Chapter 1: The First
May 27, 201083rd Year – Yulano’s Passing
The City Of Tarn
Teren Wastes
Rendan Kor stumbled out of The Fist, not quite sure how long he had been in there and not quite sure why he hadn’t left many hours sooner. He had been celebrating his recent promotion, a promotion he earned by following orders without question, a promotion he rightfully deserved, he thought. He slowly made his way along The Crossing, formerly known as Illustrious Crossing, the winding street running through the centre of the Docks District. The newly appointed Advent Lieutenant could barely see a thing, partly because of the amount of Prallian Ale he had drank and partly because of the thick fog that seemed to be creeping in from the Tarn Piers. The tall and weather worn wooden buildings of the district loomed above him on all sides, blocking out whatever light the moon may have provided this night. Seeing naught but a few unconscious drunkards and beggars in his passing, Rendan started suspecting that it was even later than he had at first anticipated.
The Killer moved unseen and unheard along the rooftops of the tall Docks District buildings, never hesitating, never slowing his step. Below him in the street, barely visible through the thick fog, he saw his mark. Clad in thick chainmail that chinked with every step he took, this Prall would not be hard to follow. With his hand on the pommel of his sword, The Killer descended. A few well placed drops had him on street level. He crossed the dimly lit street, now slowing his pace. The Killer knew they were nearing his target’s destination.
As Rendan Kor neared the end of the Docks District, the shacks and makeshift shelters of the Slums now coming into view, he thought he felt something brush against his back, just the slightest hint of a touch, the Prall swung around to meet whoever it might be. Rendan Kor saw nothing. “Who… who’s there?” He asked, swinging around in a full circle. His queries were met by nothing but the distant cheering coming from The Fist and the creaking of the towering wooden docks buildings. “Don’t have time for this.” He muttered as he turned and started towards the Slums again. “This place is going to the dogs.” As he reached the edge of the Docks District he passed a Tarn Guard at one of the entrances to the Tarn Mines, flashing him a toothy smile as he passed. The guard straightened, glancing quickly behind him with a look of confusion on his face. Not willing to take his eyes off Rendan Kor for too long, though, he quickly turned back, adjusting his helmet and looking directly forward. “Not many of you left nowadays, ey.” The Advent Lieutenant chuckled, more to himself than the guard. If the guard had at all heard him, he did not show it. Rendan stopped at the next intersection and looked around, the fog from the Docks District seemed to be following him. He grunted and carried on his way.
The Killer’s mark was just out of sight now, nearing the edge of the Docks District. Easily navigating the shadows and the thick fog, The Killer passed behind an unsuspecting Tarn Guard, leaving nothing but a rush of air in his wake. With his course plotted before him, he would take his place and be ready for his approaching target. It was time to end it.
Rendan Kor rounded the last corner before he would reach his home. A modest place, he thought. Nothing quite as lavish as what Fist had set up for himself in the Docks District.
“Gotta start somewhere.” He mumbled, now approaching his front door. He paused, thinking he had heard something. Then just shook his head, cursing himself for being so paranoid.The Killer surveyed the area. It would be dawn soon and he could just make out the dim light of the morning sun creeping up over the Tarn Slums from the eastern horizon. It was time. Seeing no one else nearby, he dropped down into the alleyway behind his target, sword still in hand. Rendan Kor was busy fumbling with the keys to his home. The Killer spoke.
“A door with a lock set in a brick wall.”
“What?” Rendan Kor asked, jumping around, sliding his rusty short sword from its scabbard. His back was now firmly against the front door to his house. He had to squint to make out the dark silhouette before him in the alleyway.
“You are doing well for yourself, Rendan Kor, Lieutenant of the Advent gang, dog of Fist Novack.” The Killer chided, now slowly closing the distance between the two of them.
“Begone or meet your end at the tip of my sword.” The Advent Lieutenant threatened, holding his short sword out in front of him, swaying slightly, suddenly feeling lightheaded.
The Killer chucked at that notion. This Prall could hardly stand straight, let alone wield that rusty old sword. Rendan Kor was as good as dead.
“I doubt that.” The Killer said coldly.
“Fist will…” Rendan Kor began to mouth, but before he even realized it The Killer lunged forth from the darkness and was on him, Rendan Kor felt the sharp edge of a sword against his throat and a cold hand firmly covering his mouth. He heard his short sword clank to the ground by his side. The Killer leaned forward, whispering into Rendan Kor’s ear then removing his hand from the Prall’s mouth. The Advent Lieutenant’s face twisted in confusion.
“Curse you and your…” Rendan Kor managed to spit as The Killer’s blade flashed across his exposed throat and before he could even pull a hand up to stem the blood flow the same blade plunged into his chest. Rendan Kor was dead before he hit the ground. The Killer released the Prall’s now limp form, dropping him to the ground, a pool of blood rapidly forming on the cobbled stones below.
