Seven: The Old Man

What does Abraham know?

Ethan coughed loudly, blowing a window through the smoke which allowed him to see Abraham a bit more clearly. Between the haze and the small fire, there was not much else to see. The man before him sat quietly, pushing the logs back and forth with a long stick that inevitably began to glow as it caught on fire as well. Ethan wasn’t sure how long he should wait until either leaving or saying something.

“Oh, damn. Sorry, I forgot you were here,” Abraham coughed out as he shook his head and tossed the stick into the fire.

“Yes, sorry, my name---” Ethan began.

“The ring brought you here… you don’t know why… yadda yadda yadda,” The man continued as he waved his hand.

“Right,” Ethan said, deciding to keep his answers short.

“So, the ring is part of a system of ancient protectors called Traversers. They may only be gifted after each previous owner's passing. That basically means you are stuck with it. Now, my guess is that yours is from Lady Tabitha, which explains why she isn’t here, obviously. Anyway, your job is to help all of us with whatever universal calamity is befalling our people. In this case, it would be the return of the Illgain. Basically, we need you to help us defeat him… and his army,” Abraham picked up another stick and began poking the fire, avoiding looking at Ethan, but seemed content with his explanation. It grew quiet for a moment.

“Bahahahaha!” Ethan erupted in laughter. It was a feat of his in the most awkward of situations. For whatever reason, it drove him into a heinous cackle. “I couldn’t possibly help you,” he said between laughing fits.

“Yeah, then someone else will get the ring. When you die, I mean,” Abraham said, causing Ethan’s sudden silence.