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[h1][b][u][color=white]Prologue[/color][/u][/b][/h1][h2][b][color=white]The Beginning (Part I)[/color][/b][/h2]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sykmz64Y_k][Mood Music][/url]

Six years ago...
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[color=gray]The wind whipped against Illezra's face as she moved through the knee deep snow. She clutched her arms tightly together, trying to maintain what little warmth she had left in her body. Her tail has wrapped itself around her waist like a belt to avoid the ice particles shooting in the blizzard winds. Illezra grit her teeth and pushed on. The light was low as the sun passed beyond the peaks of the Sword Mountains. She could make out the figure ahead of her, a larger man similar to herself. He seemed far less bothered by the cold, and made no effort to shield himself from the elements. Every once in a while he'd glance back at Illezra, his eyes glowing a fiery orange in the matte gray-ish white of the blizzard. He said nothing to her and just kept his pace. Illezra wondered why he was taking her so far from Draydon. Her entire world just a few days ago consisted of a few stone walls and a bedroll on the damp floor, and now she was miles away from the city that saw through the small window all while growing up. Was he really taking her some place better?

Even after so many hours of travelling through the blizzard, Illezra felt they had made no progress at all. It was dark now, and the only thing keeping Illezra behind the bounty hunter was a rope tied around both of their waists to keep them together. Illezra held a bare hand on the rope the entire time. The blizzard was freezing the skin of her hand, but her demonic blood kept her warm enough to avoid severe frostbite. A gust of wind hit Illezra, making her lose her footing as she was mid-step with a foot above the snow. She let out a yelp in surprise as she was quickly tossed aside into the snow. The rope around her waist tugged at her hip, and she was quickly pulled from the cold snow. Illezra wiped her eyes of water and looked up, seeing the bounty hunter standing over her. He pulled her to her feet and brushed her off. [color=white][i]"Not much longer now. Keep fighting through this,"[/i][/color] he said, his voice just slightly louder than the winds so she can hear him.

Illezra nodded and followed behind him again. Surely enough, she was able to make out an orange light in the swirling wall of snow. [i]A cabin?[/i] she thought. Her suspicions were confirmed as they got close enough for the structure's silhouette to form. It was a two floored log cabin with windows shining with firelight from inside. Illezra could make out a shape through the fogged glass, somebody was in there. She looked back at the bounty hunter to see if he was alarmed by the presence of another being in the cabin. He was not. She tried to keep herself calm, but aside from the other tiefling, Illezra hadn't made contact with anybody else outside of her family's estate. The young tiefling felt butterflies in her stomach. What was going to happen? The pair stepped up to the door, and the bounty hunter knocked on it in a distinct pattern. [i]Pat pat... pat... pat pat pat![/i]. There was a pause, then the door swung open. The figure on the inside was a bit taken aback as the wind grips the door and pushes it open faster than anticipated. Illezra tried to get a look at the new person, but they were so wrapped up in winter furs and a cloak that she couldn't even see any defining features. The person waved the two to come inside, which they didn't hesitate to do. Illezra was the first inside, and the figure watched with some intensity as the tiefling girl looked around the cabin. It was covered in furs to retain the heat. There was a cooking pot over a firepit sunken into the floor. On the far side of the main room, there was a wall mounted weapons rack with an assortment of blades and other weaponry. The dining table was scoured with papers, inkpens, and envelopes. The table itself was stained in places by spilled ink, as well as the floor below it.

The bounty hunter nodded to the cloaked figure, [color=white][i]"It is done."[/i][/color]

The cloaked person looked back to the man, and reached into a pocket. They produced a fat coin purse and placed it in his hand. [color=white][i]"Thank you,"[/i][/color] the voice was female, and Illezra recognized it, [color=white][i]"Stay here for the night, Orphean. It's too dangerous to be out in that blizzard alone."[/i][/color]

Illezra watched the hooded person as they removed the cloak and hung it up. Her eyes lit up. [i]Mother![/i] was the only thing coursing through her mind. The baroness of Draydon looked back to Illezra and smiled warmly at her. A gleam in her eyes told Illezra that the woman was on the verge of tears. The baroness blinked the tear away and looks back to the bounty hunter as he spoke. [color=white][i]"Well I wont say no to a warm hearth. That is..."[/i][/color] Orphean looked at Illezra. [color=white][i]"If I'm not taking up too much room."[/i][/color]

The baroness shook her head and waved her hand dismissively, [color=white][i]"Nonsense. There's plenty of room. Come and sit now. You must be starved, and there's plenty to talk about."[/i][/color]

[i]Talk about?[/i] Illezra tilted her head. Her mother made her way over to her and pulled Illezra in for the tightest embrace. Illezra certainly didn't waste any time in returning it. In no time, the two were crying. The mother with joy that she had found her lost daughter, and the daughter with relief that her suffering at the hands of her brother and father was over. While they wrapped themselves in each other's arms, Orphean stepped up. [color=white][i]"I found her in your family's dungeon, tortured and deprived. If not by your hands, baroness... Then most certainly of-"[/i][/color] he was cut off.

