DoYouKnowMe
04-10-2006, 07:25 AM
Awesome story. Found on ancient Wisdom Site. Read on
well maybe not but I figured since it was a hit on the blades boards probably will be here as well and since there are so many new people with us now so once again I present my story written by my hand and throught up by my slightly jaded mind so prepare thy self for the Orgin of Renaissance Man. ( oh and those who read it before see if you can find the tiny edit I made)
The Origin of Renaissance Man
“So my friend you wish to hear my story. I warn you ahead of time that this is no fairy tale, there will be no knights in shinning armor or damsels in distress waiting to be rescued. Be prepared for what you will hear in this tale for it could burn you to your core. Though I am content and even could go as far as saying happy at this present time, my life wasn’t always such. It seems as though I am finally seeing the sun again. My early years were happy, I was surrounded by my family whom I loved and loved me and even though the life of a dark elf is hard with constant training I was happy. Until it ended. All things have a beginning and an end. Some are better and others are worse. I had a different name once, but that life ended in an instant. You ask your self what can cause a man to travel the path of an assassin. Well for some it’s money, and there is money to be made. Fame, there is fame to be found though it’s perilous to seek. Some individuals are sick and revel in the pain and death they bring. Revenge, though a hollow thing, is none the less a powerful motive. Vengeance, yes vengeance. Even now as I tell you I can see his face, the one who made me. I’m sure he regretted his actions since they brought about his down fall. My story starts with my twentieth birthday. For a dark elf when you turn twenty it is a time to chose which path you will walk. For some it is the path of the mystic. The mysteries of nature and spirit are revealed to you, and spells and other worldly beings are your companions. For others like me the path of the warrior lays open. Sword, dagger, and bow. Blood and death.”
My family was what could be thought of as middle class. We were held in high regard but as for true power my family had none and didn’t really crave it. My mother was a Shillien Elder a high cleric of Shillien. My father was a Blade Dancer, and was thought of as one of the best fighters in the city. It was he who trained me in those early years. My brothers and sisters were all already deep into their training and I didn’t see them much. I was the youngest but they all came together to welcome me into the ranks of adulthood. I can remember looking down the table at them as we feasted. At the end of the feast my father called me to my feet and asked me to revel my choice to the family. I stood and look at each of them, their smiling faces are firmly fixed in my mind. “Father,” I said, “It is my choice to go into the academy for warriors.” My family jumped to their feet and applauded me. My father and brothers reaching for my hand and my mother and sisters trying to hug me. We were a tangled mess of bodies, but extremely happy. That night as my family slept, I stood on our balcony and fantasized about all the adventures I was going to have. A sound behind me, snapped me clear of my day dream. It was my father. I turned and returned my attention back to the night sky. He stood next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. We stood in silence until he spoke.
“Son, I knew you were going to chose the warrior path. I got something for you.” He pulled a package out from under his cloak. I eagerly ripped the wrapping off and found myself staring at a beautiful dagger. I looked up quickly at my father, he smiled and said, “It’s Mithril. I had it made for you when I realized that the dagger was your weapon of choice. You are good with a bow and adequate with the sword but you my son are a master with the dagger.” I slid it free from it’s soft leather sheath. It was perfectly balanced. I ran through a couple of quick exercises and it cut the air as easily as it would cut the flesh. I slid it back into the sheath and buckled it around my waist. I look back at my father’s smiling face and I walked forward into his arms. Little did I know that, that was going to be the last time we ever hugged. “Thank you,” I whispered in his ear. “I love you father.”
