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chapter 1 - rise of the forsaken

They say once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s the case for two brothers Endier and Kaligash, whose lives were forever marked by the winds of fate that swept through their world.

In the quaint town of Morrigan, nestled amidst rolling hills and whispering forests, the brothers sat around a sturdy oak table, its surface worn smooth by years of shared meals. Endier, aged 18, the elder of the tiefling siblings, possessed a striking presence despite his youthful demeanor. His purple and red mixed skin shimmered faintly under the warm glow of the hearth, and his eyes, a bright green flecked with gold, held a quiet intensity that belied his gentle smile. His long, slender fingers traced patterns on the rough-hewn wood as he listened intently to his father's tales of far-off lands.

Beside him, Kaligash—Kal, as he was known among kin and friends currently aged 15—was adopted by the Ashingrad family as a baby, found in the woods and was quickly accepted and grown to be one of their own even with him being human. Though only three years younger than Endier, his features bore a softer edge, more human-like than his tiefling brothers. His skin, a warm olive tone, reflected the hearth's light with a subtle warmth, and his brown hair fell in unruly waves around his head. Unlike Endier's quiet demeanor, Kal's eyes danced with a mischievous gleam as he playfully nudged Blake, their tiefling brother, who sat between them.

Blake, the youngest and the most playful among them currently aged 14, possessed a rugged charm that set him apart. His sandy blonde hair, tousled from a day spent exploring Morrigan's nooks and crannies, framed a boyish grin that mirrored his brothers' infectious spirits. His hazel eyes sparkled with a curiosity that often led him into trouble, yet his presence brought a lightness to the table, a reminder that amidst the mysteries of their tiefling heritage, they shared the bond of family.

As the aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, laughter mingled with the crackling of the hearth. Around them, the walls of their home, weathered yet steadfast, bore witness to countless tales of triumph and hardship. And as the evening wore on, beneath the canopy of Morrigan's starlit sky, the brothers savored the simple joy of being together, unaware of the storms that awaited them beyond the safety of their home.

Endier's thoughts wandered to moments when he yearned to join Kal in their adventures, only to be overshadowed by Blake's presence.

"Remember when we tried climbing that oak near the creek, Kal?" Endier's voice carried a touch of longing as he looked at his younger brother.

Kal grinned, recalling the memory fondly. "Yeah, that was the day you got stuck halfway and couldn't stop laughing," he chuckled, giving Blake a playful nudge.

Blake joined in with a smirk. "I remember thinking I could do better, but you two were always off on your own," he admitted, tousling his sandy blonde hair with a hint of pride.

Their father, sensing the undercurrents, intervened with a knowing smile. "Endier, you've always looked out for your brothers. Like the time you guided Kal back after he wandered off in the forest."

Endier's smile was strained, his gaze flickering briefly to Blake. "It took me a while to find him," he confessed quietly. "But we managed to find a shortcut home."

Kal leaned closer to Endier, his expression earnest. "You've saved us more times than we can count, Endier," he said sincerely. "I wouldn't be the explorer I am without your guidance."

Blake's response was more subdued, his eyes flicking between Kal and Endier. "Yeah, thanks, Endier," he muttered, though his tone held a hint of resentment. "But maybe if you weren't always hovering..."

The room fell silent for a moment, tension simmering beneath the surface. Endier felt a pang of frustration, the divide between him and Blake palpable despite their shared blood. He had always yearned for more moments with Kal, only to find himself pushed aside whenever Blake sought his brother's attention. It was a constant ache, buried deep beneath the camaraderie they feigned.

As the evening wore on, the crackling fire cast flickering shadows across their faces, mirroring the complexities of their relationships. Amidst the laughter and shared memories, Endier couldn't help but wonder if he would ever truly bridge the gap with Blake, or if he would forever remain the outsider in his own family.