[color=white][i]"I know... I fear Darrick wont rest easy until his secret is kept under permanent wraps..."[/i][/color] the baroness said.

Orphean cleared his through, [color=white][i]"Not just the baron, Julianne... Your son's bodyguard was standing sentry at the cell. He had the key to Illezra's cell. I suspect that Rufus is also behind Illezra's kidnapping."[/i][/color]

Despite those words, Illezra's mother hardly seemed surprised. It was no surprise to Julianne that her son had developed a sadistic streak, and that he fantasized far too much about the power his right to succession granted him. Julianne nodded, [color=white][i]"I can't protect Illezra forever,"[/i][/color] she said, [color=white][i]"Orphean. Teach her how to fend for herself. I'll find a way to deal with Darrick and my son."[/i][/color]

Orphean looked intensely at Illezra as he pondered the request, [color=white][i]"Taking an apprentice in my arts isn't something I do lightly... It'd cos-"[/i][/color]

[color=white][b]"Teach me!"[/b][/color] Illezra finally spoke. Her eyes glowed the same flaming orange as Orphean's. Only hers were burning with hatred.

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[h1][color=white][b][u]Chapter I[/u][/b][/color][/h1][h2][color=white][b]A Fate Sealed[/b][/color][/h2]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_52K0E_gNY0]City Ambience[/url]

[color=white]Present Day...[/color]
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Illezra walked through the city gates of Draydon, her cloaked pulled up over her head to avoid lingering eyes. Her blackened eyes and glowing orange irises poked out beyond the shade of the hood, which helped to turn the eyes of staring people away. While it was obvious she was a tiefling, Illezra didn't want to draw attention. She was back in Draydon for a goal, one which she hoped wouldn't keep her in the city for long. She stepped through the marketplace, the dagger sheathed at the small of her back clattered on the metal keepers of her belt, making it evident to those around that she was armed beneath the cloak. [color=white][b]"Where are you...?"[/b][/color] Illezra mumbled beneath her breath as she thought.

As she approached an intersection, Illezra could hear the sound of mailed footsteps approaching. Illezra glanced over her shoulder and saw two guards approaching. She slipped aside into a shaded alleyway and got low to the wall, pretending to be a homeless beggar. The guards stopped at the intersection and looked around. Illezra watched out of the corner of her eye, [color=white][i]"She matched the description. We should report this to the Cardinal."[/i][/color]

[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHpfZog2vjQ][Mood Music][/url][/center]
Illezra studied the embroidery on the guard's tabard. He wasn't just a regular guard, but a militant of Ilmater. A faithful soldier aspiring to be a holy paladin. Her eyes narrowed. Paladins were what caused this entire issue to begin with. If it weren't the retinue in the Sword Mountains, Illezra could have avoided Draydon entirely. But when they came across her, Orphean, and the baroness in their cabin, all hell broke loose. Illezra stood back up slowly, and began to tail the militant from a safe distance. He was going to lead her to Orphean and her mother.

It was a stroke of luck for Illezra. The militants took Illezra right to where she needed to be. A large church bell was ringing, sounding the city to a public address given by the Cardinal of Ilmater. Already people were flooding into Temple District to see what all the fuss was about. In front of the Ilmater Monastery stood a wooden structure. There was to be a public hanging. The executioner was already standing on the gallows. More and more people poured in. It was a crowd that Illezra did not want to be caught in the middle of, so she slipped aside and climbed up a perfectly placed group of crates, ropes, and ledges to get a good vantage point of the event. The cathedral doors opened, and out came the Cardinal dressed in silken white and blue robes. He waved to the adoring religious subjects as he made his way out to the top of the steps. Flanking the Cardinal on both sides were Paladins, each of them commanders of their own detachments. Following the Cardinal were Draydon soldiers in the Wengale colors. Illezra raised a brow and watched intently. The Caridnal raised his hands to silence the crowd.

