll get rid of them. She sends them to me too occasionally. Not as often, but I could read them for you if it's easier. No, just... I'll handle it. Was that all you needed? Yes, that was it. I should get going anyway.
UNKNOWN:Hmm...
SPEAKER_06:Are you feeling alright? I can stay if- I'm fine, Daniel. Well, I have a couple letters to drop off. Will I see you tomorrow for patrols? Aurora? What's wrong with them? The letters? Nothing. Something just doesn't sit with me. Take your leave, Chief Officer Norton. Right. Try to keep out of trouble, then. I'll see you tomorrow.
SPEAKER_01:The inn was unusually full that day.
SPEAKER_03:You're brooding.
SPEAKER_06:I'm not brooding. I'm thinking. It's very different.
SPEAKER_03:What's wrong? I
SPEAKER_06:don't like him.
SPEAKER_03:He seems nice enough. Why not? You don't even know him.
SPEAKER_06:You don't know him either. So who says either
SPEAKER_03:of us are right? Since you showed up, I haven't had to do any of his chores myself. Come on, Roar. Can't I have a little fun? Silas, come here a second. We're settling a score. We are not. Daniel, the new kid. Opinions?
SPEAKER_06:He's fine.
SPEAKER_03:See? Way to gang
SPEAKER_06:up on me, you two.
SPEAKER_03:Speaking of chores, don't you have work to be doing?
SPEAKER_06:I'm resting.
SPEAKER_03:Well, you've been resting for over an hour now, haven't you?
SPEAKER_06:Uh...
SPEAKER_03:You know, menacing boys from afar isn't the way to get them to like you.
SPEAKER_06:What would you know about that anyway? All done then. I thought he was supposed to be sweeping. He is. Don't speak to me like I'm not here. None of your business when I get my work done, anyway, is it? I'm sorry. Guess it's not. I wasn't starting anything.
SPEAKER_03:Play nice, boys. Silas is supposed to help me in the garden. Isn't that right?
UNKNOWN:Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_06:Don't
SPEAKER_03:leave
SPEAKER_06:me alone with him. I can help you if you'd like. I don't mind. I'll handle it. I was just resting my leg. Is something wrong with it? Not anymore, no. What happened? Got hurt when Aurora
SPEAKER_01:snapped the broom handle upwards suddenly, clipping Daniel's jaw, and the other boy stumbled backwards in surprise. A pearl of blood beaded on his Daniel's. Slipping between his fingers and landing on the wood floor in a fat, ruddy spatter.
SPEAKER_06:Are you insane? I
SPEAKER_01:didn't mean...
SPEAKER_06:What's wrong with you? We could be friends, you know? We're both runaways.
SPEAKER_02:That's calm. Everyone, get on your way. Just past five, innit? Closing up shop early. Seems I gotta have a chat with a couple of my boys.
SPEAKER_05:Makes
SPEAKER_07:it all. Gone
SPEAKER_03:five minutes and you've already chased everyone off? Roar!
SPEAKER_06:It wasn't me. This time... I... It's not about the bickering.
SPEAKER_05:Daniel... There are certain things around here we don't say. You do know what kind of trouble we'd be in if they knew who you were, don't you?
SPEAKER_06:Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_05:Not just you, but all four of you. You're my kids,
SPEAKER_06:and that's the
SPEAKER_05:end of it. Anyone asks, and that's the only thing you ever say.
SPEAKER_06:I understand. It won't happen again, I swear.
SPEAKER_05:Good. Liz, do me a favor and keep your brothers in line while I head out for a bit. Mail is in, and I'm expecting some letters.
SPEAKER_03:You got it, old Jack. Won't cross me, or they'll get a quick kick in the ass.
SPEAKER_05:Boy, that's enough out of you. Be good.
SPEAKER_06:Did you just call your father by his name?
SPEAKER_03:Well, guess no one told you. He's not my father. At least, not by blood.
SPEAKER_06:Well, straight.
SPEAKER_03:Adopted is the nicer way of saying that.
SPEAKER_06:I assumed you and Silas were, just because, well, you're both Southern and Jackson is very obviously Brunish.
SPEAKER_03:Ooh, that reminds me. Got it, Roar. Found your hat.
SPEAKER_06:Please, not the hat again. A
SPEAKER_03:present from his dear sister. Ah, brother mine, why must you keep stashing it away? Now get sweeping.
SPEAKER_06:Now get sweeping.
