“I wanna rock and roll; I wanna give my soul; I'm wanting to believe; I'm not too old.” - Matthew Perryman Jones

It has been a while since I posted something here - 976 days to be exact. Many things have happened. I have since left the government drone cycle, after 30 months of struggle, had a short stint at a small firm with no business ethics, and joined a large telecommunications giant. Allow me to recount the triumphs and defeats that I’ve experienced. Here’s where we left off.

The Dark Force swarmed the Bucaady townsfolk, and the elite forces from the Kingdom of Will were barely able hold them back. This was not what we signed up for. One by one, I witnessed my comrades fall; but Lekkin still held his own. The Chief of Bucaady, fought gallantly with his shovel in hand, taking down a couple of Dark Warlords on his own. However, with a single swoop, the leading Dark Lord pierced Lekkin from behind, ending the battle in the process. The townsfolk dropped their picks and forks one at a time, and all the clattering and clanging signaled their inevitable surrender.

A crimson blanket bore evidence to the bloodbath that took place just moments earlier, and all that’s left standing were few townsfolk and me. In my heart, I took a moment of silence to utter a prayer for my fallen comrades and the gallant Lekkin.

The journey back to Bucaady was bounded in silence. Grim, cold faces told the horror and sadness they were shown. We were welcomed by the wails and cries of newfound orphans and widows; only a handful ran towards the survivors and presented them a teary hug.

A voice boomed across the village, breaking the air of despair, “Bow to your new ruler. Kneel and pay your respects to The Dark Ice Queen – Jophina.” The skies turned artic and raw at her presence; and the new Ice Queen was greeted by cold silence.

I was spared death and banished into the dungeons in fear that the townsfolk would stage a coup. The people buried their loved ones and carried on their daily lives as usual. And as day turn into night, days turn into weeks, and months into years, I finally chanced upon my route for freedom...

Go figure.