Book I- Chapter I: The Mystic

Before undertaking The Path of Ruin, The Fell Knight would dedicate his daily time to the skies. Various astrologies, occult teachings and psychic readings were often the practice of the warrior. He would use it as a guide, whether true or not, to help aid him in a direction on his path. Day after day, moon after moon, The Fell Knight was told of promising fortunes, pending love upon the horizon and for life to brighten to the zenith of its glory. Nothing to that nature ever occurred. Not even one bit.

            The Fell Knight began to realize he was being manipulated for gold, as they took him for a fool. He was indeed naive to believe such nonsensical expectations. Alas, we are all human, even the most intelligent of us have an innocent side which can cost us dearly. Unfortunately, for these soothsayers The Fell Knight was out and about the town that day and happened to gaze his eyes upon the very same fortune teller which promised him true love without fail quite soon.

 He waited days, weeks, months. He did everything in his power and beyond to approach the situation with a level of clarity and better understanding. There was nothing to understand. He was driven mad by the mental anguish of expectation planted as truth before him. He was lied to and he had grown not only to resent these religious zealots, but more so himself for ever being so weak to the situation. He saw a young man much like himself getting his “fortune” told. He was giddy with a smile on his face. “The poor fool.” The smile on the mystic was so wide a grin for the shillings that were dropped upon the table. Before she knew it, the mystic’s table was cut in half by the red blade of the Fell Knight. “Allow me to show you something far more than a parlor trick! You useless swine. Only good for lies and praying upon the hopes of those who don’t know better. Well, there’s a special technique of my own I’ve picked up since my time with you. One you will most certainly not take delight in. But, I will.

He sliced open his palms with his Bloodlust sword. “Just like you! Reading palms. Except, this fate will be your last!” The mystic did not understand why he had threatened her but cut his own hands? Then, the full moon reared its crimson orb through the clouds. It was a blood moon. An unfortunate time for anyone who would be in the way of The Fell Knight that day. His voodoo-like skill made it so that under a blood moon he could cut himself and then with his sword inflict and extend the damage ten-fold to his chosen enemies. A bit of his aura would be sacrificed each usage, but could recover through time. The magician’s hands were split open, her wrists divided in half. Her arms, torn from their flesh. The rest followed. In sheer horror and shock, the young man being read his fortune could not even muster the strength to utter a sound. He vomited at the viscous sight of what he had just witnessed.

“I wish I had seen what you just had instead of the nightmares this leech cast upon my mind, second after second. Can you imagine what it’s like not to be able to breathe fully? Not to be able to think your own thoughts clearly anymore? Not to take one step forward in any morsel of earthly content, let alone joy? Do you fathom what it is to not trust your very self any longer, except with moving forward and eliminating anything that further interferes with your being? To believe in your heart that you no longer can be good, that your value makes no difference, that not a soul will accept you truly or look you in the eye? Now, everyone looks. I am the last thing they will ever know.

You are curious why and how I could be this way? I can take away all that loves you and that you love and then you can tell me what path you walk? But, not just once will it be taken. Over and over will you be raped of the very breath of life which carries all. All, but me. Only when your cries are no longer heard by any will you burn down their village for warmth. I accept my fate, but my destiny will be by my own hands.

This chapter introduces the protagonist, The Fell Knight, who, disillusioned by false prophecies and manipulative fortune-tellers, embarks on a path of vengeance. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, the quest for truth, and the consequences of misplaced trust. The Fell Knight's actions are driven by a deep sense of betrayal and a desire for retribution, culminating in a violent confrontation with a mystic.

The writing is vivid and intense, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The use of descriptive language and detailed imagery effectively conveys the emotional turmoil and inner conflict of the protagonist. The chapter sets a strong tone for the rest of the book, indicating a span filled with dark themes and moral complexity.

You look cold, young fellow.