This is a VERY rough draft of the ENTIRE first chapter of my next book. I haven’t done any editing, and things will 100% be different on the final release. I always go back and add more detail. I’m just curious to hear everyone’s thoughts, because I am so incredibly excited for this book! Don’t hold back, tell me what you think!
Solvana found herself standing outside of a small cottage in the tiny village of Everstead. She looked around and saw mostly farmland, but she knew she was in the right place. She glanced down at the letter in her hand once more, making sure there was no confusion. She hesitated for a moment before walking inside, as she was unsure what might be waiting for her within.
She slowly opened the door to walk inside and found herself in a cozy cottage living room. There were decorations on the wall, nice furniture filling the floorspace, and a fireplace that warmed the room. It appeared to be a great place to live, but she knew it was all a ruse, nothing more than a front for a secret operation.
She scanned around the room and saw there were five others, none of which looked remotely similar, but one of them was someone she not only knew, but knew quite well. She immediately started toward her friend whose face lit up with a smile as soon as he noticed her.
“It’s been a long time, Balasar,” Solvana said as she approached the only friendly face in the room.
“I have to say, I’m surprised to see you again. I thought you would be long lost in a sea of anonymity by now,” Balasar answered.
Balasar was tall and looked mostly like a dashingly handsome human but his golden dragonkin scales were visible on the fringes of his face and neck, telling the story of his lineage without him saying a word. His armor was well kept, and the symbol of his clan was worn proudly on the center of his chest.
The two of them were standing in the corner of the room, there were others around, but all of them seemed skeptical around so many strangers. No one had really said anything to one another since they arrived, and none of them were sure who even sent the summons to begin with.
“But seriously, given the circumstances of why we’re here, I’m surprised you didn’t stay far away,” Balasar mumbled.
“Yes, if I were smarter I would have, but my curiosity got the better of me. Do you know anyone else here? I see a lot of faces, but none of them are familiar,” Solvana asked.
“No, I can’t say I do. A devilkin, human, aquatic elf, and another of your oh so noble kind,” Balasar pointed out as he looked at the others in the room, “Definitely a mixed bag of people.”
“Where is Drok’thuum? Or Tuk? I haven’t spoken to either of them since we parted ways,” Solvana asked.
“Drok’thuum is still running his clan. I work with him from time to time, but I haven’t seen him in a year. As for Tuk, I don’t know. He is just as reclusive as you are. I haven’t heard from him either,” Balasar answered.
“I see,” Solvana said as she hesitated before asking her next question. “And Volen?”
Balasar’s shoulder drooped slightly as he let out a defeated sigh and said, “Still no luck. I have searched the edges of Tahlav and back, but the avenue I need has eluded me. But I am working on something that may bring her back to me, I just have to be patient.”
“Well, I hope you find what you need,” Solvana comforted.
“I will, no matter the cost,” Balasar answered. “That’s actually why I’m here. The payday for taking down the Hallowed Shroud will be massive. I can use those funds to find a skilled cleric who can pull souls back. Plus, a mercenary can’t turn down good work,” Balasar said, shifting his tone and laughing heartily.
“I guess it would be foolish given your circumstances. How is your clan doing?” Solvana asked.
“Ah, the Zealous Clan has risen to great heights. Once I took hold of this blade, my right to rule was established and my clan immediately grew in strength. Members of my two brother’s clans, as well as some from my father’s, have come to join me and I have led them with pride and purpose. We will become the greatest clan of dragonkin this world will ever see, mark my words,” Balasar boasted.
Solvana, unimpressed with Balasar’s boisterous expressions, chuckled to herself before saying, “Best of luck with that, though it is nice to hear you’ve been doing well.”
“How about you?” Balasar pressed, “I’ve spoken enough about me, what of your adventures?”
“There haven’t been any. I’m just trying to keep hidden. Unlike you, my head will be removed if I put myself in the forefront like that,” Solvana waved him off. “So no, no adventures, no grand schemes, just surviving… at all costs.”
Balasar could hear the desperation in her voice and was about to comfort her when the sound of a door opening across the room creaked out and grabbed all of their attention. Stepping from behind the door was a beautiful young high elf woman with piercing eyes. She had multiple daggers strapped to various points on her body, and they could just make out the leather armor beneath her clothing.
Solvana and a couple of the others immediately reached for their weapons without drawing them, but the woman seemed unbothered by the threat display. She simply made her way to the center of the room, sat down on one of the chairs, and motioned for the rest of those in attendance to join her. Only a few of them sat, the rest of them stayed standing.