As the evening wore on, and the jovial banter filled the room, there lingered an unspoken tension beneath the surface. The warmth of the hearth and the hearty meal could not fully mask the shadow that loomed over Morrigan. Outside the walls of their cozy home, the town struggled under the weight of an unseen menace. The plague, a merciless visitor, had claimed many lives already, leaving behind empty homes and haunted streets.

Endier, though he smiled and joined in the conversation, could not shake the bitterness that gnawed at him. His thoughts often drifted to the crumbling state of Morrigan, once a bustling hub of trade and prosperity, now reduced to whispers of despair. He remembered the days when he and Kal would run through the lively marketplace, their laughter echoing off stone walls adorned with colorful banners.

"Father," Endier began tentatively, his voice betraying a hint of concern, "what news do you have of the kingdom? The people of Morrigan... they're struggling."

Their father, a sturdy figure with a weathered face marked by years of toil and wisdom, sighed heavily. "Aye, my son," he murmured, his gaze distant as he stared into the flickering flames. "The king's coffers grow fat while our fields lie fallow. The plague takes its toll, and the crown offers little aid."

Kal glanced at Endier, his brow furrowed with worry. "Surely there's something that can be done," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Blake, ever the pragmatist, scoffed softly. "Bah, talk of kings and plagues won't fill our bellies or mend the roof. We'll manage, as we always have."

Endier's jaw clenched at Blake's dismissive tone, feeling the familiar sting of resentment. It was not just about survival; it was about justice, about reclaiming what Morrigan had lost. He glanced at Kal, who met his gaze with a silent understanding. They were brothers bound by memories and shared hardships, yet each carried their burdens differently.

As the night deepened and the embers of the hearth burned low, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air. Outside, Morrigan slept fitfully, its streets silent save for the occasional cough or distant lament. The brothers, too young to fully grasp the complexities of their world, could sense change on the horizon—a storm gathering strength beyond the comfort of their home.

Kal, restless and unable to shake off a subtle unease that had settled within him, excused himself under the guise of fetching more firewood. Quietly slipping away from the jovial atmosphere, he ascended the creaking wooden stairs that led to the upper floor. His steps were purposeful yet cautious, his ears attuned to the slightest of sounds that drifted through the stillness of the night.

Approaching their parents' room, Kal's keen senses picked up a faint, rhythmic coughing from within. It was a sound he had become increasingly familiar with over the past few weeks—a persistent reminder of the unseen affliction that had swept through Morrigan like a dark specter. His heart sank, the weight of concern settling heavily upon him as he hesitated outside the closed door.

Peering through the narrow gap, Kal saw his parents, silhouetted by the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. His mother, her once vibrant features now worn by worry and illness, sat propped up against pillows, her handkerchief clenched tightly in one hand. Beside her, his father, normally stoic and strong, looked weary and frail, his chest heaving with each labored breath.

The sight was a stark contrast to the lively tales they had shared only hours ago. A pang of helplessness gripped Kal's heart as he realized the depth of their family's struggle—a struggle that mirrored the plight of many in Morrigan, where the shadows of poverty and resentment toward the distant king loomed large.

Silently retreating from the door, Kal leaned against the cool wall, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of fear and determination. He knew that despite their laughter downstairs, their world was on the brink of irrevocable change. And as the fire crackled softly below, casting flickering shadows across the worn floorboards, Kal made a silent vow to stay hopeful, whatever the cost.

The piercing cry of their mother's voice shattered the tranquility of the night, mingling with the crackling roar of the flames that now engulfed their home. Startled awake by the urgency in her tone, Endier and Blake shot upright in their beds, eyes wide with fear and confusion. Through the billowing smoke that filled their room, the bright orange glow of the fire painted dancing patterns on the walls.

"Get up! Hurry!" Their father's voice thundered from somewhere beyond the inferno, his commands laced with desperation. Endier, his heart pounding in his chest, leaped to his feet, his mind racing as he assessed the situation. The wooden beam that had crashed down between him and Blake barred their path to safety.

