Prologue

 I woke up, if one can wake into a dream, in a setting that I hadn't seen for several cycles. Lush, green fields surrounded by forests and mountains in the distance. The air was fresh and there was a gentle breeze, but it contained a hint of saltwater, which spoiled it for me. I stood in the center of a large, green hill and looked up at the clear, blue sky that had no sun.

Still, it was hard to be impressed after spending so much time in the game. I knew this place was a deception and the more I thought about it, the less I liked being here and I quickly grew impatient, crossing my arms as I waited for the Traveller.

Xander came to mind. Only two cycles in and he had managed to see the ending of both. He was strong, stronger than he realized. He would do well in this game and I firmly believed that I would see him soon. I could feel it.

As expected, the Traveller arrived in this usual black robe with the hood up, covering his face. He looked like a tall thief stalking in the shadows; even without there being any. He walked without any sense of urgency and my jaw tightened with increased irritation. His emotions were somehow transferred to me and I knew he was smiling even though I couldn't see it.

"Hello, Saris," he said, annunciating each syllable unnaturally. "Congratulations on your third win. It has been a long time coming, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," I said flatly, "that's it, right? I'm out of the game?"

"Correct. You will not be returning."

"Good," I breathed a sigh of relief. "I suppose you still won't answer my questions, will you?"

"I suppose that all depends on the question."

"Why do this? What's the purpose of it all?"

"That is not a question I will answer."

I sighed again, "Of course not. So, how do I get home from here?"

He didn't answer. Instead, his unseen smile widened. Something in my gut sank. That grin felt... sinister.