“I love you to my son.” and that’s when it happened. I heard the impact as much as I felt it. I looked up into my fathers face. There was a trickle of blood running from his mouth and his eyes were wide with surprise. His mouth opened a few times as though he was trying to say something, then suddenly I felt his weight on me. I lowered him to the ground and I could clearly see the arrow lodged in his back. “It’ll be alright father mother will be able to save you.” I left my fathers side and started running to where my mother slept. The arrow caught me in the shoulder. Thrown off balance I slammed into the ground. I was knocked unconscious. When I awoke the pain was unbelievable. I tried to get back to my feet, but a boot caught me in the face and slammed me back into a book case. He had a bloody dagger in his hand. My thoughts instantly turned to the rest of my family. His strong hand grasp my shoulder, almost the same way as my father had. He brought the dagger forward and placed it over my heart. Slowly he ran the tip over my shirt, slicing it open. I looked up into his eyes, and saw the enjoyment he was having. A cold smile lit his face. Again he slowly ran the dagger tip downward this time slicing my skin open. His arm went back, and I braced for the killing blow. “Hold,” a powerful voice yelled. The assassin started and turned quickly, behind him was a man I have know all my life. I took a deep breathe, “help me,” I whispered. “Not yet,” he replied. I looked up sharply at him. “Don’t kill him yet.” The assassin’s hand let go of me and I slide down to the floor. “Go get the others.” I watched in horror as he drug the bodies of my brothers and sisters
out. I broke down when he drug my mothers body out. “Why,” I Asked through the tears. “Well you see, your father, my friend, over heard a plan to kill the High Tetrarch. Now of course he ran to me to tell me what he heard. Well I couldn’t let him ruin my plans, now could I. Well your little celebration here awarded me the perfect opportunity, your whole family under one roof. I couldn’t take the chance that your father told anyone in your family what he knew. Finish him and lets get out of here. The assassin moved forward, in a burst of adrenalin I pulled my dagger and rammed it into his chest, “for my father”. I rammed the dagger home a second time and his body collapsed with me on top of him. My energy spent, I spiraled into blackness.
I bolted upright covered it sweat,” MOTHER…. FATHER…”
“Shhhh, lay back down you’re alright now,” a gentle hand forced me back onto my back.
“My mother, my father where are they?”
“I’m sorry, you’re the only one who survived, now you must rest. The arrow was poisoned, we leached it from your body but you’re still weak. Weeping gently I fell back into the darkness. When next I awoke I felt stronger, the memory of what happened struck me like a blow. I knew that I’d have to fake that I had no memory. He was to powerful for me to try and take on by myself, for now… but one day my family would be avenged. I struggled to my feet, and next to the bed on a table was my dagger. Some one had cleaned it but it had a nick in the blade where I had hit bone. As I was belting it on, the door opened behind me. A woman entered, “What are you doing up, you must rest?”
“I’ve rested long enough, now tell me what happened.”
“You don’t remember?” “Do you remember anything, anything at all?”
“No all I seem to remember is blood lots of blood. What happened?”
“I don’t think I’m the one to answer those questions. The Tetrarchs have asked that you be brought before them when you were strong enough, and since you don’t seem to want to take my advice we might as well go.” The walk to the council room was pure agony but I steeled myself, I knew he would be there and I’d have to convince him that I remembered nothing of what had happened. Two guards flanked the door, as we approached they crossed their spears. “The tetrarchs have asked to see him.”
“He’ll have to remove his dagger,” one of the guards said.
“No, my dagger will never leave my side again,” I told them. Both guards bristled at this but the woman pushed forward.
“I will take responsibility for it, now open the door. The two guards exchanged a look and opened the door. Inside sat the tetrarchs, seven in number. The High Tetrarch sat in the middle seat and there to his right, he sat. How I wanted to ram my dagger into the soft flesh of his body. I pushed forward and rushed towards him. He hid it well but I saw him flinch slightly. “Uncle what happened, no one will tell me anything? Where’s my mother and father?” There it was again a slight flinch of the eye. The High Tetrarch spoke, You remember nothing about what happened?”
Turning my attention to him, I responded “no sir, I remember nothing except waking up here. Will someone please tell me what happened?
“I’m sorry to tell you this son, but your family has been murdered.”
“What…what…that can’t be Uncle tell him he’s wrong.” “Uncle please,” I begged, “tell him he’s wrong.” I fell to my knees and started sobbing. He came around the table and grabbed a hold of me and raised me to my feet. He threw his arms around me and hugged me close. The urge to ram my dagger in him returned a hundred fold, but treachery deserved treachery. I slowed my crying and broke the embrace, “thank you uncle. Now what actually happened. The High Tetrarch spoke again, “from what we can tell, it was a robbery, a man broke into your house, he killed your parents as well as your siblings.” I allowed my legs to buckle and caught myself on the table.
“My brother and sisters,” I gasped, “are gone to. Then I have no one left…except you uncle. He gave me a slight smile, he’s mind clearly working on how he could profit from this unexpected turn. “Please tell me the rest?”
