Fiction:Raven's Flight



"I caused this war. I could have rejected Ire's offer and walked away, leaving someone else to take my role. But I didn't and here I stand today, exiled and guilt-ridden. I satiated his warmonger when I took up my sword and slayed in his name. And now everyone who dies in this war will be my burden to bear, carried to the afterlife on my shoulders."



Blood on the Snow
It was the month of Snowfall. It had been snowing for four days straight in Arakai Mountains, and the ground was covered in deep snow. The clans were once again preparing for the summit of the clans. Over at Fort Ire, a castle that was built high on a mountain looking over the village of Stormhelm, warlord Ire was eagerly waiting for the other clan leaders. He had been chosen to host the summit unanimously, given his nature as an extremely influential warlord. As the numerous clan leaders gathered at the castle, they began to feast and discuss political matters that required their attention.

The clan leaders entered a relatively large room so that they may hold their discussion in private. One of the most notable matters that they were discussing was how they should deal with outsiders, with the warlords Tyrin and Uruth proposing a more open-minded approach to them. They were opposed by Ire and most other clan leaders, who were against such radical requests and desired to remain isolated from the rest of the world.


 * Ire - While I hold you in the most highest regard, Tyrin, this is simply something I cannot accept.
 * Tyrin - I know that you don't find it appealing but have you con-.

Before Tyrin was able to finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Arakai that entered the room. The Arakai was holding a bloodied shortsword and wore an archer mask. Blood could be seen on the floor as well, presumably from the guards that had been guarding the door. As he stepped through the doorway he was stopped by the clan leader of clan Kerene.


 * Carth Kerene - Halt, fool! You have desecrated one of our most oldest traditions with your actions.

The Arakai turned his head towards Carth and quickly jammed his sword to his chest, killing him. The warlords were shocked by this and started panicking as they had left their weapons at repository, as demanded by their ancient traditions. The assassin started killing the clan leaders left and right, until only warlords Tyrin, Ire and Uruth remained. Taking the assassin by surprise, Tyrin and Ire knocked him to the ground while Uruth went to get guards to apprehend him.

The guards took the assassin outside where the surviving warlords were waiting for them. Ire approached the assassin and took off his mask revealing a young Arakai underneath. Tyrin also approached him and started to question him.


 * Tyrin - So young... Why did you throw your life away and do something like this?
 * Ire - Don't bother, Tyrin. His kind never open their mouths.

While Tyrin walked next to Uruth, Ire took a step towards the assassin.


 * Ire - For the heinous acts that you've committed here today I hereby exile you from Arakai Mountains.

Walking to Tyrin and Uruth, Ire opened his mouth once again.


 * Ire - I will see to his exile personally.
 * Tyrin - Good. But know that what happened here today changes nothing.
 * Ire - I understand your dislike for my ideals and I'm fine with it. Now off with you two and make sure to tell everyone of this dark day.

Birth of War
Ire was escorting the assassin on a mountain path leading to the outside world. Reaching a certain point on the path Ire and his men stopped, setting the assassin free. He walked for few meters before turning to Ire.


 * Ire - You've done exceptional work, my friend. Killing those clan leaders allows most of them to be succeeded by clan leaders that are more willing to listen to me than that foolish Tyrin. They will believe that he and Uruth ordered you to kill their fathers. A war will erupt and I will lead these new warlords towards the ideal of United Arakai, just like Vortigern in his time!
 * Assassin - You're the only person I've ever known who wants to be like Vortigern.
 * Ire - But enough speeches. You have earned your payment. Here, catch.

Ire threw a pouch of gold at the assassin who caught it.


 * Ire - See? Everything ended happily, you got your payment and I got my empire.
 * Assassin - I don't really consider this a "happy ending".
 * Ire - Because you were exiled? You do realize that it was that or execution. And I like you and don't want to see you die in such a way.
 * Assassin - I guess this was for the best then.
 * Ire - Well then, off you go to the outside world.

As Ire finished his sentence he and his men turned around and began to ride back to Fort Ire. Ire turned once again back to the assassin.


 * Ire - Oh, and go ahead and take this as a memory of this day.

Ire threw the mask that the assassin wore during the assassination to the ground, burying to a thick layer of snow. After that he turned back to his men and they rode away from the assassin. The assassin looked walked towards the cliff and looked first at the pouch that Ire gave him and then at the horizon, starting to realize what he had done. Suddenly a raven landed on his shoulder, cawed at him and flew away just as suddenly it had arrived. Watching the raven's flight, the assassin grasped his pouch and tossed it to the valley underneath. He then grabbed his mask from the snow and took off to Koldenwelt.

Few years later the assassin was sitting by a bonfire with, telling the warrior his story.


 *  - So that is my story, Marcos. The story of the Raven.