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A monk sat alone at a table, with a full inkwell, feather pen, and a leather cup of water provided by the pious owner of the pub. It was still early in the day, the sun had risen not that long ago and the birds were still singing their merry tune. He slowly dipped his pen into the ink as a frustrated furrow crossed his brow. Still young and determined, the brown-robed man struggled to find words to fill the empty journal in front of him.

“My name is Matthew, a new member of the Order of Preservation, and my task is to chronicle the events that have happened, the events that will happen, and the events that are happening as of the writing. My Order has tasked me with finding and interviewing the man known by many titles, but none so common as 'The One Who Hunts Gods'. Other names include, but are not limited to, 'Sky Dancer', 'God Slayer', 'Cursed Wanderer', and according to an elderly man 'Gingreti'. Whether or not that is his birth name is unknown. From my interviews with townsfolk in places in which he was rumored to pass through, his identity is nearly unknown.

His race changes based upon the one speaking, typically this man, from here on out referred to as God Hunter, is of the same race as the speaker. His height varies a great deal, but a good average from supposed witnesses is around six feet. Further more, some say he is a mountain of muscles, others that he is thin and sickly. His armor is another topic of debate, as I've been told stories of a man wearing the most elaborate armor forged by the greatest smiths in this world, or a man wearing rags that event the lowliest peasant would feel comfortable wearing. Truly, the only consist information is that he carries a long two-handed sword, the blade of which is about five feet long with the handle adding about one foot. It is of simple make, and yet it is in pristine condition.

My only conclusions thus far are that he is a man of decently tall stature with a large blade. This will not make the search easy.

Before I begin in earnest, and to give the reader a better idea of why this man is a topic of curiosity, I must first give a brief description of what is known about Gods. Gods are, according to a consensus of the Order of Preservation, beings that exist outside of this world with an almost limitless powers and numbers. No two Gods have been witnessed with the same powers, which only adds to the mystery. Popular myth is that Gods come from another world, but science has determined that they exist in a realm all their own, not on a physical plane.

In recent years, approximately a century, Gods have made their presence known in public ways. To be witnessed, they must take a form. Sometimes it is as a person which you may not give a second glance. Sometimes it is an incredible beast from mythology. Sometimes it is merely bizarre weather. In any case, the purpose is to take advantage and treat the common people as playthings. The wealthy and leaders may also be targets, but pride would keep them from admitting this fact. Kingdoms have fallen overnight from manipulation or pure destruction, and the reader would be wise to not take old tales as mere stories. Tomes upon tomes have been written, and so for now this will conclude the description of Gods.

I am in the town of Murbrees as I write, though I will have to move on. Unfortunately the trail has gone cold, and I will have to rely on luck and providence in finding a new lead.”

Matthew slumped over and sighed deeply, understanding the futility of his last words. His lead to this town was pure luck as well, but the usual keepers of rumors and information were at a loss. If the God Hunter had passed through, it was simply that. He made his journey quickly and without being seen.

“Ah, good monk, why do you look so troubled?” The pub owner asked. A portly man, but he appeared to be cheerful.

“Apologies, but I fear that I may not have luck on my side in my search.”

He nodded, “Well, don't give up hope. Just because you can't learn much here doesn't mean it's hopeless. We should have a carriage coming through today, the drivers usually pick up rumors and the like. In fact,” He craned his thick neck to peer out of a dirty window, “I believe that's him. If anyone knows about The One Who Hunts Gods, and if he's been in the area, it's him.”

Matthew thanked the owner, quickly corked the inkwell and put everything else into his bag before dashing from the pub into the bright sunlight. Once his eyes adjusted, he restrained his pace into a frantic speed walk and approached the carriage driver. It was simple, just like the folk, a simple wooden carriage without a top, used to transport goods and people alike, “Excuse me sir!”

“Why hello monk! How can I be of assistance?”

Matthew collected himself, “Sir, would you happen to know anything about The One Who Hunts Gods? Location or direction?”

The driver nodded, “Well, passed by a strange man a few days back, carrying a big sword and walking towards Goad. Didn't seem interested in talking or my services, just kinda kept moving, a man possessed if you will.”

At this comment, Matthew's hope grew. While not stated in interviews with townsfolk, the Order seemed to believe that he was determined to complete a task and let nothing stand in his way. It would explain his quick trip through Murbrees and the fact that almost nobody knew anything about him, “Could you, perhaps, describe him?”

Once again, the driver nodded, “I suppose, tall guy. Young. Clothes a little worn down, but some leather scraps still survived around the... uh...” He waved his arms around the chest and pointed to his forearms, “I don't know, not as smart as you monk!” The Driver chuckled.

“Anything else? A race perhaps?”

“Hmm... it was a bit cloudy and I didn't pay much attention, but I'm pretty sure human.” The driver was canine, so to Matthew this was a change of pace and information not to be discarded, “Think that's your guy?”

Matthew nodded, “Yes, thank you very much. One more question, could you point me in the direction of Goad? I fear I don't know much about this land.”