One of the people from the group, the only other high elf, spoke up to break the silence, “I am overcome with anticipation,” the man said slyly, “If we could please skip to business and get down to why you’ve summoned all of us here? Or better yet, why?”
“Right,” the woman responded. “For starters, my name is Amarylle Lialana. I have requested all of you here to destroy the Hallowed Shroud.”
“We all read the message, and we saw the reward, but how?” the human woman blurted.
“Before I explain anything to anyone, I need to know everyone in attendance is willing to tackle this seemingly impossible task. I would not have summoned you here if I didn’t have a plan, but I will not explain my plan to anyone who might stick around. I need to know all of you are ready to do this,” Amarylle declared.
“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t,” the high elf man sneered.
“I am willing to do my best,” the devilkin agreed.
“On Aether’s divinity, you have my skills,” the human woman continued.
“I’m only here for the payday, but I’m here ‘till the end,’ Balasar blurted.
“I’m in,” Solvana answered concisely.
“I’m in as well,” the aquatic elf woman mumbled.
“Good. This will be dangerous. Some of you may die. I need you all to be aware of the risks associated with this. Should we fail or be discovered at any point, your lives will never return to normal again,” Amarylle warned. “But if none of that dissuades you, then I’ll tell you what I know.”
“We’re ready for the briefing,” the devilkin affirmed.
“Very well,” Amarylle said as she leaned forward in her chair. “I’m about to go over a lot of information. If you need to take notes, get some ink now. If you already know any part of what I’m about to tell you, keep it to yourself, as others might not. The less interruptions the better.
The Hallowed Shroud is not only real, they operate at a higher capacity now than ever before. However, their utmost need for secrecy has created a unique opportunity for us. Since the mass majority of members have never seen or heard directly from any of those in the higher rankings, all we have to do is cut the head from the snake and the body will die, and here’s how we’ll do it.
There are nine people at the top of the shroud. The Eight Blades and the hand that wields them. No one knows who the hand is, and not even I could dig that information up. However, I have at least some information on all of the Eight Blades. You will hunt down and systematically kill off each of the Blades. In the process, you will uncover the identity of their leader and end each of their lives.
Once the final life of the top nine members of the Shroud have been killed, the organization will cease to exist. It will be a long time before anyone even realizes something is wrong, and by the time they do, chaos will have unfolded. With no purpose, direction, or leashes, the assassins will either fall into disarray or leave entirely. Either way, the Shroud will be no more.”
“On the contrary, dear Amarylle,” the high elven man interrupted. “The Shroud will continue as is, only it will be under new management.”
“And who might that be?” Solvana huffed.
“Why, it will be yours truly,” he said as he put himself on display with his arms out to the side, “I, Varic Nightsense, will be taking over the Shroud once this is all done.”
“They’re not going to let you simply walk in and take over,” Solvana argued.
“It’s impossible to walk into a place I belong,” Varic said as he lifted his shirt, revealing a scar over his ribs.
Solvana immediately recognized the scar, and her hand instinctively moved to her own ribs where she wore an identical one.
“You see, I am an active member of the Shroud,” Varic stated.
Everyone quickly snapped their attention to Varic, immediately skeptical of why he was there. Varic knew this was likely to happen, so he didn’t react to everyone shifting to a defensive stance.
“I assure you, I mean you no harm. I want the leadership of the Shroud just as dead as the rest of you do. The way I see it, killing everyone above me is the fastest way to the seat of power,” Varic explained. “Besides, there are some unfavorable things the Shroud does that I would much like to end. The conscription at birth is pretty awful, that could go.”
“The fact that you’re here means the Shroud knows everything about this,” Solvana stated as she started for the door.
“Wait, please,” Amarylle insisted. “I can assure you, they are certainly unaware. I have done my due diligence with each of you and I know your stories. Varic just recently faked his death on a mission, so the Hallowed Shroud thinks he is dead. He is the perfect source of up-to-date information on the Shroud. Just like I know you have successfully evaded them longer than anyone else in their history has. They want you dead more than anyone. All of you have been chosen to help with this for a reason.”
Solvana hesitated before turning around and looking toward Amarylle, saying, “How do we know you’re telling the truth, because the longer I stand here, the more this feels like a set up.”
“If I were trying to set you up, I would have struck the moment I saw you,’ Varic insisted. “Listen I know who you are, I-”
“Don’t you dare speak my name,” Solvana growled. “You don’t know a damn thing about me, and if you want to keep your tongue inside of your mouth, you’ll quit now.”
“I was merely expressing my admiration for you,” Varic said with a nod. “The one who got away, it’s quite the tale. How should I address you then, what do you go by these days?”