SPEAKER_03:And no more fighting.
SPEAKER_06:You're insane. Why? I've worked my way up to this rank and I want to keep it. I won't stay for too long. A year or so at most. Believe it or not, I actually like my job, Aurora. No one actually likes it here. You're leaving then? The day my sentence is up, I'll be gone before the sun has even risen. Where will you go? We... I didn't realize there was a we, Daniel. I'm not staying any longer than I have to. You can stay here forever if you want. But if I can say this, there's been one thing that's bothering me about our sentence. What's bothering you, then? Do you remember when the Dravara came for us? Somewhat. I shall... Listen... We both know what happened. I don't want you to blame yourself again. Don't interrupt me. I was sentenced to six years for... You know why. But all you did was run. Aurora, what are you getting at? You didn't hurt anyone. We should drop this. Strange, isn't it?
SPEAKER_01:The ground was still clear up ahead where the fire pit had been blown over by snow. Aurora rode forward, pulling to a halt beside the ruins of the campsite and dismounting. Something was different this time. Not this again. Sir,
SPEAKER_06:should we... Right back to the stronghold. I'll return in a moment with Aurora. Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_01:Daniel dismounted to join him, impatiently reaching for the pistol at his side.
SPEAKER_06:Patrolling means walking by to check for a breach and not follow tracks into the forest. You're the one who's so good with words. You should know that. Aurora, come on. Haven't you seen enough? You said so yourself. There's nothing here. Those could be anything. Bullshit! As your superior, I command you to stop. Aurora, I'm serious! Perhaps they'll kill me, Daniel. Wouldn't that ease your burden? A blessing is what it would be.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora turned around again and started off along the trail that led off into the trees, growing fainter with every step. His eyes darted around frantically the moment the dravana disappeared behind a dip in the terrain.
SPEAKER_06:Aurora! Aurora! Come back!
SPEAKER_01:The trail ended at the base of a tree, drawing his eyes upward until they settled over a cluster of broken branches high above him.
SPEAKER_06:Daniel? All right. Made your point. I won't touch it. I'm unarmed. I've been curious for a long time about what you are. I want to request a quick death if you're as savage as they say. Surely that's reasonable. If you're planning on killing me, I'd rather you get on with it. I have nothing to lose. Go ahead. No one will be left alone. It's better that I'm the one to die than someone who actually has a life, right? That's dramatic, isn't it?
SPEAKER_01:Aurora reached into his jacket, ignoring the growl, but stopped when he held the compass by his chain.
SPEAKER_06:See this? It gave me my name. Do you have a name? My name is Aurora. Oh, growling, snarling, huffing and chirping. What's next? Do you sing?
UNKNOWN:Aurora.
SPEAKER_06:What did you say?
SPEAKER_01:Aurora swallowed, lowering his hand and slipping the compass back into his pocket. He turned then, eyes closing and bracing himself for the snarl to return. Cracking an eye open, he saw that the creature, or whatever had been there, was gone. leaving behind only a trail of massive footprints that mirrored the ones from before.
SPEAKER_06:Daniels
SPEAKER_01:shrugged and Aurora walked shakily towards his horse, not waiting for another response. He climbed into the saddle. Sitting down heavily, and watching as Daniel came up to stand at his side.
SPEAKER_06:What happened to you? Later. Why later? I said later. Please, Daniel. You're not hurt, are you? No. You know you can trust me, right? I said we'd talk about it later. You can talk to me. Trust isn't the issue here. Then what's the issue? Later. Just later.
SPEAKER_01:They were smart. She could tell that, even from a distance, and even from where she stood back and watching. Clumsy, she thought, but they all seemed to have a basic understanding of what they were supposed to be doing. But recruits were always like that until they learned enough to keep themselves out of danger.
SPEAKER_04:Your arm needs to be steady, or you're going to miss your target no matter how close you are. Yes, ma'am. Again, then? If you will, please. Well, it wouldn't have been anything close to a clean kill, but you would have bought yourself time, and that is still very important in situations where you don't have a clean exit. Oh, good morning, ma'am. I didn't realise you were watching us today. Recruits, take a few minutes to yourselves. Just a few. Have you shot before? No, ma'am. I just got here. Well, if I can offer any advice. Keep both of your eyes open. Thank you, ma'am. I can't see too well, but I'll try that next time. Don't let them push you around, my dear. But join the others for a moment, won't you? Yes, ma'am. They're promising, don't you think? I do. Have they been out of the walls yet? I would think that all the new recruits should be shown... Was there something you needed, Mum? It's not that I mind the chatting, but I've got plenty of new ones to deal with. I came to see them, that's all. I worry about the new recruits when something happens. Something happens? I didn't hear about anything happening. Oh, it was horribly minor, but it still worries me. A few of my men claimed to have been attacked, but, well, none were injured. I wonder if it was just the wolves again. They get bolder when the winter's fully set in. I'm sure you know all about that.
