[IRP] Return to the Dread Isle

[Andy]

So, boy, thou seeketh power?

Tiras opened his "eyes" in the visionscape of his mind. He was shrouded in darkness, but in that darkness, he saw a large shape. No colors, but he could tell he wasn't alone. The shape appeared like unto a throne, and upon it sat a regal, feminine shape. He couldn't see clearly, though her question reverberated through him. Only one thing was on his mind, however.

"Who are you?"

One with a great deal of power to give. But is power what thou seeketh?

Tiras didn't need to think about his answer. His being was enveloped by his growing frustration and hate. "Yes. Everything was taken from me. Even with everything I know and had, everything I was taught, I couldn't protect anyone. My father's likely dead on my account, my mother and sisters are probably on the streets, my master is dead, and now I'm stuck on a deserted island infested with abominations and working with people I don't know very well, some of whom I can't trust! I must pay those bastards back. For that, I need power. I will have power!"

... The figure shifted, but it was too dark to tell how. He felt like he was being scrutinized.

"What is it?" he asked, feeling anxious the longer the silence went on. A few moments more, and there was another shift. The feeling of scrutiny went away.

Thou art lacking the strength necessary to accept mine own. However, thou carriest a source, and there is another I wouldst guide thee to. Follow the hidden path northeast. Thou wilt find her in yon Dragon's Library. She calleth out for thee.

"She?" Tiras asked the dark spirit, perplexed. "She who? What library? What source?"

"Sir Tiras..." A distant voice called to him. Tiras turned and looked up and saw a light in the darkness, shining..., shining... "...you mustn't..."

His head throbbed in sudden agony, and with a groan, the squire in green armor awoke. He hefted the halberd up, using it as a balance to pull himself slowly, slowly to his feet. Renata stood by him, and everything looked fine in the field. No glittering eyes, no figures he couldn't recognize. There was a burning fire in front of Raye, but it was slowly burning itself out. The grass was moist, and mixed smoke and steam rose from the flames, but could not obscure her silhouette. Lennox was nowhere to be seen, but Tiras was certain he was alive. He was too big and strong to let himself die in this place.

The squire raised his visor and immediately took a deep breath through his nose, before asking, "Is everyone alive? Are you alright?"