The driver hopped down and unbound a few boxes from the back, “Listen, Goad ain't exactly a place for a holy man like yourself. Lotta unsavory activities going on in that big cesspool by the mountains. But,” He took a box down and set it onto a doorstep near him, “I could take you there in a bit, it's next on my route.”

“I'm grateful, but I fear I have little to offer in exchange.”

“Nonsense, us little guys gotta stick together. Monk or Farmer, we're the same in the eyes of the nobles. But if you don't mind, could you tell some stories on the way? Afraid I can't read and the last time I heard any were from my mama as a child.”

With the deal sealed, it was only a matter of waiting a short while before the driver was ready to leave. The wooden seats were crude, but judging by the distance they would be far more comfortable than walking for days. On the path, Matthew told a great many stories, the driver didn't care if they were for children or not. Even better, the dry roads made travel much smoother and faster, and Matthew was assured that they would reach their destination by the evening.

“Ha, good to know a few shortcuts. The main roads are fine, but not if you need to get somewhere on time!” The canine chortled as they barreled down tiny paths just large enough for the carriage. Other than some more stories, the trip was uneventful. Matthew, however, was impatient as a large city would most certainly know more than small towns.

True to his word, they passed the city gates in a poorer side of the city just as the sun began to set. Homes and buildings were primarily composed of stone, but wood was used in repair, making this part of the city look especially worn down and decrepit. Ragged tunics and old clothing was common among the listless people, but on occasion a sailor could be seen. The port was clear on the other side of the city though, but with the driver's warning Matthew could only imagine the reasons these men would travel so far.

Matthew bid the driver farewell and began his search for someone that would know anything about the God Hunter. Taverns would know little in the place, and unfortunately most of the citizens didn't seem very talkative. In his mind, the only reason he hadn't been robbed and left for dead in a dark alley was that monks typically had little of value on their person.

More importantly, Matthew wasn't always a religious man, but the Order had cleansed him of his sins years ago, “While it may seem wrong, I doubt anyone will care much about this. I need to find a brothel.” After all, with all of the men going through a decent brothel, they would know a great deal about the city. Coupled with the tendency of these men to boast about anything to get a bit more attention, it would be the most likely place to gather information on the God Hunter. Luck, it would seem, was on Matthews side once again as the brothel was rather close to the entry gate, no doubt to get extra business from traveling merchants.

His quick stroll caught some attention as his destination became much clearer, “Hey mister, looking to break a few vows?” A young rabbit, complete with slumped over ears, slightly dirty gray fur, and what used to be a commoner's dress now modified, or possible damaged, to look more like a whore's outfit. Her voice sounded hollow, no doubt this wasn't her preferred career, “It won't be expensive.”

“Actually, I was hoping to ask a few questions. About The One Who Hunts Gods if I may. Have you heard anything? Or know of someone who has?”

With those few words, her eyes perked up and Matthew could have sworn that they sparkled a bit, “You mean... Him? Him Him?” This woman had most definitely seen the God Hunter, “Can we speak in private? I have a small room just down the way.”

Luckily the woman was outside of the brothel at the time, so no mistress could stop her from leaving. As they traversed the dirt and stone streets, Matthew marveled at the streak of incredibly good luck. The woman opened a door, really more of a collection of scrap wood nailed together, into a room big enough for an old straw bed, a table, and a chair. All second hand, all cramped together. If anything, this was an old storage closet before she moved in.

Matthew sat on the chair while the rabbit sat on her bed, “Yes, I'm looking for information about the God Hunter. All I can say for sure is that he's tall and carries a large, plain sword. He may be human, but I cannot confirm.”

“He's human. And very kind.” The rabbit seemed to be in a dream state at the mere thought of the God Hunter.

“Human, okay I can work with that. Well, can you tell me about how he looked, or where he was headed? I doubt he's still here, my luck isn't THAT good.”

“He was bloody, clinging to life and lying in the street. Don't you know? A God came down as a giant, easily three men tall, and wielding a tree as a weapon. This was only a few days ago, and he killed it while the guardsmen ran and hid.”

“Did you see it?”

She shook her head, “I hid too, I'm not brave. I only saw the aftermath. Oh, and a lot of glowing dust rising in the air. Around where the giant died.”

Matthew was taking mental notes, no God's death had ever had recorded details seeing as how nobody had ever seen, or killed, a God in recorded history, “So, how did the God Slayer live? Rapid healing perhaps? Magic?”

“Oh, no. I, uh, used to be interested in being an herbalist when I was younger. Nobody was helping, so I dragged him here and put a poultice on his wounds and a wet cloth on his head.”

“Wait, an herbalist? Those are in high demand, how did you-”

“I grew up poor, and in the city you need a license to do almost anything. This... wasn't my first choice, but I needed food and shelter.”

Matthew sighed and lowered his head. A thief is rarely a profession by choice, save for a few wealthy people that romanticize it. With the law as it is, a thief was fortunate to only lose one hand for being caught. Depending on the mood of the guards, a thief could lose much, much more. He couldn't chastise her for what she needed to do to live, “We don't need to discuss this if you don't feel the need. Now, you said he was kind. How so? Was he conscious?”