“Call me Colette,” she answered. “It’s about time I changed it again, anyway.”
“Should I also call you Colette?” Balasar asked.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Well, Colette, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Varic said respectfully. “As I said before, my name is Varic, and like our friend Colette, I am an assassin.”
“It’s unsettling having two members of an organization we’re supposed to be killing in the same room with us,” the human woman stated.
“Varic has the right idea,” Amarylle announced. “It would be wise for everyone to introduce themselves, as well as any useful skills you may have. It would be the best way to operate with your strengths at the forefront.”
“I will gladly go next then,” Balasar blurted with his chest puffed out wearing shining armor on display for all to see. “My name is Balasar Zealous, son of Ignatius, and leader of the Zealous Clan. With my sword and shield, there is no foe I can’t bring to heel. I will spread my influence far and wide.”
“And just as proud as ever,” Colette huffed. “My name is unimportant, but you can call me Colette. I have been on the run from the Hallowed Shroud for years, so this is my chance to finally have my freedom.”
“My name is Joliann,” the human woman announced. “I am a member of Aether’s Grace, a clerical order whose mission is that of peace for the innocent. I want to help people, and getting rid of this organization will save countless lives.”
“And my name is Talion Emberheart,” the devilkin spoke. “I proudly represent my god Forseti and vow to bring the sword of justice down on the unworthy.”
“Well don’t look at me,” Varic said as he was next to speak, “I already told you my name. I plan on taking over the Shroud and becoming its new leader.”
“I guess that leaves me,” the aquatic elven woman said with a soft and shy voice. “My name is Liriel. I strive to keep the natural order of things balanced. I am a druid and I’m here to hunt the Shroud because they greatly disrupt the balance of nature.”
“Good, now that everyone is introduced, I can go over your targets in more detail,” Amarylle announced.
“Just tell me who to kill,” Balasar said through a sinister grin.
“You’ll find that killing them is only half the battle,” Amarylle replied. “The other half will be finding all of them. As some of you may know, the Eight Blades of the Shroud are ranked in numerical order, with the first blade being the most capable and the eight being the least. Don’t let that fool you into thinking any of them will be an easy mark, they are all the best assassins money can buy.”
“So should we start from the bottom? Where are they all located?” Talion asked.
“You can hunt them in whatever order you want. Just killing one of them would consider this mission a success, that’s how dangerous this is. But your safest route would be to save the upper ranking members for last,” Amarylle answered.
“That’s no fun,” Varic grumbled. “Why don’t we go straight for the merchant?”
“Are you a fool?” Colette snapped.
“I’m not a fool, just adventurous. If we fail to take down the merchant, then we can get the failure over quickly,” Varic responded.
“Who is this merchant?? Talion asked.
“The Merchant of Death,” Amarylle answered. “He is the First Blade of the Shroud, and arguably the most deadly opponent in your path. He turned down the opportunity to become the leader, but turned it down because he likes to kill. He could care less about the Shroud, he just wants to kill, and they let him act on his own free will. He is located somewhere near Thorngulf, at least that’s the last reported sighting of him,” Amarylle answered.
“Sounds like trouble,” Talion stated.
“Trouble would be an understatement,” Amarylle stated. “He is one of, if not the most dangerous person between you and completion of this mission. Exercise the utmost caution when dealing with him.”
“What all do you know about him?” Varic asked.
“Not much. Most of what you hear about him has been muddled through retellings and hysteria. It’s impossible to know what he is capable of because anyone who lives to talk about seeing him never got close,” Amarylle answered.
“Okay, what of the others?” Talion asked.
“I will go through each of them, so bare with me,” Amarylle prepared. “The Eighth Blade of the Shroud is Iva. She is the youngest of all the blades, but that means she has the most to prove. Her last known whereabouts were near Timiston.”
“That’s perfect, I happen to have some people near there on a contract,” Balasar stated. “We can coordinate with them to help bring that one down.”
“The Seventh Blade of the Shroud is Lorcan, however, he is the only one I have no information on. If we’re lucky, we’ll find his whereabouts as we dismantle his colleagues,” Amarylle explained. “The Sixth Blade of the Shroud is Katyr, she was last reported in Goldwater. The Fifth Blade of the Shroud is Vulmon. He was supposed to be undercover as a caravan guard traveling through here sometime soon.”
“Do we know what caravan?” Joliann asked.
“Sadly, no,” Amarylle answered.
“Do we know what any of these people look like?” Talion asked.
“They’re all high elves,” Amarylle answered. “They’re masters of blending in, their appearances will not only change but they are difficult to pinpoint. Haramara is the only one I know of with any physically identifiable traits.”