“Well from what we can tell, your father and you were shot by bow from a tree across your yard. The arrows were coated in a poison, that is usually universally fatal. How you survived is beyond explanation. Well after you and your father were down he systematically butchered everyone else. You must have groaned or something because he return to where you were and attempted to finish the job. You fought him off and were able to stab him twice in the chest. When you were found you were barely holding on to life. We thought you would die, but you hung on.
“How long…how long since…”
“It’s been three months since the attack.”
“Thr…three months.” that truly stunned me. “What am I going to do now.” I looked into his eyes. “Uncle you are all that I have left. Allow me your name and I’ll enter the fighters academy. I’ll make you proud, I swear it.” I could see in his eyes that he was shocked.
“Of course, you’ll be as my own child.”
“Thank you uncle, I won’t let you down.” And with that I turned and walked out. I could hear the tetrarchs talking to each other as the doors closed behind me.
The academy, would become my home for many years. I threw myself into my training. I raised my skill with the dagger to an art form. I still lacked sufficient skill with the sword to go into any of the professions that used that weapon. My bow work was good, but I concentrated on the dagger, the weapon of the assassin. I learned all the spells and incantations that all dark elves are taught. And I went even farther than any of my class mates even in my off hours I was training. My body was at peak condition but it wasn’t enough. I developed new skills, the ability to walk past a person without them noticing. This I called the silent walk. I taught myself the skill called Shadow Sight the ability to fight without the ability to see. And finally during a sparing match, I felt an energy overcome me, and when I attacked my attack was three times as powerful as it should have been. Thankfully the shield spell cast over my opponent protected him so he wasn’t hurt to bad. Afterwards I was drained and my instructor looked at me stunned. “That’s not possible you couldn’t of used that ability, its to advanced for one so young.” But as I continue to train I was able to call upon that energy frequently and as I would come to learn when you master the vicious stance the weariness is lessened. I won award after award, and my “Uncle” seemed the perfect father. He reveled in each of my successes. He was soon elevated to the position of High Tetrarch after the former one was found dead. He was thought to have been assassinated by the feared assassin known as only Renaissance Man.
“You look at me strange, but I tell you I didn’t kill him. And if you’ll sit there and be quite I’ll explain.”
Now after I thought my skills were sufficient, I started to go out a night. This was of course against the rules, but I didn’t care. I started to take notice of those that stalked that shadows. I crafted myself a mask that would strike fear into the heart of my victims. I also named myself Renaissance Man…
“Didn’t I just ask you to be quite. You asked me to tell you about how I became who I am. Not where I got my name from. Now one more interruption from you and this story will end. And I just may decide that I don’t want you to have the knowledge that you now possess. Now sit there and be quite.
After I was able to defeat a few of the members the assassins guild sent me a formal invite to join it’s ranks. Now just because one is an assassin it doesn’t mean they lack honor. I swore to myself that I would never take delight in the job like the one who killed my parents. My victims were all men and yes women whom have done great evil. Though I could have made more money from taking contracts on others whom would seem undeserving of death. It was the corrupt I hunted. And since it seems the corrupt are the ones that raise to the very top of a society, I was feared and branded a murderer by those in power. So there I was the best student in the academy for fighters by day and by night the feared Renaissance Man. As I approached my graduation and my initiation into the ranks of the Abyss Walkers. He came to me and told me how proud of me he was and how I have honored him as a son. I called him that thing I’ve never called him before “Father”. “Father,” I said, “everything I’ve done was to honor you and the spirits of my family.” I could see tears in his eyes as he looked at me.
“I’m sure they’ve been at Shillien’s side watching you.” The nerve, could you imagine the restraint it took not to tear him apart, but no my family’s vengeance would wait just a little longer.
The ceremony of my elevation to the rank of Abyss Walker took place two weeks later. As he was the High Tetrarch it was he who handed me the Dark Screamer dagger the would identify me as an Abyss Walker. Tears were clearly standing in his eyes and since I was the top fighter in my class I was last to receive my dagger. I buckled it around my waist and turned. I drew my dagger and screamed, my class mates join me. Swords, bows and Daggers where thrust towards the heavens and we started to sing a hymn of praise to Shillien. I raised my voice with my fellows and I could almost feel my words reaching her ears.
That night after the celebration as I slept, I felt different. My eyes flew opened and I looked around. I was not in my room. I was somewhere else, I really can’t explain. I was not alone, standing across from me was a beautiful dark elf female. I immediately knew that she wasn’t mortal. As the thought dawned on me I realized who she was. “Shillien…” I looked up into her eyes and new I was right. I fell to my knees in front of her.
