Athgar awoke with a start. He was in a room, lying in a large bed, unlike any he had ever slept in before. It was comfortable, with thick blankets to ward off the chill of morning. Looking around, he realized he was in a spacious room, far bigger than the tiny hut he had lived in for most of his life. It was richly appointed, with rugs on the floor to keep the cold at bay and curtains hanging by a window that boasted glass, allowing light to filter through.
He sat up and immediately regretted his decision as his chest exploded in pain, feeling like a red hot poker had been thrust into him. Suddenly, the room swirled before him, and he lay back down. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and breathe through the agony of his wounds. Slowly, he opened eyes again and