“Who is Haramara?” Balasar asked.
“If you all would stop interrupting, I’m sure she’ll tell us,” Colette said sharply.
“Yes, before Haramara is Kavrala, Fourth Blade of the Shroud. My contacts say she is assigned to kill a general of Dante’s army, to the south. I don’t specifically know who, though. Next is Haramara, the Third Blade of the Shroud, and she has a scar over her left cheekbone. Finally, Tisha is the Second Blade of the Shroud, and I am nearly certain she is in Miradoor Castle somewhere, likely trying to cozy up to the new King,” Amarylle explained.
“New King?” Balasar asked with intrigue.
“Yes, King Valerius recently declared his home the origin of the Kingdom of Auselon. The kingdom has been rapidly expanding, leaving a wake of destruction in its path,” Amarylle elaborated. “That’s the kind of thing the Hallowed Shroud will likely show interest in.”
“Seems like we have a daunting task ahead of us,” Talion noted aloud.
“Yes, but we will take them down one at a time, collect our wages, and earn a little bit of freedom while we’re at it,” Balasar joked as he nudged Colette’s arm.
“Is there anything else we should know?” Talion asked.
“I think I’ve given you pretty much all the useful information I can, but I am open to questions if anyone has any,” Amarylle answered.
“Why are you organizing this?” Colette asked sternly. “There has to be a reason for this other than your desire to save lives.”
Amarylle hesitated for a moment before letting out a long sigh and saying, “I come from a family of many siblings. Most of them were kidnapped shortly after they were born, robbing them of any valuable life. My parents may have abandoned hope, they assumed my brothers and sisters were either already dead or their minds completely warped from the torture and training.” Her eyes began to water as she stared at the floor in front of her. Her fists tightened as her jaw clenched, “Maybe they’re right. But even so, I refuse to let their suffering go unpunished. I will save them from their prison or I will burn it to the ground in their name. It is my life’s mission to take down the Hallowed Shroud, and now that my plan is in motion, I will use whatever resources I can to make sure it happens.”
Everyone could feel the grief on her words, and an uncomfortable silence fell on the room. Talion stood to his feet and walked over to Amarylle. His plate armor was well maintained, and candlelight shimmered off of it as he moved. An insignia representing the God Forseti was displayed on his pauldron and the pommel of his sword wore the same marking. However, his dark colored horns contrasted to his armor, giving him an almost menacing appearance at first glance. His red eyes only added to that imposing first glance, but that menacing look was quickly overtaken by his comforting and youthful demeanour.
“Amarylle,” Talion said as he knelt down in front of her and placed his hand on her shoulder, “You have my word that we will avenge your family and put an end to these wicked assassins.”
Amarylle rubbed a tear from her cheek and gave Talion a nod of thanks, “I appreciate that, Talion.”
Talion stood to his feet and looked out at everyone in the room for a moment before saying, “We are all quite different, but I believe we can come together and work well as a team. Let’s take down an ancient assassin’s guild.”
“And please, if at any point in this journey, feel free to stop by here and rest or recover. I will be in Everstead until this is finished. This will be a safe haven for all of you indefinitely,” Amarylle assured. “If you need any supplies, Christopher across the town can help you, he always keeps some basic gear around.”
“So, I can see we’re all doing this, but where will we start?” Colette asked. “If we’re going to survive this, we may want to be quick.”
“My vote is Timiston,” Balasar stated. “My people are already investigating a bandit group down there, so we can meet up with them and use their help to track down the Blade that’s near there.”
“I see no reason to object,” Varic agreed.
“Whatever we’re doing, we need some supplies before we leave. It was a long trip to get here,” Joliann noted.
“I could use some rations myself, so I second that,” Liriel agreed.
Liriel stood to her feet and started toward the door. She was petite, like Colette, but seemed timid and jumpy. She kept her eyes low, long dark colored hair hanging down either side of her head as if to shelter her further. However, her sea blue skin would grab the attention of anyone around her, as aquatic elves were rarely seen on land or away from large bodies of water. As Liriel left the house, the rest of the group started to follow one by one until only Varic and Amarylle were left in the home.
“We will succeed,” Varic stated plainly.
“I have the utmost faith,” Amarylle replied.
Varic gave her a nod and left to join the rest of the group outside. The day was young, and the entire group was skeptical of one another, but they all had a common goal. Taking down the Shroud will be the conquest of a lifetime, and the payday is enticing enough to draw old men from retirement.
“What a journey we have in store,” Varic mumbled to himself as he stepped out and closed the door behind him.
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