Dark Elf's Chosen: Season 1 Episode 3

Chapter 1 - JULIUS

This time when I wake up, I have a headache. But at least I haven't lost any more clothes.

However, my arms and legs are bound against the wall.

I'm in a dungeon of some sort.

'Ah, we are awake,' a voice calls out. It sounds familiar. My ears perk up and I look over at the figure that approaches.

When I see him, I can't help but gasp.

'Doukan,' I say silently.

'That's Lord Doukan to you,' he says. 'Your position in this world is falling fast. It would do you well to respect your betters.'

'There is no way you are my better,' I say with contempt.

'I will soon be the strongest wielder of fire magic in Orthani,' he says. 'But that's not all. My magical abilities will encompass more than just fire. I will be the right hand to the King. Maybe one day I will even be King. Who knows.'

'You're delusional if you think I'll let you usurp me,' I say with loathing. 'If anything, once the Court finds out about your sister, you'll be lucky if you're not working in the mines.'

'Ah, but you think you have a choice in this matter,' Doukan says with a smile. 'You see, you think you're going to go and tell the world about my sister.'

Aren't I?

'You don't realize that my men have been following you since the Blue Dolphin,' he continues. 'And that as soon as you ended up in the Homeless Quarter, they grabbed you after your fight with some degenerates.'

'And most of all, you seem to think that your word will hold any weight with anyone after you leave here,' Doukan says with a chuckle.

'Laugh now, Doukan,' I say. 'Your father thought I was dead. Not even a demon from Aerasak is strong enough to kill me.'

'I don't care if you die or not,' Doukan says. 'In fact, it'll be better if you remain alive, to remember what you lost.'

'You know what, Doukan?' I say. 'I'm going to enjoy burning you to a cinder.'

Doukan chuckles. 'Oh, Julius. Always so full of fire. But let me tell you something, my dear Julius. You are nothing to me. Nothing but a pawn in my game.'

I grit my teeth. 'You're the one who's going to regret underestimating me.'

Doukan's expression turns slightly serious. 'I may have not as much power as you right now, but that is soon to change. You see, I have something very special planned for you.'

I raise an eyebrow. 'And what is that?'

'You see, Julius, I have been studying your magical abilities. And I have come to realize that you possess a unique power that I have been seeking for many years. A power that will make me the most powerful sorcerer in Orthani.' Doukan reveals a crystal that glows ominously in his hand.

'I'm not going to help you with your twisted ambitions,' I sneer.

'Oh, I think you will,' Doukan says smoothly. 'I have ways of making people cooperate.'

Doukan raises the crystal and it begins to glow even brighter. It seems to pulse with red, evil energy.

I watch as Doukan raises the crystal. It starts to glow an ominous yellow-green, which is then funneled through his hand and into his core. I feel a pain throughout my body as my own magic is siphoned away through my ears.

I feel like I have just been drenched in a bucket of ice cold water, my skin feels like it is on fire.

I try to fight it, but it's no use. Doukan's magic is too strong.

The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth, and I go limp as my muscles spasm and my bones feel afire.

The sensation of raw power in my mouth is starting to overwhelm me, my eyes are watering as my throat closes.

I feel the pain of a hundred bee stings, the sensation of red hot metal dropped into my arms and legs.

I feel an intense burning sensation throughout my body, as if I've just been branded with a hot iron.

As the crystal drains me of my magical power, I wonder what Doukan has planned for me. Is it worth sacrificing my magical abilities for? But as the pain intensifies, I realize that I don't have a choice in the matter. I'm becoming weaker by the second and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Doukan seems pleased with himself, a smile playing on his lips as he continues to drain me of my power. And then, just as suddenly as it started, he stops.

'There, that should do it,' he says, looking at the crystal. 'You won't be able to cast a single spell now, Julius. It's all mine.'

I test out my magic, but he's right. I can't call upon even the slightest bit of magic. I'm powerless.

Doukan turns to his men. 'Take him away. We'll sell him to the convoy leaving for Vhoig. They'll pay good gold for a well fed man in chains who can work the mines.'

As they drag me away, I can't help but wonder what will become of me. Will I ever be able to regain my abilities? Will I ever be free again? All I know is that I'm at the mercy of Doukan and his twisted plans.