"Kal!" Endier shouted, his voice strained against the rising panic. "Go! Get out! We'll find another way!" He could hear the frantic footsteps of his younger brother retreating down the hall, guided by the glow of the \flames that now threatened to devour everything they held dear.

Blake, trapped beneath the weight of the fallen beam, gasped for breath, his eyes pleading with Endier for help. "Endier, please!" he cried, his voice muffled by the smoke. "Help me!"

Endier hesitated, torn between the instinct to flee and the agonizing pull of loyalty to his brother. The heat of the fire licked at his skin, urging him to make a decision. "I'm sorry, Blake," he whispered hoarsely, tears stinging his eyes as he turned away. "I have to go."

With a heavy heart, Endier stumbled towards the window, his body trembling with grief and guilt. He could hear Blake's cries echoing behind him, the sound fading into the roar of the flames as he forced himself to climb through the shattered glass.

Outside, Kal rushed to his side, his eyes wide with horror as he took in the devastation that engulfed their home. "Where's Blake?" he demanded, his voice trembling with fear.

Endier shook his head, unable to find the words to answer. Together, the brothers watched in silence as the flames consumed everything they had ever known, leaving only ashes and the bitter taste of regret in their wake.

The night air outside was cool against their skin, a stark contrast to the searing heat they had just escaped. Endier struggled to catch his breath, his mind reeling with disbelief and sorrow. Kal stood beside him, his gaze fixed on the now-burning wreckage of their home, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"We have to find Blake," Kal insisted, turning to his older brother with a pleading look. "We can't just leave him."

Endier stared back at Kal, his own anguish mirrored in his brother's eyes. "I tried, Kal," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I tried to help him, but..."

A chorus of shouts and cries echoed through the night, drawing their attention to the gathering crowd that had begun to form around the blazing remains of their house. Neighbors and townsfolk rushed forward with buckets of water, futilely attempting to quell the flames that now licked hungrily at the night sky.

Their father emerged from the chaos, his face streaked with soot and sweat as he gathered them both into a tight embrace. "Thank the gods you're safe," he breathed, his voice trembling with relief and grief. "But where's Blake?"

Endier's heart sank as he met his father's gaze, unable to find the strength to answer. The weight of his decision bore down on him like a leaden cloak, suffocating him with guilt and regret.

"We have to find him," Kal insisted once more, breaking free from their father's embrace. "He's still in there. We can't just leave him."

Their father's shoulders slumped with defeat, his eyes brimming with tears as he glanced back at the raging inferno that had once been their home. "I'm sorry, Kal," he whispered, his voice choked with sorrow. "There's nothing more we can do."

But Kal refused to accept defeat. Ignoring the protests of the onlookers, he charged towards the burning wreckage, his determination unwavering. Endier lunged forward, grabbing hold of his brother's arm with a strength born of desperation.

"Kal, no!" he cried, his voice cracking with emotion. "It's too dangerous!"

But Kal shook him off, his eyes blazing with a fierce resolve. "I have to find him, Endier," he insisted, his voice fierce with determination. "I can't just leave him behind."

With a heavy heart, Endier watched helplessly as Kal disappeared into the smoke and flames, a lone figure swallowed by the darkness. Tears streamed down his face unchecked as he sank to his knees, the reality of their loss crashing down upon him like a tidal wave.

Their father knelt beside him, wrapping his arms around his trembling shoulders as they both grieved for the son and brother they had lost. Around them, the night air was thick with smoke and sorrow, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the cruel hand of fate that had torn their family apart.

And as the first rays of dawn began to break over the horizon, casting a gentle light upon the devastated town of Morrigan, Endier clung to his father's embrace, silently praying for the safe return of the brother he had been forced to leave behind.

Kal emerged from the burning house, his eyes wide with shock and sorrow. The flames cast flickering shadows across his face as he stumbled into the cool night air, coughing from the lingering smoke. His hands trembled as he turned back toward the engulfed home, his heart torn between the desperate hope that Blake might still emerge and the grim realization that staying longer would be too dangerous. Tears welled in his eyes, reflecting the devastation that had swept through their once-peaceful home.

