The Gardens

I am led out of my cage. He stares coldly down at me from his throne. Candles light the room, flickering within the many skulls carefully carved out for the purpose.
I meet his gaze, unflinching. He may be their master but he is not mine. I stifle a yawn, and his eyes narrow dangerously, perhaps he senses my indifference to him.
“You will walk in The Gardens,” he says.
I bow, stiffly, showing my obedience.
“Take him,” he orders the two skeleton guards.
The chain around my neck is pulled sharply and I stumble forwards. The skeletons creak as they walk. They take me down a damp smelling corridor, and through a black door.

We are outside. The sky is dark purple and the stars look cold. I shiver slightly. The atmosphere is oppressive, and I find myself wishing I was back inside my cage.
The skeleton to my right points to a greenish glow in the distance.
“Go there,” he growls.
I have no choice but to obey. I know that cruel Phantom-Birds stalk the skies and will quickly put an end to any attempts of escape.

The Gardens are not as pleasant as they may sound. They are a maze of Nightmares and ghouls, Doom-Bearers and Doctors. The Doctors are dead men covered in blood, still holding the belief that they have a job to do. If they catch you they will try to Help you. Helping is trying to pull out your teeth, or removing your tongue. The Gardens are a wicked place but if you manage to return with a Trophy you are granted freedom.

I start heading in the direction of the green glow. I have heard that it is a Poisoned Pond. There are many of those in this land and best to be avoided. They live up to their name.
This journey will take me days. I know whilst I walk and search, the sky will never lighten.
Instead it will grow darker, making it harder and harder for me to see. The only light I have comes from the moon. It is growing colder, and I wrap my cape around me tighter, and grip my small dagger tightly. Suddenly, I hear a sound from behind me. I turn and see a beautiful Snow-Dwarf looking up at me. These creatures have long white hair and bright green eyes, and they are Rebels. Once they served the Dark Master, but he treated them so harshly they turned against him.
They suffered as a consequence, and many were slaughtered, but the remaining ones are full of wisdom and determination. It is quite rare to see a Snow-Dwarf, and I kneel down so I am at eye level with her.
“I bring news, Caged one,” she whispers, “The Gardens are more dangerous than usual.
The Dark Master senses your skills and the fire that burns in your heart. He has made this challenge even harder for you. The Trophies are hidden deep within the ground. You will need great courage to succeed. I have for you a sword.
Treat it well and speak to it as though it were a friend, it will reward you with great gifts.”
The Snow-Dwarf looks deep into my eyes.
“We are all relying on you, Sir,” and then she melts to the ground and is gone.

I stand up, slowly and study my sword. It is shining and seems to pull me to it. Close to my ear, it whispers to me, words that as of yet I do not understand, but I feel it’s potential and it strengthens me. I take a deep breath and walk forwards. The surrounding trees are like black, crooked hands, reaching up to the sky, and they murmur strange chants as I pass them by.

How I miss my faithful black horse, Duality and his awesome speed and intelligence. What wouldn’t I give to hear his hooves come pounding towards me, to carry me away back to my native land and my fair Lady Arcaseas who waits for me there.
I must accept my destiny and fulfil it. I must face the horrors of The Gardens, with a willing heart, otherwise I fear I will succumb to the path of failure like so many have before me.