SPEAKER_01:She smiled briefly, reaching up to run a hand over the still intact head that peeked over one shoulder, stopping when she came back to the bullet hole, one that hadn't been mended. Almost directly in the middle of its head.
SPEAKER_04:I'm pleased with how centered that shot was, all things considered. Was there anything else, ma'am? That was all. Do keep an eye on them when you do take them out of the walls. I trust your judgments, but I thought it best to warn you. Of course. Thank you, ma'am. Wolves. Excuse me, ma'am? I'm sure that's all it was. Yes, ma'am. Of course.
SPEAKER_06:Isn't it boring out here? Don't you get tired of being by yourself? Or is it just that you like being the lone wolf? The mysterious one that the women swoon over? Is that it? Swoon all they want. I'm not interested. Can I help you with something or are you just bored enough to bother me? Are you offering? No. How did you get up here? I climbed. Same as you. Can you please come down? Why should I? You made your point by climbing up here. You like being alone, and you hate anyone. No. I hate anyone who doesn't leave me alone. Speaking of... You can growl and glare all you want, but I've known you long enough to know when something's wrong.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora's hand hovered over the compass in his pocket, hesitating, not wanting to bring it out into open air.
SPEAKER_06:Aurora? Did you say something? No, but I was going to ask if you were alright. You acted like you'd seen your own ghost earlier. I was cornered by something. Something? I don't know. I don't know what it was. But there was growling, and the longer I stood there, the more it... Aurora, I don't understand. It didn't seem like I was going to die. I don't know why, but... But I started talking, and it was quiet when I was speaking, like it was listening. Wolves wander close to patrols all the time. It could have just been a very polite wolf. Wolves don't speak,
SPEAKER_01:Daniel. shifting nervously behind him when Aurora shuffled the toes of his boots over the ledge.
SPEAKER_06:Come away from there. You're making me nervous.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora felt Daniel's hand grab his, tugging backwards long enough to get him away from the ledge before Aurora snatched away, glaring.
SPEAKER_06:What did you mean by that? By what? You said wolves don't speak. Did it... say something? Why don't we get down from here? It's cold. Can the rift creatures speak? I wouldn't know. No one has ever been stupid enough to ask
SPEAKER_07:them.
SPEAKER_06:Have you considered maybe you were just afraid? Fear is a very powerful thing. It was just an animal, Aurora. You were afraid. I thought of that. But I'm not afraid of what's in those woods. I know I heard it. There's no shame in fear. Anyone with half a brain is afraid of something. Anyone with no fear is mad, or worse. I must have forgotten. The fearless Aurora isn't afraid of anything, not even death. I don't know if you've realized it, but you are human, Aurora. It's only human to be afraid of something, and I'll be the first to admit, I'm afraid of plenty of things. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Aurora
SPEAKER_01:barely paid any mind to what Daniel said as he turned and stepped over the ledge on the opposite side. He slid down the sloping part leaving Daniel alone on top of the gateway as he made his way down to the base. Where are you going? Daniel tailed after him less than gracefully, landing flat on his backside before scrambling to his feet to follow.
SPEAKER_06:I need a drink. You don't drink. Why? Do you think that's going to stop me from doing anything?
SPEAKER_02:Don't think I've seen you in here. Special occasion, is it?
SPEAKER_06:An ale here, please. One for each of us. Are you in charge of patrols tomorrow? No. Why? Then we are going somewhere.
SPEAKER_02:I didn't get your name, son.
SPEAKER_06:I... I don't like talking. Darren, please. Another for my friend.
SPEAKER_02:You got it. You two are leaving soon, aren't you?
SPEAKER_06:A few months left on her sentences, yes.
SPEAKER_02:Is he alright?
SPEAKER_06:He's fine. How about you? Your sentence ended a while ago, didn't it? It
SPEAKER_02:did, about ten years ago. I'll be shipping out soon. My sister and her family offered me a place to stay while I squared away some place of my own. She's a bit older and has a place a little south of where I grew up. Take it easy.