[color=white][i]"People of Draydon!"[/i][/color] the Cardinal's voice was raspy after years of shouting to address the common folk, [color=white][i]"A great injustice has befallen our great city! It is a deed that can be made right, but it regrettably must end in the loss of life."[/i][/color]

The Cardinal snapped a finger, and the cathedral doors opened once again. Illezra's eyes widened as she saw her mother and Orphean in chains. The baroness was mostly untouched, and despite the grim scenario, she kept her back straight and her chin high. Orphean on the other hand... He was a bruised and cut up mess. The tiefling appeared to have put up a fight just moments ago as his nose was bleeding and he had the sort of drunkenness about him that suggested he had just been clubbed on the head. Murmurs passed through the crowd as they saw the honorable lady Julianne is chains and heading for the gallows. The next two people to step out of the cathedral made Illezra grit her teeth. [color=white][b]"Father... Brother..."[/b][/color] she said quietly.

The baron and his heir walked proudly, as if unfazed by what they were about to do. Darrick's wife. Rufus' mother. Illezra's dear mother and the only one who kept Illezra's darkside away. The Cardinal continued speaking, [color=white][i]"It seems dark forces have their eyes set on Draydon, and their corruption is even attempting to reach our very leaders. We can thank Ilmater's vigilance that our beloved baron and his only child weren't touched by such darkness. But lady Julianne was never as faithful as her devoted husband, and she was lured by the sweet words of the abyss! Her mind was bent and twisted by demons and fiends. Their corruption is deep, and despite our best attempts to exorcise her corruption, our baroness remains lost. The only chance now is for a merciful death! Ilmater demands it!"[/i][/color].

Illezra couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her father and brother were once again twisting the narrative to maintain control! Illezra tried to find an easy path through the square to stop the execution, but there were so many people, it was impossible to move quickly. Panic started to set in, she couldn't let this happen! But despite her desire for action, her body wouldn't move. Orphean's lessons and practices had sunk deep into Illezra. To do anything now would be suicide. She watched as they stepped up onto the gallows, followed by her father. The baron took his moment to address the crowd, [color=gold][b]"This fiend here is responsible for my wife's plight!"[/b][/color] he pointed at Orphean as he drew his sword with his other hand.

[color=gold][b]"It doesn't deserve a merciful death by hanging! I shall take vengeance for my wife, and execute him myself! Let it be known by all spawn of evil and darkness that Draydon will not succumb to your schemes and machinations! Justice in this city will always prevail!"[/b][/color]

Orphean began to laugh out loud, [color=white][i]"Such hypocrisy from the baron! I will laugh in my gutter of a grave when Ilmater turns his 'mercy' on you! Your reckoning is coming, Darrick of House Wengale! And it will come in the form of kindred blood!"[/i][/color]

Orphean continued to laugh as the baron's face twisted with anger. He raised his sword while Orphean spoke his last words, [color=white][i]"The Black Hand of Bane has chosen you!"[/i][/color]

The sword came down in a crimson arch. But the blade did not cut clean. Orphean gurgled and lurched as the blade got stuck where his neck met his shoulder. Blood poured out over his torn shirt. The baron wrenched his blade free and brought it down again, missing the original cut and creating a new one. The crowd was silent, giving every one there a moment to listen to the baron's angered grunts with every swing. The third strike found the original cut, and it finally beheaded Orphean. The tiefling was already dead by that point, and his body slumped onto the gallows. His blood leaked between the planks of wood that formed the gallows. Illezra clenched her fists as she watched her father end her mentor's life. His words kept Illezra from tearing up though. They weren't entirely meant for the baron, but rather for her. It was the cult master's subtle way of letting Illezra know that the cult was open to her now, and what her first task as a member of the Black Hand was. A task that was only appropriate for her.

Her eyes flitted back to her mother who was now tied by a noose to the gallows. Her mother was looking right at her. It hurt Illezra to think that her mother knew her daughter would have to witness her death. She stood taller on the roof of the building, doing little to hide herself now. Everybody was focused on the next execution to look up to the rooftops anyways. The baron stepped up next to his wife and wrapped his hand around the lever that would end Julianne's wife. [color=gold][b]"Dearest wife, I wish I could save you. But this is now the only way to offer you peace. Do you have any last words"[/b][/color]

Julianne nodded to her husband and looked right back to Illezra, [color=white][i]"Aye, I do! Illezra Wengale, my beloved daughter! Avenge us and end your father's life!"[/i][/color]

The crowd murmured more, confused by those words. Some were smart enough to follow Julianne's gaze to see the cloaked figure on the roof tops. More eyes turned her way, and Illezra felt there was little need to remain inconspicuous now. She lowered her hood, giving everyone there a good look at the alleged daughter of the devout baron. Illezra stared daggers at her father, who's face could be seen going white. Orphean's mention of kindred blood became clear to him. There stood his greatest secret now exposed to the public, intent on his life. Her glowing orange eyes flicked to her sadistic brother, whose face was equally as white. But Rufus collected himself faster than the baron, and took control of the situation. [color=gold][i]"The fiend..."[/i][/color] he looked to Orphean's headless body, [color=gold][i]"How dare he take advantage of my poor mother and plant a babe in her belly! Is there no end to the woman's tale of suffering?!"[/i][/color]

