Nightmare

Leo decided to spend the night at the Rosary Inn. When he went down to check in, he found a room key ready for him, in the adjoining room to Alexis', with the room fees covered. Surprised, he requested to be woken early in the morning, choosing to turn in early and try to be well rested for the travel in the morning.

He tossed and turned all night. His mind raced, attempting to rationalize his situation, and his rest filled with nightmares. He repeatedly found himself running from cloaked figures, constantly being hunted, where even his closest friends and allies turned on him.

Exhausted, in the late hours of the night, a strange dream filled his thoughts.

Standing on a stage, surrounded by giant cloaked figures, he found himself being evaluated as if he was simply a piece of property, a slave being auctioned off at market.

"Physically, he's healthy. He has all his teeth, remarkable for a street rat. While his skills and abilities are lacking, he does have a unique connection to nature, unheard of in normal humans.

"He comes from a decent pedigree, as the only son of Edward Rhynehart, a merchant who died a tragic death..."

The barker continued describing him, using salesmanship to positively describe him without belaboring his faults. Surrounding the stage were dozens of other oversized figures, viewing the barkers performance, yet Leo felt none of their eyes were truly on him. Every time he attempted to speak or raise his voice in the dream, no sounds emerged.

"... he would make a decent trainee, or a resource for advancement. And with that, the bidding shall open!"

Bidders began to call out prices for him, voices changing from male to female, old and young. as they bid, Leo was given an impression of war, peace, battle, honor, thievery. Each voice seemed to embody a different aspect of man. The bidding continued, starting at a fast pace but slowing.

"Going once! Going twice! And-" the barker was interrupted by a chiming of bells.

"Is this truly how you spend your dreams?" A calm, feminine voice called out. The voice was warm, as if a mother was comforting her babe, reminiscent of lullabies sung to infants. "Dreams such as these serve no purpose, child. Now sleep."

His mind, racing at the thought of that voice in his head, instantly cleared and everything went black.

-

"Sir, please, it's time for breakfast," a woman's voice sounded from beyond his door. The maid entered and opened the shutters, and placing a basin of warm water next to his dresser. Seeing Leo awake, she gave him a brief smile, before exiting quietly.

Leo rubbed the sleep from his eyes, still groggy from his rest. It was time to get ready, eat breakfast, and leave for the capitol.

Waiting at the front of the inn, the group of travelers gathered their belongings and packs in the early morning. Alexis briefed them in short, terse words.

"There will be time for questions and concerns later. For now, put on your packs and keep your comments to yourselves. I don't want to hear a sound from any of you until after we set up camp tonight."

He led them out the city gate, unperturbed by the early hour. The youths followed him, silent and introspective at his sudden change in behavior. His cold demeanor, as opposed to his previous scholarly attitude seemed out of place. Leo recalled their conversation the night prior.

With that, the small group left town silently, with no conversation or discussion, even amongst the students.

But Michael was not among them.