SPEAKER_06:Piss off.
SPEAKER_01:Say it
SPEAKER_06:again.
SPEAKER_01:Daniel's head snapped upwards at the voice, drawing his attention away from the first conversation in a while that didn't involve being sworn at by Aurora for some reason or the other. He didn't see him, despite the obvious hat. until someone was thrown over a table, tumbling sideways and landing in a heap on the other side. Somehow, as impossible as it seemed, the hat landed beside him as he pushed himself up, spitting and then wiping his mouth. However, or the questionable amount of ale he'd consumed, Aurora didn't make it far before he was grabbed and hauled backwards.
SPEAKER_05:He's drunk. Get him out
SPEAKER_01:of here before he hurts someone. Daniel waited until they were outside before he let go, watching as Aurora went stumbling to the snow. I
SPEAKER_06:didn't need you to save me. How much have you had to drink?
SPEAKER_01:Aurora looked up then, placing his hat back on his head and coming staggering to his feet.
SPEAKER_06:Apparently, not enough. Mm-hmm. His face
SPEAKER_01:flushed hot and Daniel pulled away from Aurora's hold on his scarf, opening the door and tugging a stumbling Aurora in with him. It was dark, lit only by a lantern he'd left burning on a desk.
SPEAKER_06:I have an extra blanket. You can sleep on the floor. We'll find your key in the morning, alright? Are you alright? It's cold in here. Then why are you taking off your shirt if it's cold? I'm not entirely sure. Look at me. Go. To. Sleep. Do you want something to sleep in? No. Usually just sleep in the nude. Absolutely not on my floor you don't. Aurora, please go to sleep. Are you sleeping? I know you won't remember this tomorrow. If it's important, I'll try my best. Could you try not to start any trouble? We're so close. Try? Sure. No promises. I can still hear that. Aurora? I don't envy you in the morning. Aurora, get up.
SPEAKER_01:His eyes snapped open, knees buckling the moment he tried scrambling to his feet to face the speaking figure. With a groan of the feet, he slid back down again against the wall, squinting against the light that burned his eyes and sent his throbbing head spinning. Did you hear me? Get
SPEAKER_06:up. Daniel? Daniel
SPEAKER_01:threw his hands in the air. Aurora blinked up at him, rubbing his head and reaching for the hat that somehow was still beside him despite the night that had been spent in a shambling stupor. Daniel was still in the same place, same expression, and same annoyance twisting in his eyes. He looked behind Daniel, spotting his horse, a flighty brute of a stallion that for some reason he couldn't comprehend in that very moment, was already tacked.
SPEAKER_06:Am I bleeding? My head is killing me. You're not bleeding. Can you stand? Yes. Are you sure? How did I get here? You staggered, I guess. And that was after you spent a while in the hall picking fights. I understand your point right now. But I really don't need more of a punishment. I don't drink. I can see why you don't. Did you tack him for me? Didn't you say we were going somewhere? I'm curious now. Do you remember anything? Nothing? Why? I didn't hurt anyone, did I? Just get on your horse and meet me outside. Where are we going again? You tell me.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora grunted, tugging at his horse's reins and leading the animal from the stall after him. The stallion shoved against the back with his nose and Aurora nearly went sprawling to the ground, his already compromised balance almost failing him. He whipped around abruptly, watching as the horse's head snapped up with a harsh snort.
SPEAKER_06:Enough with that! I'm in no mood for this! Stop yelling at the horse and come on!
SPEAKER_01:If he thought the light inside the stables was bright, he vastly regretted having opened his eyes at all when he stepped out into the courtyard. He squinted, trying to focus on Daniel, who was already astride his horse, and staring down at him scornfully even still. Do you want some water?
SPEAKER_06:No. Where exactly are we going? You'll see in a moment. Aurora, where are we going?
SPEAKER_01:Aurora turned to ride up a ridgeline, spurring his horse along up the incline with Daniel cantering along just behind him. A whinny split the air as he slowed his horse, dismounting once again before the horse had completely stopped. Daniel swerved to avoid him before he circled back quickly. What are you doing? The tracks weren't familiar. Cloven hooves.