Endier, standing at a safe distance with their father, watched Kal's anguish unfold. The weight of his decision to leave Blake behind pressed heavily on his shoulders, yet he knew deep down that it was the only choice. His hands clenched into fists, nails biting into his palms as he fought back the overwhelming guilt and fear that threatened to consume him.

Their father placed a comforting hand on Endier's shoulder, his own expression a mixture of grief and resignation. "We did what we could," he murmured, voice hoarse from smoke and sorrow. "We have to go, son. We have to find safety."

Kal finally tore his gaze away from the burning wreckage, meeting Endier's eyes with a silent plea for reassurance. Together, under the canopy of Morrigan's starlit sky, they clung to each other, their family forever altered by the tragedy that had ripped through their lives.

As Kal and Endier stood outside their burning home, the glow of flames flickering ominously in the distance revealed a scene of chaos unfolding across Morrigan. Other houses were ablaze, casting eerie shadows on the cobbled streets. The once-thriving town seemed to groan under the weight of destruction, the air thick with smoke and the distant cries of those trapped in the infernos.

Kal's breath caught in his throat as he surveyed the devastation. "It's not just us," he murmured, voice raw with disbelief and fear. "They're... they're trying to wipe us out."

Endier nodded grimly, his jaw tightening with resolve. "The plague... the fires... it's all connected," he whispered, voice barely audible over the crackling flames. "Someone wants Morrigan gone."

Their father, his face lined with anguish and determination, stepped forward, guiding them away from their burning home. "We need to find safety," he urged, voice urgent but steady. "We can't stay here. Not now."

Together, they navigated through the chaos, their hearts heavy with loss and uncertainty. Each step echoed with the realization that their once-peaceful town had become a battlefield, and they were caught in the crossfire. As they fled into the night, the distant wails of sirens mingled with the crackling of flames, a haunting symphony of destruction that marked the end of innocence for Kal, Endier, and the shattered remnants of Morrigan.

Kal, Endier, and their father hurried through the narrow alleys of Morrigan, seeking refuge from the spreading fires and the unknown assailants who sought to destroy their town. The streets, once familiar and welcoming, now felt like a labyrinth of danger and despair.

After what seemed like an eternity of desperate searching, they found a small, abandoned building tucked away on the outskirts of town. Its windows were boarded up, and the wooden door creaked open reluctantly, protesting their intrusion. Inside, the air was musty and thick with dust, but it offered a temporary sanctuary from the chaos outside.

Endier closed the door behind them, his hands trembling slightly as he leaned against it, his mind racing with thoughts of Blake and the devastation they had left behind. His father, a mixture of grief and determination etched into his weathered features, moved to a corner of the room and began to clear away debris to make a makeshift bed.

Kal paced the room restlessly, his brow furrowed with worry. "What do we do now, Father?" he asked, his voice tinged with both fear and defiance. "Who would do this to us?"

Their father sighed heavily, exhaustion evident in every line of his face. "I don't know, son," he admitted, his voice hoarse. "But we need to stay together. We'll figure out our next move at dawn."

As they found shelter in the abandoned building on the outskirts of Morrigan, their mother, her face streaked with tears and ash, joined them in the dimly lit room. Her presence brought a fragile sense of comfort amidst the turmoil surrounding them. She embraced Kal and Endier tightly, her voice choked with emotion as she whispered reassurances of their safety.

"We're together," she murmured, her words a soothing balm to their frayed nerves. "We'll stay together, no matter what."

Endier, his heart heavy with guilt over leaving Blake behind, nodded silently. His gaze flickered between his mother's weary eyes and the crackling flames visible through the boarded-up windows, a stark reminder of the danger that still lurked outside.

