The Order of Angels says good-bye to their dear departed and pile the fresh, still-wet ashes into a wooden urn. The ashes are then delivered to the waiting mates of the deceased. Family members have gathered to pay their respects, and you quietly survey the faces of the crowd. Looking for a threat. With a small stir in the landing, you notice Elder Grime entering the house.
His bright blue feathers contrast sharply with his dirt-drenched clothing and heavy armor. He carries a large scimitar on his back, an invention of the demons. He is well known to the people of the Order and they greet him with deep respect.
Elder Grime moves up to the front of the crowd and turns to face the assembled people.
“We have gathered here today to pay our respects to this brave warrior, Jack. He gave his life to the cause, the one we all bear the responsibility of protecting.”
The crowd murmurs its assent to this statement, and you finally manage to push yourself to your feet. Rising, you call out over the crowd.
“He was a good man; he gave his life for me. He saved me. In the past my life was meaningless, but now I live. Because of Jack, my life now has a purpose.”
All eyes turn to you as your voice rings through the community. The Elder’s expression becomes hard, and he glares at you.
“You were not meant to survive … Leave.”
The crowd breaks into a hush, and the family of the deceased grows uncomfortable with your presence. Pulling your scarf down further across your face, you stare at Elder Grime with deep hatred.
“My life, my existence, has meaning. I will not run away from this. I will not retreat. I will avenge this man.”
The Elder ignites one hand with a livid orange flame.
“You are a demon. Your very existence offends the gods; you should never be allowed to speak in the presence of an Elder!”
Grime raises his hand to cast a spell, and the crowd parts to give him access.
“In the past I lived my life on my own terms. Seeking only pleasure and avoiding pain. I assumed I would stay that way. But now I know, Jack taught me that. The past is gone; I will embrace the change. I will not let my pride be my undoing. Wherever these demons are hiding, I will find them. Wherever they are, I will be there as well. I will avenge Jack.”
You pull down your scarf and the crowd gasps. The Elder’s eyes are wide, and you notice the power of your last words.
“I know the demons will return, and they will cause even more pain and suffering. I know I am the only one who can stop them. I will be the one who avenges Jack.”
Elder Grime shakes his head in disbelief at your words and raises his hand to cast the spell. Your arms are raised and you let go of the handle of the urn. There is a swift explosion and flames push through the crowd, and you hear screams from the battered people. As you drop the urn behind you, you pull out your sword and begin to fall back towards the door.
You look up to see Elder Grime and his two guards rushing towards you, and you dash back inside the house. You kick open the door and run into the back room of the house, and slam it shut behind you. A minute passes like an hour, and you realize that the door has not opened.
After closing your eyes, you open them again, and find yourself looking at a wall. A large blast destroys the wall and a large scorch mark remains where you just were standing. Slowly, you raise your hand and reach out into the void you have just found. This is the Void, the Mark of Death. Grime and his guards stand on the other side of the wall, and you can hear their heavy panting. They listen for the slightest noise from their quarry. The magic of the Mark of Death bonds your hand to the wall, and your runes and incantations were strong; you disappear from the prying ears of the intruders.
You feel your mind and body being pulled out of the Void, and you begin to panic. You scream and cry out, but no sound is made.