Danir's Journey: A Wayward Friend's Farewell

Danir and Kristoph silently made their way through the camp.
"Where do you two think you're going?"
The bald head of Gregor was facing their frozen forms; the smile on his face hideously self-gratifying.
"I think I'll wake everyone up," he snickered.
As Gregor opened his mouth to shout, his voice was silenced by Kristoph's dagger piercing his throat.
That smile, still on his face, belied the fear in his eyes, as Gregor gurgled, and stumbled to the ground.
Danir leaned over the body of his former friend. "It should've been my dagger, but either way, justice is served.

Danir's Journey: An Unlikely Companion

Danir's sleep had been disturbed by someone he'd expected, but for a reason that he hadn't.
The dark-skinned face of Kristoph was an inch from his own when Danir's eyes opened.
"Did you mean what you said?" he whispered. "About the Duke using that thing for himself, and not the people?"
Realizing that this was going to be his last conversation, Danir spoke up. "I did."
"Shh," Kristoph implored, his face glistening with fear. "They'll kill us both for this!"
"For what?" Danir's confusion was obvious.
"For this," Kristoph answered, drawing the sigil from the pouch on his belt.

Danir's Journey: Fireside Confession

Firelight illuminated the camp as Danir sat quietly eating his rations.
Nearby, Desmond sat picking his teeth. "Tell me something," he began. "What possessed you to do it?"
The only sound, besides the crackling fire, was Kristoph sharpening his dagger.
"Don't feel like sharing, eh?" That grin again. "You may not wish to tell me, but you will tell Malagrim."
"I did it because he wanted the sigil for his own gain, and not for the good of the land," Danir answered.
The sharpening ceased.
"The good of the land?!" Desmond said, incredulously. "You gave up the Blades for that?!"

Danir's Journey: Meeting The Executioner

The group rode through the hills, making their way back to Malagrim's stronghold, Drechtfell.
Danir rode in the center, his mouth gagged, and his hands tied to the saddle horn.
Desmond, ever the fearless leader, rode at the front. "Kristoph! Scout ahead for a place to stop."
One of the more unstable-looking of Desmond's group rode forward without a word.
Turning to face Danir, Desmond cracked another insufferable grin. "Be glad I sent him," he pointed at Kristoph. "He's the one charged with slitting your throat, should you make any trouble."
Danir remained silent, and vigilant; awaiting his opportunity.

Danir's Journey: Gregor's Price

"Where is Gregor?!"
Desmond looking amused, indicated the far corner of the chamber, where Gregor huddled away from the action.
"You threw in with them?!" Danir spat. "After all we've been through?!"
Gregor came forward, the smile on his face seemed bittersweet. "Malagrim offered me enough wealth and land to give him my mother. Why wouldn't I give him you?"
"Betrayer! You-"
A gloved fist crashed into Danir's face. "That'll be quite enough," said Desmond with a snicker. "You two may sort out this lover's quarrel after the Duke is satisfied. Gag him. We have a long ride back."

Danir's Journey: Desmond

"Danir Maliche," said the voice from the shadows. "Formerly of the Black Blades."
Danir was silent.
A muscular man stepped forward, removing his hood to reveal a mane of red hair.
"Desmond," Danir hissed.
Desmond smiled sardonically. "Surely even you could've known that I'd be sent."
Desmond walked outside the ring of men surrounding Danir.
"Drop your weapons, we are not going to kill you."
When Danir didn't move, Desmond's green eyes flashed to one of his men, and Danir was dropped by a blow to the back of his knees.
"You have business with the Duke," Desmond said, grinning.

Danir's Journey: Discovering The Crypt

The golem lay in a heap outside the cave; its eyes to never glow again.
Danir entered the cave with one solitary thought: Gregor, why?
He made his way to the bottom of the path; Gregor was nowhere to be found.
The torch-lit crypt entrance stood before him.
It was open.
Cautiously, Danir entered the crypt, tensed for what may await him.
He could see nothing!
A bare dais stood at the center of the room; Danir approached it.
"STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" a deep voice called out.
He froze.
A group of cloaked men appeared from the shadows.