And so, in the flickering light of a dying fire and the warmth of their family's embrace, Kal, Endier, and their parents settled in for a restless night, their thoughts drifting to the brother they had lost and the uncertain future that awaited them with the dawn.

Endier stirred from a fitful sleep, the weight of the night's events pressing heavily upon him. He gently disentangled himself from the makeshift bedding they had shared, careful not to disturb his sleeping parents and Kal, who lay curled up nearby.

The room was hazy with early morning light filtering through cracks in the boarded-up windows. Outside, the world seemed eerily still, a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous night. Endier's mind raced with worry for Blake, the brother he had left behind in the burning house. Guilt gnawed at him, but he knew he had made the only choice he could in that desperate moment.

Quietly, he slipped out of the shelter, his bare feet padding softly on the rough wooden floor. The air outside was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of smoke and charred wood. As Endier surveyed their surroundings, he noticed the silence that hung over Morrigan like a shroud, broken only by distant echoes of survivors and the occasional creak of shifting debris.

He wandered to the edge of the town, where the devastation was more evident. Homes lay in ruins, their timbers reduced to smoldering remnants. The streets were littered with debris and the occasional abandoned possession—a child's toy, a broken chair, remnants of lives shattered by fire and fear.

Endier clenched his fists, his heart heavy with sorrow and anger. He knew that the fire that ravaged Morrigan wasn't just a tragic accident—it felt deliberate, a cruel act aimed at their community. His thoughts turned to the whispers he had heard among the townsfolk, discontent brewing against the oppressive rule of the king and the worsening conditions under his reign.

Turning back toward the shelter, Endier resolved to protect his family, whatever the cost. They were all they had left now, bound together by grief and determination to survive. With a heavy heart, he returned to the shelter, silently praying that Blake had found a way to escape the inferno, or that they would find him safe among the survivors.

Entering their shelter Endier sees Kal, who is now awake and kneeling beside their parents, shaking their shoulders desperately.

"Kal," Endier whispered urgently, crawling over to join him. "What's happening?"

Kal looked up, his eyes wide with panic and exhaustion. "Endier, they won't wake up," he said hoarsely, his voice barely above a whisper. He continued shaking their father, his movements frantic.

Endier's heart sank as he reached out to their mother, gently feeling her forehead. She was burning up. "They're sick," he murmured, his voice tight with fear. "Really sick."

Kal's eyes filled with tears as he turned back to their father, shaking him again with a mixture of hope and dread. "They're not responding," Kal muttered, his voice cracking.

Their mother stirred weakly, her eyes fluttering open. "Boys," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I... I don't feel well."

Endier's mind raced. "We have to get help," he said urgently, his voice trembling. He helped Kal support their mother, guiding her unsteady steps toward the shelter's entrance.

Outside, the morning sun cast an eerie glow over the devastated town of Morrigan. Endier scanned the chaos, his thoughts consumed by a single imperative: find a healer, find anyone who could save their parents before it was too late.

Their mother, weakened by the plague's relentless grip, sat on the ground in the weak sunlight, her face pale and eyes heavy with exhaustion. She gathered Kal into her arms, whispering final goodbyes amidst rasping coughs that wracked her frail form. Kal clung to her, tears streaming down his face, knowing deep down that this was the last time he would feel her embrace.

Meanwhile, Endier, his heart heavy with desperation, knew there was only one chance left to save his family. Ignoring the chaos engulfing Morrigan, he sprinted through the winding alleys, dodging flames and stumbling over debris until he reached the imposing walls of the king's castle. Towering guards blocked his path, their armor gleaming in the dim light, as Endier pleaded for entry, his voice hoarse with fear and urgency.

"I beg you! My family needs help! My mother is dying of the plague!" Endier's words echoed against the stone walls, his plea desperate and raw.

The guards exchanged wary glances, their faces masked by stern resolve. "No one enters without the king's order," one of them declared, unmoved by Endier's distress.

"But she doesn't have time! Please, there must be someone who can help!" Endier's voice cracked, his hands gripping the cold iron bars of the gate.

