Shadow Zone

As soon as Jason's eyes adjusted to the light, he found himself surrounded by stone walls. Wherever he was, it was fairly wide. It had about the amount same space as the small oasis he had been resting in earlier on.

Instinct urged Jason to draw his sword, and he never doubted his instinct. The red light buzzed to life, yet it was not enough to overcome the darkness. Somehow the room was not totally dark; he could still see his hands when he held them in front of him. Readying himself, Jason crouched low, not wanting to accidentally trip over anything.

Experience told him that the room was booby-trapped, but as he began to recall what he had been doing just a few moments before, he let himself relax a little. This might just be a test from Elfin after all. Or maybe it the elf mage had been kidnapped, and his nappers had laid some sort of magical trap in the manshion. Jason could not help but feel stupid as his knowledge of magical arts was very limited.

A sharp sound, like metal nails dragged along a stone wall, pierced Jason so suddenly that the dragon slayer dropped his sword. Big mistake. No sooner had the sound stopped that a shadowy figure appeared from behind Jason, hitting him hard on the back. Jason fell, cursing.

Rolling over to pick up his sword, Jason jumped back up, summoning the red light to give him a quick look at his opponent.

It had green, greasy hair, falling all over its dark face. Its eyes were white with insane bloodlust and its jaws hung open, revealing a set of pointed yellow teeth. The two points on each of its ears were unmistakable; it was a fully-grown goblin.

The creature jumped atop Jason once more, but the swift man ducked aside before the goblin could land. Jason quickly brought his blade into position, ready for a finishing swipe. The dazed goblin got up, trying to shake its concussion away.

That was all Jason needed. With one fine stab, he let the searing light of his enchanted blade burn through the heart of his enemy. The goblin gave a sharp, defeated cry before toppling backwards onto the stone floor. Jason retrieved his sword.

Suddenly a violent tremor shook the room, causing the unprepared Jason to fall back. A quick step backwards prevented him from crashing onto the ground.

"Argh!" A stone had fallen from the ceiling, knocking Jason out.

*** *** ***

The first things he saw were those emerald eyes. Jason groaned and clutched his head, a loud throbbing ringing inside it.

"Jason Pendragon, famous bounty hunter and dragon slayer. Known for his superb combat skills and almost perfect balance. Age, eighteen. Goal: Revenge."

Jason sat up slowly, his ears buzzing.

"Yeah. Looks like you've done your research Elfin. Not many know about my purpose in life."

Elfin raised his eyebrows, saying, "Is is not the famous Pendragon family that died in the revolution against Lord Griephon?"

Jason nodded. He stood up, ignoring the pain.

"Then is it not the son who should seek revenge against the one who murdered his parents, leaving him an orphan for ten full years?"

Jason nodded once more. This time he was fighting back memories. And tears.

"Tell me your purpose in seeking me then," said Elfin, his eyes sparkling, his voice lowered.

Jason breathed in deeply before replying, "I've come to ask for your help. I know...know your loved ones died under Griephon's hands as well...I thought... " But Jason's head was still ringing. Suddenly he remembered the stone room and the ugly goblin. He wanted to ask how he got there and back. He opened his mouth to speak.

"You have passed my test," spoke Elfin, as if reading his thoughts. "I will be glad to go with you, Jason."

Jason tried to smile, but merely fainted.