The Infinite Road to Kataal (Preface and Prologue)

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Preface:

I have lived a thousand lives. I have started wars, ended them, and lived to regret my part. I have mastered tongues of old, even twice come back from the Brink; I have loved and lost, laughed and lamented.

Still it is not enough.

The infinite road to Kataal stretches on, the fabled city elusive. In all likelihood, the rumors of the Land of the Undying are nothing more than that—rumors. Phantom words conjured by conniving Sovereigns intent on seeing another Chaser rush off to their death in search of everlasting life. But there is a weight carried by stories built upon a seed of truth that is not present in fables of pure fiction.

No, I believe—I know—that Kataal is real. I know I will find myself there, at the end of the road, even if it takes me another thousand lives.

Then, finally, I’ll see her again. Her words still carry me on my way, bolstering me through each stumble, supporting my tired legs as they wobble through errant steps and confident missteps.

The same three words pulling me up time and time again by the nape of my neck, saving me from myself and the Kiss of Chaos:

Persist, my Love.

Prologue:

Waves crash against the cliffs below as I peer over the edge. They’re insistent, powerful things that seek to break down the rocks beneath me—eroding the foundation I stood upon, such that it is. Can you ever truly build upon a foundation of lies, though?

I turn and take in the throne room, admiring in the gaudy thing, all marble and jewels, lamenting that I’ve sat within it for the last time.

Perhaps I should thank the Gods. The throne is truly the most uncomfortable thing I have ever sat in and that includes the time Silas knocked me on my ass into a bed of spear leaves.

I sigh, knowing he’s coming soon to deliver me the news. As the waves batter my position from the back, the Sovereign (the real one, not the one I am pretending to be) and his men are closing the space before me.

Trouble ahead, trouble behind. Chaos all around. Such is the life I’ve chosen.

Chaos reigns entirely over my life. And perhaps it’s my own fault after all. Perhaps I have not truly saved myself from the Brink as I had thought. Perhaps I am lost after all and simply existing within a dream. But then why are they coming for me? No, I’ve saved myself from that fate, though only to find myself mired in another that is arguably worse. Is it all a cruel joke? Are the Gods laughing alongside Chaos? Is it true that there’s no demarcation between them?

Have I used the entirety of my luck? Am I finally to face the music? Or is it simply the fate of all Adventurers?

I look north to where the horizon taunts me, a looming phantom appearing from under the storm clouds. A bright flash of crimson illuminates the clouds as a roar rents the air.

The door swings open behind me, startling me from my reverie. I know who it is, know the news that’s to follow even before he says it. I look back to the horizon… gone. No, it had never been there. It’s not real, and I am a fool for seeking it out. She is well and truly gone. I have to accept that.

I have a lot to accept.

I sigh. “I suppose all our fun must eventually come to an end, must it not?”

“There is still joy left to be had, so long as we know where to look for it, eh?” Silas saunters up beside me, my lithe friend looking out over the ocean with me. His face is somber, dark eyes under darker features and clouds that are darker still. The levity in his words does not reach his face.

I turn to him then, not knowing how to express my appreciation for all he has done for me. Not wanting to say goodbye. “I fear we have taken more than our fills for one lifetime. We cannot pay our debts back…”

Silas smiles. “But we sure as hell won’t let them collect.”

I return his smile and clasp his arm. “Farewell, Silas. Take care of yourself.”

Silas shakes his head. “I had a bet with Wrenn there would be tears.”

I laugh. “Give her my best.”

From outside the door, the rote, militaristic march resounds through the lower levels of the castle. I know it's time, but how do you say goodbye? Not just to your friend, but to your whole way of life? To yourself and your identity?

I peer down at the roiling ocean, stomach sinking. “You’re sure our men are out there?”

Silas peers over the edge as well, keeping all his weight in his back foot. “No. But it sure would be a more exciting end than the gallows.”

“Oh the life of an Adventurer.” I take a step up onto the sill of the window, casting one last look back as the doors begin to bang inward. “Chaos Alive, I hate heights.”

Before I can think better of it, Silas pushes me out of the window, sending me plummeting to where the ocean promises to swallow me below.