As Endier's pleas echoed into the night, back in the heart of Morrigan, Kal held his mother close, his heart breaking with every ragged breath she took. He whispered words of love and comfort, though his voice trembled uncontrollably. The flickering flames of their burning home cast eerie shadows over their final moments together, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of an unforgiving plague.

Endier returned from the castle gates, his heart heavy with despair and growing resentment. He stumbled back to their place, In the dim light, he saw Kal sitting on the ground, cradling their mother's lifeless form in his arms, tears streaming silently down his cheeks.

"No... Mother..." Endier's voice cracked, the weight of their losses crashing down upon him. He moved numbly through the chaos, his eyes falling upon their father's still form in the bed where he had last slept.

Grief and anger welled up inside Endier, a bitter mixture that threatened to consume him. The sense of helplessness gnawed at his soul as he knelt beside Kal, his hands trembling as he reached out to touch their mother's cold cheek.

"Why... why didn't they help us?" Endier's voice trembled with rage, his eyes flashing with unshed tears. "The king... he could have saved her. He could have saved them both..."

Kal, his own grief raw and unyielding, looked up at Endier with hollow eyes. "They're gone, Endier... they're both gone..." His voice cracked, the pain echoing in every word.

Endier clenched his fists, his jaw tightening with a resolve born of fury. "I won't forgive him for this. I won't forgive anyone who turns their back on us."

As the cold light of dawn crept over the ruined town of Morrigan, the brothers clung to each other amidst the devastation, their hearts shattered yet bound by a vow unspoken but deeply felt—a vow to survive, to seek justice, and to never forget the price they had paid in blood and sorrow.

Endier's hands brushed over his father's belongings, searching for anything salvageable amidst the sadness. His fingers closed around something hard and cold—a flintlock pistol, polished and well-maintained. Memories flooded back to him: of days spent with his father, learning the art of shooting, the smell of gunpowder lingering in the air.

He weighed the pistol in his hand, feeling its familiar weight, the craftsmanship that spoke of a time before their world unraveled. His father had taught him well, honing his aim and steady hand. Now, clutching the weapon, Endier felt a surge of determination amidst the grief and anger.

"I'll keep this," Endier murmured to himself, his voice a quiet vow. "For protection... and for revenge."

Kal, still holding their mother's lifeless body, looked up at Endier with eyes filled with sorrow and understanding. He nodded silently, acknowledging Endier's unspoken decision.

Together, the brothers gathered what they could salvage from their home—a few meager supplies, some coins their father had hidden away, and the memories they carried in their hearts. With heavy steps, they left behind the ruins of Morrigan, the weight of their losses pressing down upon them like a cruel burden.

As they walked through the quiet streets, now marred by fire and death, Endier kept the flintlock close, a silent promise etched in steel. The king's castle loomed in the distance, its walls a symbol of power and protection that had failed them when they needed it most.

"We'll find a way," Endier said quietly, his voice laced with determination. "We'll make them listen. We won't let this go unanswered."

Kal nodded again, his eyes mirroring Endier's resolve. With each step, they moved forward into an uncertain future, guided by grief, fueled by anger, and bound by a brotherhood that would withstand even the darkest of storms.

Days passed in a blur for Endier after finding out that Kal fell ill too. The weight of grief pressed down upon him like a stone, his heart heavy with loss and anger. He and Kal had spent countless hours plotting their revenge on the king, their plans forged in the fire of shared sorrow. Endier found solace in the memories of their whispered vows, their determination to right the wrongs that had shattered their family.

Each day, Endier immersed himself in preparations, mapping out the castle's defenses, remembering every lesson his father had taught him about strategy and combat. Kal's persistent cough echoed through their empty home, a haunting reminder of their shared struggle and the urgency of their mission. Their conversations became tinged with a desperation born of sorrow, their voices blending with the quiet of the night as they swore to bring justice to Morrigan.

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