“My son, stand I’ve brought you here for a reason and time is short.” I quickly got to my feet. “Now my son the time for vengeance is at hand. The one who wronged you and myself as well is in your grasp. Strike now, this night, for another opportunity will not present itself. This one whom took some much from you, will pay by your hand. He took from me a loyal tetrarch and your family was fiercely loyal to me. It was not with my permission that he struck, this one seeks power and glory for himself. Now go..”
I bolted upright. I was in my own room. Was it only a dream. I sat on the edge of my bed unsure of what to do. My window was suddenly blown open and as clear as day the words “Strike…Strike now,” could be heard. I knew it wasn’t a dream. I quickly got dress. Slipping my mask over my head I reached for my dark screamer, but changed my mind. I grabbed the mithril dagger my father had given me so many years past and belted it on. I quickly slipped off the academy grounds and made my way to his house. I entered and made my way to his room. I looked down at him as he slept. I quietly slipped my dagger from its sheath, and laid it across his throat. The cold blade shocked him awake, he started to sit up but the dagger started to cut into his throat and he stopped. The sleep cleared from his eyes and he looked into my face. I knew all he could see were my eyes. I slowly reached with my other hand and lit a candle next to his bed. As the flame took to life and illuminated my face, his eyes widened in terror. “You…you..” He stuttered “what do you want?”
“Well lets see, what do I want.” I removed the dagger from his throat. “Don’t even think about screaming or your death will be more painful than you can imagine.” He settled back into his bed, to afraid to do anything else. “What do I want, hmm you wouldn’t think that a question like that would be so hard. “I’m guessing you know who I am.”
“You’re Renaissance Man, aren’t you”
“Very good,” I applauded. “Your not as stupid as you look. But I am also the son of a murdered father and mother. I am the brother to murdered brother and sisters.” His face took on a look of confusion. “What do I want, well I want to train with my father. I want to feel my mothers arms around me. I want to hear my brother and sisters laughing. I want everything you’ve taken from me back.” He was still confused, my anger surged. “You still don’t recognize me, do you. Maybe I can help you out a little.” I turned my back on him knowing that the coward would do nothing. I reached up and grasp the edge of my mask and pulled it off. “Well “Uncle” do you think you can recognize me now.” As I turned back to face him, his mouth and eyes opened in astonishment. “Well “Uncle” say something.”
“But…but, you said you didn’t remember.”
“Come now, do you really think I wouldn’t remember the man who was responsible for the murder of my family. I remembered everything the moment I awakened. My revenge has been planned and followed through with precision. Everything I’ve done was to make this moment as painful as possible.” I walked towards his bed, he raised up and fought but, he was no match. His hands gripped my arm as I slowly moved my dagger to his throat.
“My son…please don’t. Haven’t I loved you. Haven’t I treated you as my own child.”
“I had a father and you killed him. Give Shillien my regards when you meet her, ohh and by the way she isn’t very happy with you.” And with that I slowly drew my dagger across his throat. I watched as the light faded from his eyes. I was exhausted and sat down in a chair. My hands where shaking and tears where streaming down my face. Even though it happened so many years ago, all the memories of that night came back to me. I cried, I cried for my parents. I cried for my brothers and for my sisters. I cried for myself. As I sat and cried I felt a presence in the room. I jumped to my feet and looked around. There standing in front of me were my parents. “Mother…Father…,” I cried. I rushed at them and I felt their arms wrap around me. I look up at them and they smiled. “I avenged you…” They nodded at me and broke our embrace my father grabbed my mothers hand,. my mother place her hand on my face and with a final smile they vanished. I left my mask where it landed on the floor and returned to my room. I packed my belongings and walked from my homeland forever. With my mithril dagger on one hip and my dark screamer on the other. I sought my future with the members of the other races. I found myself a home with the members of Ancient Wisdom. I no longer take contracts for killing and only fight to protect those whom can’t protect themselves and my friends. Woe be to those that try and harm my friends.
