Note from Seaflame: This is a collaboration story. I am writing it with Shadowrose. For many years it has bugged us that there was never any mention of a solar eclipse in Karse so we decided to remedy that and here is the result.
Prologue 1: Sunshadow
Things had been different in the kingdom of Karse for many long years when the memorable day I now write about occurred. Looking back on it now I still don't understand it. Some of the priests said that it was the fault of the demons. It was the thoughts of others that it was not the demons but the wrath of the sun lord Vkandis. I am of the latter mind set, however I don't wish to speak my mind, seeing what has happened to my comrades. As you can probably guess, they were given to the fires by the black robes, of which I am a member, when their words were heard. Despite my black robes I too could be given to the flames if I were ever caught with this notebook, writing my story in it. I know that the colour of my robes will be no protection from those who want power and will stop at nothing to get it.
I sit in the temple garden in the city of Sunsrest, the second largest city in Karse. Aside from me there are 29 priests and priestesses. In Sunsrest there are two temples; the one where I now sit is the largest one, used most by the people of the city, while the other temple is the one where I live, much smaller and more commonly used by the farmers and other people that live in the countryside.
If I knew that there was no chance of this being read before my death I would give you my name, but because I haven't any way of assuring that, I must keep my identity a secret to ensure my own safety. I have very few friends, and only a few people that I like to spend any time with, but I would rather not endanger them as well. I am very confident in myself and know my beliefs, but I know this simple fact could be fatal to those I care about. I trust Vkandis completely and would die for my beliefs, even if it means dying in the fires sacred to my own god.
I never know who is on my side. All those that I knew to share my beliefs have long since been sent to the fires either by the priestess Lisara, the leader of my temple, or by Ambitas, the leader of this, the larger temple.
I should probably run now if I don't want to get caught-- I hear footsteps.