It was the greatest drama to reach Draydon in recent times. Whose truth was the real truth? Surely it was their baron's and his son's since they were protected by the grace of Ilmater! Despite the sickening lies being spewed from her family's mouths, Illezra could agree that Orphean would've been a far better father than the baron. And considering her upbringing, he most certainly was. Baron Darrick fell in with his son's narrative, and gripped the lever tight again, [color=gold][b]"Witness now, fiend! The end of your grip on my family!"[/b][/color]

With that, the baron pulled the lever. It was quick, and Illezra was grateful that her mother was granted that at least from her corrupt family. The baron didn't waste time. Before his wife's body could recoil back on the noose, he ordered his soldiers to go after the tiefling. [color=gold][b]"We know your face now, 'Illezra'! You can't hide forever!"[/b][/color]

Illezra knew she would have to grieve for her mother later, if she lingered on the rooftop, a single arrow could cut her entire vengeance short. She about turned and leaped from one rooftop to the next. When there wasn't another rooftop to jump to, she dropped to street level, rolling on the ground to break her fall. She looked over her shoulder to see Wengale soldiers armed with longswords running straight after her. She broke into a sprint, pushing people aside that walked into her path. The soldiers shouted to clear the way, allowing them more freedom to move through the crowds. Illezra practically slid on her feet to change her direction, turning into an alleyway and leaping over crates with impressive agility. The alleyway was tight, allowing for a shoulder-width and a half of clearance. The soldiers wouldn't be able to fight as a pair here. The Wengale soldiers rounded the corner and clambered past the crates that Illezra had so easily maneuvered over. Illezra reached into her cloak, and uncoiled a whip. She snapped it forward, striking the first soldier in the face. He recoiled back and clutched his face in pain, tumbling into the other soldier. Illezra cracked the whip again, striking accurately at the man's exposed neck. Small spikes in the whip gripped at his flesh and tore, making a red mess on the stone walls. The other soldier was still trying to make his way past the injured soldier, but without much success. Illezra drew her dagger and ran up to the soldier clutching his throat. She looked him in the eyes as her blade sunk into his belly. He gasped and fell to his knees. The other soldier, now free of the obstruction, tried raising his longsword to strike Illezra. But the tight alleyway caught the blade, and stopped him from being able to effectively swing the sword. Illezra slashed at his armpits, cutting the tendons to his arms. He dropped the sword and groaned in pain. Fear struck his eyes as he looked into Illezra's burning orbs. [color=white][b]"Bane revels in your fear, but it is wasted on me, human."[/b][/color]

Illezra slashed her blade over his throat and watched as he died. Suddenly, an arrow shot past her. She winced as the arrowhead cut a clean line across her arm. Illezra looked down the alleyway, spotting another soldier armed with a bow. He nocked another arrow and aimed at her, but Illezra was already moving. The shot whizzed past her head and pinged off the stonework. She rounded a corner before another arrow could be sent to her. The soldier called out to more men, announcing her presence in the alleys. They would have the exits blocked and she knew it. Illezra looked around for a way to get to the rooftops again, but this alley was far less cluttered. That was when she heard a hushed voice, [color=red][i]"The master's apprentice finally arrives. It has been a long time coming."[/i][/color]

Illezra looked around for the voice, then noticed it came from below her. She saw a hatch made under a stone square. It was held open slightly, and inside was a drow. [color=red][i]"You're short on time, Miss Wengale. The Black Hand doesn't stay in any one place for very long."[/i][/color]

She had intended on finding the Black Hand herself, but she wasn't about to complain about them finding her first. It was quite the opportune moment for them to arrive! Illezra quickly made her way into the hatch, and the drow pulled the hidden door down to the ground again. Seconds later, a group of soldiers, accompanied by a paladin of Ilmater, rounded the corner. Another ground came around the only other corner, and they were dumbfounded to see each other without a tiefling in between. The paladin waved his hand in a commanding gesture, [color=white][i]"The fiend must've climbed the walls. Search the district! She can't be far!"[/i][/color]

Illezra heard the mailed footsteps of soldiers above as they scattered about. The drow stepped past her calmly and gestured for her to follow, [color=red][i]"Right this way, Miss Wengale. The current sanctuary is not far from here. I suppose now that Orphean is dead, I am the new master. You may call me Elkos."[/i][/color]
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