“There does that answer your questions. That’s my story. What do you mean that can’t be it. How did I meet my friends in Ancient Wisdom? Ok that’s enough, I’ve put up with your questions for far to long. How I met up with them is another story, and I’ve put up with you for long enough, now get out of here before I change my mind about allowing you to live with the knowledge of my life.”
well maybe not but I figured since it was a hit on the blades boards probably will be here as well and since there are so many new people with us now so once again I present my story written by my hand and throught up by my slightly jaded mind so prepare thy self for the Orgin of Renaissance Man. ( oh and those who read it before see if you can find the tiny edit I made)
The Origin of Renaissance Man
“So my friend you wish to hear my story. I warn you ahead of time that this is no fairy tale, there will be no knights in shinning armor or damsels in distress waiting to be rescued. Be prepared for what you will hear in this tale for it could burn you to your core. Though I am content and even could go as far as saying happy at this present time, my life wasn’t always such. It seems as though I am finally seeing the sun again. My early years were happy, I was surrounded by my family whom I loved and loved me and even though the life of a dark elf is hard with constant training I was happy. Until it ended. All things have a beginning and an end. Some are better and others are worse. I had a different name once, but that life ended in an instant. You ask your self what can cause a man to travel the path of an assassin. Well for some it’s money, and there is money to be made. Fame, there is fame to be found though it’s perilous to seek. Some individuals are sick and revel in the pain and death they bring. Revenge, though a hollow thing, is none the less a powerful motive. Vengeance, yes vengeance. Even now as I tell you I can see his face, the one who made me. I’m sure he regretted his actions since they brought about his down fall. My story starts with my twentieth birthday. For a dark elf when you turn twenty it is a time to chose which path you will walk. For some it is the path of the mystic. The mysteries of nature and spirit are revealed to you, and spells and other worldly beings are your companions. For others like me the path of the warrior lays open. Sword, dagger, and bow. Blood and death.”
My family was what could be thought of as middle class. We were held in high regard but as for true power my family had none and didn’t really crave it. My mother was a Shillien Elder a high cleric of Shillien. My father was a Blade Dancer, and was thought of as one of the best fighters in the city. It was he who trained me in those early years. My brothers and sisters were all already deep into their training and I didn’t see them much. I was the youngest but they all came together to welcome me into the ranks of adulthood. I can remember looking down the table at them as we feasted. At the end of the feast my father called me to my feet and asked me to revel my choice to the family. I stood and look at each of them, their smiling faces are firmly fixed in my mind. “Father,” I said, “It is my choice to go into the academy for warriors.” My family jumped to their feet and applauded me. My father and brothers reaching for my hand and my mother and sisters trying to hug me. We were a tangled mess of bodies, but extremely happy. That night as my family slept, I stood on our balcony and fantasized about all the adventures I was going to have. A sound behind me, snapped me clear of my day dream. It was my father. I turned and returned my attention back to the night sky. He stood next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. We stood in silence until he spoke.
“Son, I knew you were going to chose the warrior path. I got something for you.” He pulled a package out from under his cloak. I eagerly ripped the wrapping off and found myself staring at a beautiful dagger. I looked up quickly at my father, he smiled and said, “It’s Mithril. I had it made for you when I realized that the dagger was your weapon of choice. You are good with a bow and adequate with the sword but you my son are a master with the dagger.” I slid it free from it’s soft leather sheath. It was perfectly balanced. I ran through a couple of quick exercises and it cut the air as easily as it would cut the flesh. I slid it back into the sheath and buckled it around my waist. I look back at my father’s smiling face and I walked forward into his arms. Little did I know that, that was going to be the last time we ever hugged. “Thank you,” I whispered in his ear. “I love you father.”
