Prologue: Morality
I never thought much about money, or even food before the war. It was only when Grado launched its unprecedented attack on Renais, that I really took any notice at all.
I wasn't the only one taken by surprised. The whole of the Renais army was crushed by Grado's large number of soldiers. Any government left over after the invasion, was quickly quelled out again by the bandit lords. All Renais citizens were thrown from their peace, into utter chaos.
With the government destroyed, and the Prince and princess off trying to end the war with Frelia, all of Renais hope seemed to fade. The leftover citizens were forced to fend for themselves. Everything coupled on our problems, with every able bodied man going to Frelia, to bolster soldiers, or to Grado to certainly be used as sacrificial lambs.
My family ran a merchants caravan, but with the collapse of Renais, all economic structure failed. With the economy went all the businesses. With both my father dragged to Grado, and my older brother volunteering for the Frelian army, I was left as the man of the house.
Protecting a business and family from bandits at age 14 wasn't easy. Soon the whole caravan, money, and supplies were gone. After the bandits had angered at my annoying presence they took action. My mother was murdered as payment for my life.
Traveling through the city at the time, were a Clergy, helping the harmed and newly homeless. With only my sister and I left, I started resorting to desperate measures. To not have my sister involved with my newly acquired lifestyle, I pleaded for the Clergy to take her back to Rausten with them. They agreed to give her a place as a cleric. She pleaded for me not to leave her, but I had to let her go, so she would be safe. I gave her our last possession of value, our mother's pendant, as her only parting memento.
I had very little friends, even before the war. I had never really gotten along with the boys around our neighborhood. I felt they all thought they were better than me,
Having nothing left to hold me in Renais, I set off to look for bigger and better things. I had always been quick on my feet and nimble with my fingers, so I began a new life of thievery. I was good at what I did. Though early on, I often was caught and beaten,
After a month or so of traveling, and living on others charity, or their pockets, I finally found someone to help me.
His name was Daruis. Daruis was a thin, muscular boy of 16. He had maroon hair, and striking green eyes. Daruis was quick witted, and very good with a sword. Daruis told me not much of his past, he only told me that his father had been an acolyte of the Grado church, and his mother a fortune teller. After learning of his mother's pregnancy, his father abandoned them both. Daruis mother died in child birth, that he knew, but he told me his farthest memory back, was when he was age 10.
Daruis took me to his companions. They were an organized crime group stationed in Carcino. The leader of them was the man that was with Daruis the night I met him. Daruis and I took to each other quickly, and after 3 months, were nearly inseparable. Though there were three others in the group, I always felt Daruis was the only one I could call friend in the Company. Daruis had told me to be wary of Damian, the menacing leader of the Company. I listened to his advice, and never once said a word to him, unless spoke to first, through the months Daruis and I got closer and Closer…..
My story starts with a cliché. A stormy night, and a regret I could not live to forget…..
