Blood and Redemption_Demo 1

Chapter Two: Just An Old Man

Eleven years had passed since Delore vanished from civilization's radar, his name whispered only in the darkest tavern corners where adventurers and outlaws gathered. Once a renowned mercenary, feared and respected across the continent, he had disappeared after the infamous betrayal during the Siege of Eryos. His former comrades had either fallen in battle or turned their backs on him, leaving Delore wounded, hunted, and stripped of his former life.

Now, he walked the world as a shadow, a ghost of his former self. His face, once known for its sharp, cold beauty, had aged harshly under time's weight and battle scars. His long, black hair, streaked with grey, fell unkempt over his eyes, which held a haunted, tired gleam. The cloak that once carried his mercenary band's insignia was now tattered, worn from years of wandering, and his sword, once gleaming, was rusted but still deadly.

The world had changed in his absence, but Delore had not. He still carried the same brooding silence and unquenchable thirst for vengeance. The betrayal that drove him into exile still burned deep within him, keeping him alive when death seemed easier.

Delore found himself in a large village at the Ravengard Mountains' edge, where different species coexisted. On arrival, no one noticed or recognized him; he looked nothing like his former self. After staying in the village for a month, surviving by doing menial jobs, Delore drank again at an old tavern he used to visit during his early mercenary days.

Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, the air thick with stale ale and sweat. Delore's presence drew stares due to his imposing size, but no one recognized him for who he truly was. He took a seat in the far corner, his back to the wall, and ordered a drink. Soon, a local drunk stumbled over.

"You're not from around here," the drunk slurred, leaning in too close. "But you're looking for something, aren't you?"

Delore remained silent, his cold gaze enough to make the man flinch.

"Fenric," Delore said, his voice low and menacing. "Where is he?"

The man's eyes widened in fear. "Fenric? You don't want anything to do with him. He's dangerous, with an army now, controlling most western lands."

Delore leaned forward, gripping his sword's hilt. "Where?"

The drunk nodded quickly. "He's stationed at Blackstone Keep, near the border. But you won't make it there; no one crosses Fenric."

Delore tossed coins onto the table and stood. As he turned to leave, he saw someone who triggered a memory - an elf.

"Are you Celestia?" Delore asked, grabbing the elf's hand with mixed emotions on his face.

The elf narrowed his eyes, and with a change in expression. "I'm sorry, I don't know who you're talking about." He said nonchalantly

Delore held up a pendant he gave his daughter before she left for the elven village. "It's me, your father," he said, his eyes wide with curiosity and hope.

The elf replied, "You're mistaken; I'm male."

Delore said gruffly, "I'm not taking any chances; I'm not going back."

The elf continued, undeterred, "Sorry, old man, but I think you'll have to let go now."

Delore turned away, his heart pounding. Memories he had suppressed flooded back. He and his wife, Eluned, had sent her away to protect her, but he never imagined she'd still be alive. His past had found him.

Before he could speak, a scream echoed through the village. The elf rushed outside, Delore close behind. In the distance, smoke rose, and soldiers bearing Fenric's emblem marched toward the village.

"They're coming," Delore and the elf exclaimed simultaneously.

The elf rushed back into the tavern and emerged with others. Delore realized the elf wore elegant, demure robes. With grim determination, the elf and a few others faced the approaching army. Delore tried to assist but was knocked out cleanly by the elf.

One of the elf's companions, a tall, dark-skinned bald man, asked, "Who is he, really?"

The elf replied, "Just a troublesome old man."

The elf, Eryndor -a half drow with long silver white coloured hair, dark skin, and green eyes-, ordered his men, "Clear him out of the way and get reinforcements. Today, we live."