Veil of Dreams

Chapter 1

Gorthak

"Heave! Pull, boys!"

The salty sea air fills my lungs as I grip the rope, my muscles straining with each pull of the net. My crew of fellow orcs grunt and groan, their green skin glistening with sweat in the light of the setting sun. We're a motley bunch, but we've been through hell and back together.

With a final grunt, we haul in the last of the catch. The salty sea air mingles with the scent of fish and sweat, creating an oddly comforting aroma. My muscles ache, but the satisfaction of a job well done is worth the pain.

As I survey the pile of wriggling fish, something catches my eye. A glint of metal, barely visible beneath the scales and slime. Intrigued, I make my way over and plunge my hand into the mess. My fingers close around something cold and metallic. I pull it out, revealing a small ring.

It's a strange thing, unlike anything I've ever seen. Too delicate for an orc's tastes, yet there's something about it that draws me in. I examine it more closely, noticing the intricate carvings etched into the band. The metal is cool to the touch, and I can't help but feel a sense of power emanating from it.

Before I can stop myself, I slip the ring onto my thick finger. To my surprise, it fits perfectly. A faint glow emanates from the ring, casting an eerie light on the deck.

"What's that, boss?" one of my crew members, Burguk, asks me.

I continue to inspect the ring, the way it gleams and reflects the flickering lantern light. The metal is cool and smooth against my calloused fingers, and the intricate carvings etching the band are mesmerizing. "No clue," I respond, a smirk tugging at my lips. "But it's mine now."

"Boss, we could get a hefty price for it at the next market," he suggests, eyeing the ring with greed.

My gaze snaps to his, and I let out a menacing growl. I grab a nearby barrel of fish and toss it towards him. Burguk fumbles with the weight, nearly toppling over before regaining his balance. He grumbles under his breath as he rights himself.

We finish up our work, securing the catch below deck. As the crew settles in for the night, I head to my cabin, the mysterious ring still adorning my finger. I can't shake the feeling that it's more than just a piece of jewelry, but for now, I push the thought aside. Exhaustion takes over as I climb into my bunk, the gentle swaying of the boat lulling me into a deep sleep.

As I drift off, I can't help but ponder what the ring means and where it came from. But those are questions for another day. For now, I'm fucking tired and don't give a shit.

.

I bolt upright, my heart hammering in my chest as I take in the unfamiliar surroundings. The air is dense and oppressive, and the only source of light is a lone, flickering candle on a dust-laden table.

"What the fuck?" I growl, scrambling to my feet.

I stagger towards the door, my senses on high alert. The lock's no match for me; it snaps like a twig under the force of my shoulder. The door swings open, revealing a lengthy hallway lined with more locked doors.

"All right…" I mutter, drawing my battle-axe from my back.

My boots echo on the cold stone floor as I venture down the hall, trying a few doors along the way. They're all sealed tight, and an unsettling quiet envelops the place. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched. I continue on, determined to find answers.

I follow the scream, each step down the spiraling staircase echoing in my ears. The cries grow louder, accompanied by the harsh clang of metal and the heart-wrenching sobs of women. My grip tightens on my axe, knuckles white as I continue my descent.

"By the Gods, why am I going toward the screaming?" I grumble, still letting my feet carry me forward.

I crash through the door at the bottom of the staircase, entering a dimly lit basement. My eyes widen in disbelief as I take in the sight before me. Cages upon cages filled with women of all shapes and sizes, their faces smeared with dirt, tears streaking down their cheeks. And in the midst of it all, a dark elf man strides back and forth, a malicious grin spreading across his face.

My gaze sweeps over the scene, and then I see her. A human woman, her golden-brown hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of molten sunlight. Her eyes, as blue and intense as a stormy sea, lock onto mine, defiance radiating from her very core. She snarls at the dark elf, spittle flying from her lips, and I know in that instant that I will do whatever it takes to free her.

"Release us, you vile creature!" Her voice, raw with fury, echoes through the basement.

The dark elf merely chuckles, his eyes gleaming like polished obsidian in the faint light. "Ah, my dear, you'll soon learn to embrace your new home. As will all your companions."

The woman's fierce spirit and unyielding gaze grip me, stirring an inexplicable sensation deep within. I'm unable to shake her image, even as her chestnut curls sway with her movements and her gaze finally lands on me. Our eyes meet, and the illusion shatters.

I jolt awake in my bed, struggling to catch my breath.