“I love you to my son.” and that’s when it happened. I heard the impact as much as I felt it. I looked up into my fathers face. There was a trickle of blood running from his mouth and his eyes were wide with surprise. His mouth opened a few times as though he was trying to say something, then suddenly I felt his weight on me. I lowered him to the ground and I could clearly see the arrow lodged in his back. “It’ll be alright father mother will be able to save you.” I left my fathers side and started running to where my mother slept. The arrow caught me in the shoulder. Thrown off balance I slammed into the ground. I was knocked unconscious. When I awoke the pain was unbelievable. I tried to get back to my feet, but a boot caught me in the face and slammed me back into a book case. He had a bloody dagger in his hand. My thoughts instantly turned to the rest of my family. His strong hand grasp my shoulder, almost the same way as my father had. He brought the dagger forward and placed it over my heart. Slowly he ran the tip over my shirt, slicing it open. I looked up into his eyes, and saw the enjoyment he was having. A cold smile lit his face. Again he slowly ran the dagger tip downward this time slicing my skin open. His arm went back, and I braced for the killing blow. “Hold,” a powerful voice yelled. The assassin started and turned quickly, behind him was a man I have know all my life. I took a deep breathe, “help me,” I whispered. “Not yet,” he replied. I looked up sharply at him. “Don’t kill him yet.” The assassin’s hand let go of me and I slide down to the floor. “Go get the others.” I watched in horror as he drug the bodies of my brothers and sisters
out. I broke down when he drug my mothers body out. “Why,” I Asked through the tears. “Well you see, your father, my friend, over heard a plan to kill the High Tetrarch. Now of course he ran to me to tell me what he heard. Well I couldn’t let him ruin my plans, now could I. Well your little celebration here awarded me the perfect opportunity, your whole family under one roof. I couldn’t take the chance that your father told anyone in your family what he knew. Finish him and lets get out of here. The assassin moved forward, in a burst of adrenalin I pulled my dagger and rammed it into his chest, “for my father”. I rammed the dagger home a second time and his body collapsed with me on top of him. My energy spent, I spiraled into blackness.
I bolted upright covered it sweat,” MOTHER…. FATHER…”
“Shhhh, lay back down you’re alright now,” a gentle hand forced me back onto my back.
“My mother, my father where are they?”
“I’m sorry, you’re the only one who survived, now you must rest. The arrow was poisoned, we leached it from your body but you’re still weak. Weeping gently I fell back into the darkness. When next I awoke I felt stronger, the memory of what happened struck me like a blow. I knew that I’d have to fake that I had no memory. He was to powerful for me to try and take on by myself, for now… but one day my family would be avenged. I struggled to my feet, and next to the bed on a table was my dagger. Some one had cleaned it but it had a nick in the blade where I had hit bone. As I was belting it on, the door opened behind me. A woman entered, “What are you doing up, you must rest?”
“I’ve rested long enough, now tell me what happened.”
“You don’t remember?” “Do you remember anything, anything at all?”
“No all I seem to remember is blood lots of blood. What happened?”
“I don’t think I’m the one to answer those questions. The Tetrarchs have asked that you be brought before them when you were strong enough, and since you don’t seem to want to take my advice we might as well go.” The walk to the council room was pure agony but I steeled myself, I knew he would be there and I’d have to convince him that I remembered nothing of what had happened. Two guards flanked the door, as we approached they crossed their spears. “The tetrarchs have asked to see him.”
“He’ll have to remove his dagger,” one of the guards said.
“No, my dagger will never leave my side again,” I told them. Both guards bristled at this but the woman pushed forward.
“I will take responsibility for it, now open the door. The two guards exchanged a look and opened the door. Inside sat the tetrarchs, seven in number. The High Tetrarch sat in the middle seat and there to his right, he sat. How I wanted to ram my dagger into the soft flesh of his body. I pushed forward and rushed towards him. He hid it well but I saw him flinch slightly. “Uncle what happened, no one will tell me anything? Where’s my mother and father?” There it was again a slight flinch of the eye. The High Tetrarch spoke, You remember nothing about what happened?”
Turning my attention to him, I responded “no sir, I remember nothing except waking up here. Will someone please tell me what happened?
“I’m sorry to tell you this son, but your family has been murdered.”
“What…what…that can’t be Uncle tell him he’s wrong.” “Uncle please,” I begged, “tell him he’s wrong.” I fell to my knees and started sobbing. He came around the table and grabbed a hold of me and raised me to my feet. He threw his arms around me and hugged me close. The urge to ram my dagger in him returned a hundred fold, but treachery deserved treachery. I slowed my crying and broke the embrace, “thank you uncle. Now what actually happened. The High Tetrarch spoke again, “from what we can tell, it was a robbery, a man broke into your house, he killed your parents as well as your siblings.” I allowed my legs to buckle and caught myself on the table.
“My brother and sisters,” I gasped, “are gone to. Then I have no one left…except you uncle. He gave me a slight smile, he’s mind clearly working on how he could profit from this unexpected turn. “Please tell me the rest?”
