Role

Chapter 5

I opened my eyes.

AIR! I NEEDED AIR! I needed to... BREATHE!!!

A length of green tendrils were curled about my neck, choking the life
out of me! They were hard as rotted wood, and I could not claw free!
An orange pumpkin-headed creature cackled at me from above, relishing the
empty gasps from my throat. I instinctively shapeshifted into the form of
my mustang. Wriggling free with the change, I instantly sprinted away,
and raced in a panic through the woods! A witch greeted me from the south.
A spidery beast clawed at me from the west. I turned, I dashed, I kept
running until I could run no more!

Out of energy, I collapsed on the ground, forced to return to my natural
form. My clothes were soaked in blood. My stomach rumbled with hunger. And
a curious pixie stood plaintively above me. Exhausted, I couldn't move.
I needed food. I reached for my bag... not on my back, not on my belt...
where was my food? Where were my supplies? Bah! The elven ranger took my
bags, and I'd not noticed!!!

After all that, was I to die from starvation? I eyed the little pixie
above me salaciously. She looked weak, but I had not the energy to change
shape and murder her. But perhaps a few wacks from my staff would be
enough to kill her and salvage a leg or arm from her...

She seemed to sense my wicked intent, and stepped to a safe distance away
from me. I wondered then if I should have just asked her for help.

NNH! MY STOMACH WRENCHED ITSELF INWARD!

Like a wet rag being twisted and drained, I felt my gut folding upon
itself. I was no longer cursed, but lacked the energy to muster any spell.
I dug through my pockets, my belt... ...yes! One last tincture just for a
moment like this! I drank the gray potion at once, and found myself
instantly transported back home to Seantryn's Dark Temple.

And one step away from the healer who could help me.

I could not drag myself another step, so close to death I was. Was I to
die again on the same temple steps where this whole misadventure began?

And then there, at my feet, I noticed a most welcome surprise. In a small
pile of gray feathers...

FOUR PERFECTLY PRESERVED ARIAL STEAKS!!!

I tore into the delicous poultry. And I say this sincerely, I never tasted
so good.