SPEAKER_06:It's just stacks. Nothing to worry about. They don't normally travel over the rift, do they? Well, no. Just like another creature we're both thinking of.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora climbed back into the saddle, taking off again before Daniel could have the chance to respond. The two rode onward, weaving between the ever-thinning trees until the land began to flatten and the trees disappeared entirely. They burst from the woods, horses' boats screaming out a whinny as it finally came into view.
SPEAKER_06:We shouldn't be here. I... get back on the horse. I have to know, Daniel. It doesn't make any sense, does it? What are you talking about? Something is wrong. Don't you understand that? What you're suggesting is suicide. We aren't even supposed to be out this far and crossing it. I should be dead already, Daniel. How many times have you seen one of them? We've been here for almost six years and I've never seen anything more than footprints. There's something wrong here. If you cross that bridge, you will die. I won't watch you do that. I'm not asking you to watch, but I'm going over there. I only ask that you wait for me to come back. Stop! That's an order. As your superior, I have the power to stop you. Fix it all, Daniel. This isn't your decision. I won't watch you walk to your death. I already said you don't have to watch. Please! If I keep on walking, how do you intend on stopping me? Are you going to shoot me? Kill me? Now, Daniel, that seems a little counterproductive, does it not? I never said... I never said I would kill you. Just have to stop you from walking away. Oh, that's cruel. Even for you, my dear friend. That's just plain cruel. It's less cruel than letting your best friend die when you know you could stop it! Take another vexing step, and I'll shoot you! I swear! I'll do it! My, you really are angry, aren't you?
SPEAKER_01:Daniel's hand dropped slowly, eyes filling with hopelessness. that siphoned away any anger that had been there before. Aurora took the hat from his head and swept it downward in a bow.
SPEAKER_06:If I'm not back before nightfall, go back to the stronghold. Less than six months. I know. Did you consider that maybe the creature found something better to eat? It left you alone once, but that doesn't mean it'll happen again. Walking straight into their territory is the worst idea you've ever had. I'm only asking that you think about this.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora ignored him, taking a step out onto the bridge that spanned the great chasm. Despite how light he was compared to tons of icy stone, seemed to rumble beneath him.
SPEAKER_06:Fantastic. You told them to follow us. Nothing they can do will stop me. What are you talking about?
SPEAKER_01:Aurora watched as the horses fled, nostrils flaring and hooves lashing out at the air as they buckled and charged off into the trees.
SPEAKER_06:Fuck. Aurora! We need to go!
SPEAKER_01:Horses, he assumed, were the source of the sound he'd heard before but he had been far from correct. the stags, feathered hooves, lashing and tusks, a horrifying sight on their own, clicking as their mouths opened in a drawn-out bellow. They circled, riding around the two while grunts and growls erupted from the mouths of their riders. It was Daniel's turn to freeze and Aurora started watching as one of them drew a bow, stringing an arrow and pulling back.
SPEAKER_06:Run when I say, understand? We're done for! Drop your weapon. Why? They calmed down when I did it last time. Are you insane? Quite possibly.
SPEAKER_01:Their eyes, the only thing visible beneath their garbs, flashed warningly.
SPEAKER_06:No weapons and no bloodshed. I came in search of answers and brought my friend along with me. The other day, one of you spared my life. I just want to know why. I... I'm not part of this. Whatever he's done to upset you has nothing to do with me. Giving me up already? Thank you for remaining my loyal friend, Daniel. You have no idea how wonderful it is to know that you would give your life for mine. Everything is going to be all right. This is your fault! Goddesses, sometimes I hate you. I don't want to die. Being torn to shreds by a Rift Beast has to be one of the worst ways to go. We don't want to fight. We'll leave you all in peace.
SPEAKER_01:Aurora let go of Daniel, stepping forward cautiously only for one of them to dismount and begin pacing in front of him, eyed glinting with primeval light.
SPEAKER_06:Daniel, are you still with me? Yes. I want you to run when I tell you to. I can distract them. The instant
SPEAKER_01:he burst forward, he was stopped by a pain at the back of his neck, a sharp sting like the bite of an insect existing in a place that was far too cold for that to be possible. He skid to a stop in surprise, slapping a hand over his neck and pulling away to find a feathered dart in his hand.
SPEAKER_07:Shit!
SPEAKER_06:Oh, come on! That's... all you can do? It
SPEAKER_01:was you, wasn't it? The creature eyeing him blinked. Wasn't it? Aurora couldn't tell if the figure nodded or if the jerk of his head was simply one last illusion before everything faded.