“Well from what we can tell, your father and you were shot by bow from a tree across your yard. The arrows were coated in a poison, that is usually universally fatal. How you survived is beyond explanation. Well after you and your father were down he systematically butchered everyone else. You must have groaned or something because he return to where you were and attempted to finish the job. You fought him off and were able to stab him twice in the chest. When you were found you were barely holding on to life. We thought you would die, but you hung on.
“How long…how long since…”
“It’s been three months since the attack.”
“Thr…three months.” that truly stunned me. “What am I going to do now.” I looked into his eyes. “Uncle you are all that I have left. Allow me your name and I’ll enter the fighters academy. I’ll make you proud, I swear it.” I could see in his eyes that he was shocked.
“Of course, you’ll be as my own child.”
“Thank you uncle, I won’t let you down.” And with that I turned and walked out. I could hear the tetrarchs talking to each other as the doors closed behind me.
The academy, would become my home for many years. I threw myself into my training. I raised my skill with the dagger to an art form. I still lacked sufficient skill with the sword to go into any of the professions that used that weapon. My bow work was good, but I concentrated on the dagger, the weapon of the assassin. I learned all the spells and incantations that all dark elves are taught. And I went even farther than any of my class mates even in my off hours I was training. My body was at peak condition but it wasn’t enough. I developed new skills, the ability to walk past a person without them noticing. This I called the silent walk. I taught myself the skill called Shadow Sight the ability to fight without the ability to see. And finally during a sparing match, I felt an energy overcome me, and when I attacked my attack was three times as powerful as it should have been. Thankfully the shield spell cast over my opponent protected him so he wasn’t hurt to bad. Afterwards I was drained and my instructor looked at me stunned. “That’s not possible you couldn’t of used that ability, its to advanced for one so young.” But as I continue to train I was able to call upon that energy frequently and as I would come to learn when you master the vicious stance the weariness is lessened. I won award after award, and my “Uncle” seemed the perfect father. He reveled in each of my successes. He was soon elevated to the position of High Tetrarch after the former one was found dead. He was thought to have been assassinated by the feared assassin known as only Renaissance Man.
“You look at me strange, but I tell you I didn’t kill him. And if you’ll sit there and be quite I’ll explain.”
Now after I thought my skills were sufficient, I started to go out a night. This was of course against the rules, but I didn’t care. I started to take notice of those that stalked that shadows. I crafted myself a mask that would strike fear into the heart of my victims. I also named myself Renaissance Man…
“Didn’t I just ask you to be quite. You asked me to tell you about how I became who I am. Not where I got my name from. Now one more interruption from you and this story will end. And I just may decide that I don’t want you to have the knowledge that you now possess. Now sit there and be quite.
After I was able to defeat a few of the members the assassins guild sent me a formal invite to join it’s ranks. Now just because one is an assassin it doesn’t mean they lack honor. I swore to myself that I would never take delight in the job like the one who killed my parents. My victims were all men and yes women whom have done great evil. Though I could have made more money from taking contracts on others whom would seem undeserving of death. It was the corrupt I hunted. And since it seems the corrupt are the ones that raise to the very top of a society, I was feared and branded a murderer by those in power. So there I was the best student in the academy for fighters by day and by night the feared Renaissance Man. As I approached my graduation and my initiation into the ranks of the Abyss Walkers. He came to me and told me how proud of me he was and how I have honored him as a son. I called him that thing I’ve never called him before “Father”. “Father,” I said, “everything I’ve done was to honor you and the spirits of my family.” I could see tears in his eyes as he looked at me.
“I’m sure they’ve been at Shillien’s side watching you.” The nerve, could you imagine the restraint it took not to tear him apart, but no my family’s vengeance would wait just a little longer.
The ceremony of my elevation to the rank of Abyss Walker took place two weeks later. As he was the High Tetrarch it was he who handed me the Dark Screamer dagger the would identify me as an Abyss Walker. Tears were clearly standing in his eyes and since I was the top fighter in my class I was last to receive my dagger. I buckled it around my waist and turned. I drew my dagger and screamed, my class mates join me. Swords, bows and Daggers where thrust towards the heavens and we started to sing a hymn of praise to Shillien. I raised my voice with my fellows and I could almost feel my words reaching her ears.
That night after the celebration as I slept, I felt different. My eyes flew opened and I looked around. I was not in my room. I was somewhere else, I really can’t explain. I was not alone, standing across from me was a beautiful dark elf female. I immediately knew that she wasn’t mortal. As the thought dawned on me I realized who she was. “Shillien…” I looked up into her eyes and new I was right. I fell to my knees in front of her.
