Origin A.R.S. by Scottie Futch Page A

sixth rat had started to dance.
    That dance was a problem for the man. The rat was a good thirty feet away. He might be able to make it in time to disrupt its dance, but if he did not get there in time he would be right back where he started and with less health than before!
    He did the only thing that a brave adventurer such as himself could do in this situation. He screwed up his courage, fixed his resolve, and then bravely ran away at all possible speed.
    Scott only managed six steps before the dance ended. This time five rats appeared.
    The terrified sorcerer ran for his life as first six, and then a few seconds later ten, rats gave chase. The damned dancing rat continued to dance even while the man fled as fast as he could go. By the time he came up to the road, there were twenty rats nipping at his heels.
    Unable to do anything but desperately flee, he was surprised by the sudden appearance of a familiar town guard. The guard leapt in front of Scott and roared out an impressive shout that echoed throughout the countryside. The sorcerer fell back onto his ass, and the rats were bowled over as well.
     
    <<< You have been stricken with a feeling of absolute terror! >>>
    <<< You are stunned and paralyzed with fear for thirty seconds. >>>
     
    Scott’s body was already in panic mode, but now his mind threatened to shut down due to the unholy fear assaulting his mind.
    The guard put his hand on Scott’s shoulder and exclaimed, “Courage, lad!”
    A vibrant red light flared outward from the man’s hand to encompass Scott completely. The fear effect was washed away and he could literally feel his health and mana being restored.
    “Can you stand? If so, finish these rats off before they can get their bearings!”
    Scott took a quick breath then leapt to his feet. The rats were tightly packed in a sick display of solidarity. Most were lying on their back with their feet up in the air while their little paws clutched feebly at nothing.
    “Freeze!” shouted Scott. He unleashed his magical attack twice in succession, easily killing most of the rats. A few were just outside the range of the spell so he rushed forward and cast it once more. He finished up the rats that were left by using a few swift kicks and downward stomps to their helpless rodent bodies.
    “Back to the road, lad. Do it quickly, and take that damned skirt off!” barked the guard.
    Scott quickly complied. Now that he had time to think, he realized exactly what the blasphemy from before had to be. The rats did not like it when he had put on that skirt.
    “Ye, fool. What were you thinking wearing that thing out in the grasslands?”
    Scott shook his head. “I didn’t know it would cause the rats to go crazy.”
    The older man sighed. “Yes, I guess it can’t be helped. You aren’t from around here. You’re lucky that I was heading home for the day, though.”
    “Don’t I know it! Thank you!”
    The guard laughed. “It’s fine. Though, you should be careful. It’s bad enough that you did something so foolish, but to bring a score of aggressive beasts right to the road to town? That’s a pretty serious crime, you know.”
    “Shit!” exclaimed Scott. Was he going to be arrested?
    The man laughed at the sorcerer. “Don’t be too worried about it. If I had not known that you were new to the area I’d haul you in for this, but I’ll let it go this time.”
    “Thank you. I am sorry to be so much trouble.”
    The guard laughed again. “It’s fine. In the future though, you should remember that even if you don’t get someone hurt by dragging monsters to the road there’s a pretty hefty fine.”
    “How hefty?”
    “Hmm, well... grass rats are pretty weak. Given the number you would have probably owed around two or three thousand Fayth, about ten times that amount if they had actually injured someone.”
    “Yeesh! I’ll keep that in mind.”
    “It’s not a problem if you need the help and no one gets hurt. The fine is to keep random hunters