In the distant past man was simple and had no issues with their world. When they needed food they picked it. When they needed sleep they slept. Now the world is filled with chaos and strife as each person struggles with him/herself to get what they believe they need. So what changed, what drove this world to the state in which it currently resides?

I don't know. But I do know one thing, I am one of those people. Always trying to find something other than what I need. Well I found it. Power, Wealth, Fame, and an infinite lifespan. Sounds amazing right? Yeah I thought so too. Of course there is always a price for these things. For me it was peace and comfort. Also it was everyone I ever cared about.

Do you wish to hear my story? The story of a man who has lost everything. Too bad I'm not gonna tell you. But I will tell you this, I'm over one thousand years old. Ive seen the rise and fall of a hundred nations. The changing of the seasons and the moving of the earth. But one thing never changes. Death, Death doesn't change it comes in many ways and with little warning. So let me tell you about death and how he works.

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One thousand years ago.

I was born. I know very important fact right? Either way this is a necessary piece of information if I want you to believe what I say. My mother died on that same day. Now don't be worried by that back then people were expected to die giving birth. About one in three mothers died so no surprises there. Anyway without that sacrifice I would not be here to tell you this.

Shorty after my birth another clan attacked our settlement. Much death occurred on that day as well including the rest of my family. My father, my brothers and my sister. You might ask well how did you survive? Well it was simple. Death decided to have mercy, on me anyway.

Twenty years later

In a small town on the coast of some unknown island. It is the middle of a slightly chilly night. The wind blows softly through the home of our wonderful protagonist. The house is small, not much lager than a shack. With one bedroom a window set into both the east and west sides. There is nothing in the frames just small openings to provide light and a breeze. In the bedroom a man sleeps restlessly as if trapped in a nightmare. In the shadows around the bed lurks a quiet being shadowed and hooded. From the front you can see the fire in his eyes.

The being speaks in a shrill tone with a hint of ice to it. "Hello, my child." The man on the bed stirs as if hearing the words spoken by this otherworldly being. "Have you enjoyed these years, spent in peace with not a care in the world?" Again the man stirs almost as if in response. "It is time for you to start repaying your debt" Suddenly the man sits up straight in the bed breathing rapidly in a panicked fashion. "I see that woke you up."

"W..Wh...Who are you? The man stuttered clearly terrified by the being in the shadows.

"I am what most would call the emboidement of Death. But you my child will call me Master. Because from now until your debts are repaid you will obey me. No questions, no hesitation, no resistance. The price of your life."

The man on the bed begins to move, slowly at first but quickly gaining momentum. His feet hit the floor and he jumnps toward the window intending to make the leap to freedom. As his hands touch the windowsill the room begins to shift. Instantly they are in a large hallway. The man falls to the floor when he pushes down in his attempt to jump. "Did you think you could run from me?" The man's face changes as he sees the hallway. There are doors lining the walls the hallway seemingly going on for eternity. True panic emerges on his face. Stumbling to his feet he starts running without thought or reason.

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Thanks for reading.