“My son, stand I’ve brought you here for a reason and time is short.” I quickly got to my feet. “Now my son the time for vengeance is at hand. The one who wronged you and myself as well is in your grasp. Strike now, this night, for another opportunity will not present itself. This one whom took some much from you, will pay by your hand. He took from me a loyal tetrarch and your family was fiercely loyal to me. It was not with my permission that he struck, this one seeks power and glory for himself. Now go..”
I bolted upright. I was in my own room. Was it only a dream. I sat on the edge of my bed unsure of what to do. My window was suddenly blown open and as clear as day the words “Strike…Strike now,” could be heard. I knew it wasn’t a dream. I quickly got dress. Slipping my mask over my head I reached for my dark screamer, but changed my mind. I grabbed the mithril dagger my father had given me so many years past and belted it on. I quickly slipped off the academy grounds and made my way to his house. I entered and made my way to his room. I looked down at him as he slept. I quietly slipped my dagger from its sheath, and laid it across his throat. The cold blade shocked him awake, he started to sit up but the dagger started to cut into his throat and he stopped. The sleep cleared from his eyes and he looked into my face. I knew all he could see were my eyes. I slowly reached with my other hand and lit a candle next to his bed. As the flame took to life and illuminated my face, his eyes widened in terror. “You…you..” He stuttered “what do you want?”
“Well lets see, what do I want.” I removed the dagger from his throat. “Don’t even think about screaming or your death will be more painful than you can imagine.” He settled back into his bed, to afraid to do anything else. “What do I want, hmm you wouldn’t think that a question like that would be so hard. “I’m guessing you know who I am.”
“You’re Renaissance Man, aren’t you”
“Very good,” I applauded. “Your not as stupid as you look. But I am also the son of a murdered father and mother. I am the brother to murdered brother and sisters.” His face took on a look of confusion. “What do I want, well I want to train with my father. I want to feel my mothers arms around me. I want to hear my brother and sisters laughing. I want everything you’ve taken from me back.” He was still confused, my anger surged. “You still don’t recognize me, do you. Maybe I can help you out a little.” I turned my back on him knowing that the coward would do nothing. I reached up and grasp the edge of my mask and pulled it off. “Well “Uncle” do you think you can recognize me now.” As I turned back to face him, his mouth and eyes opened in astonishment. “Well “Uncle” say something.”
“But…but, you said you didn’t remember.”
“Come now, do you really think I wouldn’t remember the man who was responsible for the murder of my family. I remembered everything the moment I awakened. My revenge has been planned and followed through with precision. Everything I’ve done was to make this moment as painful as possible.” I walked towards his bed, he raised up and fought but, he was no match. His hands gripped my arm as I slowly moved my dagger to his throat.
“My son…please don’t. Haven’t I loved you. Haven’t I treated you as my own child.”
“I had a father and you killed him. Give Shillien my regards when you meet her, ohh and by the way she isn’t very happy with you.” And with that I slowly drew my dagger across his throat. I watched as the light faded from his eyes. I was exhausted and sat down in a chair. My hands where shaking and tears where streaming down my face. Even though it happened so many years ago, all the memories of that night came back to me. I cried, I cried for my parents. I cried for my brothers and for my sisters. I cried for myself. As I sat and cried I felt a presence in the room. I jumped to my feet and looked around. There standing in front of me were my parents. “Mother…Father…,” I cried. I rushed at them and I felt their arms wrap around me. I look up at them and they smiled. “I avenged you…” They nodded at me and broke our embrace my father grabbed my mothers hand,. my mother place her hand on my face and with a final smile they vanished. I left my mask where it landed on the floor and returned to my room. I packed my belongings and walked from my homeland forever. With my mithril dagger on one hip and my dark screamer on the other. I sought my future with the members of the other races. I found myself a home with the members of Ancient Wisdom. I no longer take contracts for killing and only fight to protect those whom can’t protect themselves and my friends. Woe be to those that try and harm my friends.
“There does that answer your questions. That’s my story. What do you mean that can’t be it. How did I meet my friends in Ancient Wisdom? Ok that’s enough, I’ve put up with your questions for far to long. How I met up with them is another story, and I’ve put up with you for long enough, now get out of here before I change my mind about allowing you to live with the knowledge of my life.”