Surrounded by Darkness

t was a warm, cloudy summer day. The heat was pressing, and the air humid. McBykar felt as if a heavy burden was lasting on his shoulders. He once again was visiting the Hedge Maze, to retreat to the lonely library and study in the ancient books of magery and arcane art. Everything was quiet in the center of the maze. No evil mage seemed to be around, who could prove the stories his father once had told him.

Curiously he lifted the iron bars, which blocked the door to the old building. The door swung open, and McBykar entered. In the corner of the room he found a dusty black robe, and an old wizard's hat. Both were in a strange black color. McBykar liked the looks of the clothing, and decided to test-wear it. It felt comfortable, but he somehow had the feeling that everything was getting darker with every step he took from that moment on. As he opened the door to the balcony, a strange sight awaited him:
Arranged in a circle stood eight rocks, a little flame dancing on each of them. In the middle of the stone circle a glowing rune was engraved into the floor. Slowly McBykar approached the mysterious landmark...

Where was he? The dark figure opened his eyes, but darkness surrounded him. Who was he??? What had happened? He slowly raised himself from the floor. His eyes were hurting. He looked around, staring in disbelieve at all the flasks and reagents. This place was spoiled with blood and littered with all kinds of magical and ritual items. But somehow he felt good for being here.

But what was his name? Who was Madruk? He could recall few things from his past, as if his brain had been washed. He was a pilgrim. But he had forgotten his own name! The dark pilgrim collapsed on the floor, desperately trying to sort out the few what was left of his memory. He couldn't. Britannia, that meant something to him. And some names of cities seemed familiar. But where was all his personal memory? The memory about his past life, his friends, and even his enemies? Thank God it was dark here. The dim light was enough of what his eyes could bear. He remembered the sun, and shuddered in fear. What had happened to the Nameless?

07/99

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