“That means awake, right?” Matthew nodded in confirmation, “Yes. Most people shun women in my line of work outside of our... services... but he did not judge me. I only wish I could have talked more, but when he felt he was healed enough, he left me a few coins for my troubles and left to the north.”

Matthew ran a hand through his hair. So many questions from someone that not only saw the God Hunter, but spoke to him and helped him heal, “Can you, perhaps, describe his weapon and clothing? I need to find him for this book.”

She thought for a moment, “Simple clothes, like a peasant, but with bits of leather armor? No, not armor. Leather around places like the elbow and knee. His sword was heavy, heavier than you might imagine. And he wouldn't let it go, even when he was barely alive. It seemed new though.”

“That may imply that he's bound to it in some way. Especially if it was new in appearance. So much new information... I truly thank you for this. North you said? I suppose it would be in my best interest to leave shortly, after picking up some supplies. I have little to offer, but I can give you some money for your time.”

“Wait, you're going to find him? Please take me!”

“I'm sorry?”

She stood up from her bed, impressive given the tiny amount of space available to do so, “Please! I hate this life! I can't take another day! And I owe him for showing me the first real sympathy and compassion in my entire life!” She was panting, but composed herself rather quickly, “If that is not enough, I would wager that I know more about the land than you.”

Matthew was trapped by the logic. He knew a great deal about his homeland, clear on the other side of the continent, but almost nothing about this place, “Wouldn't that get you in trouble? And by extension, me? From what I understand, brothel owners don't take to well to losing girls.”

“That may be, but I can get us out of the city fast. My body and my life are my own!”

The situation was not ideal, but what could he say? Teachings of the Order did not ban help, nor did they specify a way to do things, “Fine, but we will need more supplies than I can afford and... well, my only task was to complete the book about the God Hunter.” He rested his arm on the table, “I suppose you can never really escape the harsh realities of life.”

The rabbit pulled a cloak from under the mattress, a simple thing, but the dull tan color and undamaged quality would be good for hiding in plain sight, “I have a few coins to my name, would that be enough?”

“This is getting complicated and I've hardly written anything. Alright, alright, let me think...” He needed this book to be completed, “Docks are on the other side of the city, North correct? Lots of shipping, could get a good deal on dried food and other supplies. Have to go through quite a bit, could pick up a few things here and there...argh, better to not think about it.”

“My name is Lucy. What's yours, partner?”

“Matthew. Wait, partner?” Matthew cleared his throat and paused for a few moments, fearing that he was sinking back into his old way of thinking. A monk of the Order was known for knowledge, memory, composure, and calmness, “Fine, if that is what you would like to call this, I have no objections. As long as we find the God Hunter and I am able to get answers to questions.”

And so, the brown-robed monk and the prostitute wearing a cloak left the small home with a few coins and the monk's pouch, making their way to the docks and a chance meeting with the God Hunter. Lucy got a few glances from the men in the poor district and the main city section, but because she was with a monk most believed that she was a priestess in training. Lack of knowledge about monks in this part of the world was a great advantage for Matthew, and most people parted ways. Even city guards left him to his own devices. It took well over an hour to make it to the docks, and by then nightfall had taken hold.

Still, Lucy's knowledge allowed Matthew to find a less-than-honorable import office for the city, and it took surprisingly little coin to get him to agree to “lose” some supplies, “Matthew, isn't that all of our coin?”

Matthew pulled out much more from his pouch, “We need dried food, a pack, two bed rolls and canvas. Flint and tinder if you have any.” Money has a way of getting things in motion, and within a few minutes the man provided a large pack filled with the supplies demanded. The two quietly left and Matthew turned to Lucy, “We all have a past. Sometimes you can move on, other times it lingers. In this situation, my past was used to our advantage. In your situation, your past herb knowledge may come in handy.”

He strapped the pack to his back and began walking to the northern exit, “Matthew, it's late, traveling wouldn't be wise.”

“Neither is sticking around. A large number of people will wonder where their purses went, and seeing as how I'm the only stranger, I'm sure I will get the brunt of their attention.” Subtle, but Lucy understood the meaning. Quickly the pair left through the open gate, a fact to Lucy but luck to Matthew. After all, who would invade from an impassable mountain or a narrow path? No need to lock up.

It was a long eventful day for Matthew, and his new companion seemed to have a weight lifted from her chest as soon as the left. So much had happened in so few hours, and both were quite excited to meet the man they were seeking. They were so excited that they walked for two hours in the dead of night. Except, something felt strange.

“It's oddly bright out, wouldn't you say Ms. Lucy?”

She peeked out from under her cloak's hood, “Is there a full moon?”

“No. It's cloudy.” Matthew looked around more cautiously than before, and squinted before he noticed a bizarre glow, “That's... Ms. Lucy, does that look familiar?”

Her eyes hadn't adjusted well, “It looks like the God glow...”

Perhaps it was their blindness due to anticipation, or the nerves of escaping a city in which they could easily face harsh punishment, but the area around them was glowing. Glowing, faintly blue dust in mass amounts, fading masses on the still dark and dusty ground, and a lone figure standing and twitching in the middle of it all. Red and blue mixed on his body to give an eerie purple stain.

In his hand was a sword as long as he was tall.