It is a dark night in the Whispering Woods. Trees from before the elves departure reach out with thorny hands and block out what little moon light manages to filter down to the forest floor below. The forest aloud with sounds of nightlife falls deathly quiet as a quick footed figure races in between trees in search of his prey.
Tzim not having the time to stop and search uttered a quick prayer to Asmodeus that his prey had not had a chance to set up an ambush yet. The babau’s acidic coating was working against it as it left a clear trail for those trained to see it; as Tzim had been. Determined to end this chase tonight Tzim pushed his luck and quickened his pace. A suicidal pace had Tzim not been born a tiefling with dark vision that allowed him to see as if the night was as bright as day. A flash of movement a mere 100 feet ahead alerted Tzim that he was indeed catching up to the babau. The babau had been killing travelers, merchants, and farmers near the Ordeial tower for weeks before the Order of the Pike had asked Tzim’s to dispose of this annoying pest. Tzim transferring to the Order of the Pike within a weeks time was more than happy to assist. His older brother Ixix Vidoc already a member of the Order of the Pike and had been very helpful in getting Tzim the job over several other promising recruits.
Bursting into a small clearing Tzim barely recognized the ambush before the babau’s talon hands reached for Tzim’s tender throat. Using his current speed Tzim ducked and rolled under the attack feeling a few acidic drops from the babau’s forearm touch his neck. Spinning on a heel Tzim turned to face the demon his weapon held between him and the creature’s dangerous talons. Tzim reached up and with disgust wiped the slime off the back of his neck before the burn became much worse. Tzim was once again glad of his tiefling heritage and dark vision.
Facing each other for the first time Tzim was reminded of his old teacher’s Tsende Ajenal and Jolayix Thrawn who had made him face many similar beasts in training to become a possible recruit of the Order. The babau waited patiently on the other side of the clearing forcing Tzim to make the first move. Tzim drew and threw a dagger to distract the demon while he circled the clearing. The babau not in the least tricked dodged the thrown projectile and matched Tzim’s pace on the opposite side of the clearing. As Tzim had planned. Four arrows in a perfect square suddenly sprouted from the babau’s chest. Shot with uncanny accuracy from behind the babau turned to face this new threat only to feel a sword enter his back and sever his spine.
Tzim smiled as his sword thrust finished the job. Letting the sword and demon fall to the ground. Already the demon was crumbling to sulfur and dust and returning to his original plane. Tzim turned to greet the archer. Tzim stood and looked on in admiration as his companion descended from the sky above the clearing.
Azam the Fallen was a truly attractive Erinyes and it did not help that she knew it and did all she could to amplify this effect. Standing just under 6 foot tall maybe weighing as much as 130 pounds her pitch black wings slowly descending her to the ground. Wearing a black leather armor that only amplified her perfect curves Azam looked at Tzim and began to shake her head.
“ How many times do I need to explain to you that true delight in this kind of a hunt is taking your time revisiting upon him double or even triple the number of wounds he left upon his many victims? You will never come to know the pleasure that revenge can fully give if you continue to kill our prey this quickly Young Master.”
A loud noise woke Tzim suddenly. His dagger had cleared the sheathe and Tzim himself was in a defensive posture before his brain caught up with what his eyes were seeing. Standing in Tzim’s room was his brother Ixix and his father Azil.
“ Greetings little one. That must have been some dream.” teased his father.
Tzim sheepishly sheathed his weapon and sat back down on his bed. Running his fingers through his hair Tzim wondered what had made him think of that night so long ago. That hunt was almost 6 years old now. Now a full fledged member of the Order of the Pike and one of it’s brightest hunters Tzim had not thought of that night in a very long time.
“ Aye it was father. I was dreaming about the babau I hunted for my exam. Seems so long ago now.”
“The babau in Whispering Woods?” Ixix asked.
“Aye.”
“ What a strange dream to have. But it was only a dream. On to important matters little brother. Father is leaving with the Order of the Rack to attend to some matters in the Menador Mountains. My promotion for Paravicar has been approved and I must journey to Egorian to make it final. I will have a mission for you upon my return . . . One that may indeed take some time. Take this opportunity to return home and visit mother. I will find you in two weeks time.”
The three men of the Vidoc family exchanged farewells and well wishes. Each going their separate way.
Tzim traveled home to the small city of Kantaria. Kantaria stood just west of the Sedna River. It was not a large town as Chelish cities went but it was home. In between the Barrowood and the Menador Mountains it had a decent farmland and Tzim’s father was a minor noble given this land to protect and serve for his master House Charthagnion. Ixix would be next to inherit the lands and titles which left Tzim feeling unneeded and burdened by his feelings. Upon returning home however Tzim felt uplifted. Familiar sights, sounds, and people all greeted him. This is the reason I joined the Order. Tzim thought. Izlich Vidoc told that her son was in town was waiting outside of the manor when Tzim arrived at home. Hugging his mother tightly the two went inside to catch up and reconnect.
Later that evening Gahnenal Etzololal and Jolim Gahnaj two of Tzim’s best friends came by the house to say hello and ask if Tzim was free to visit the local pub Pikes and Pints. Tzim excused himself and spent the rest of the night talking with his childhood friends about his adventures while they exchanged a few of their own. Gahnenal had joined the Order of the Nail and shipped out tomorrow for drills and more training. Jolim had taken over his father’s blacksmithing business and was doing quite well. The three friends had to be kicked out later that evening when the pub decided to close. Gahnenal left early in the morning but was seen off by Tzim and Jolim before he did.
Tzim stood before his teachers Tsende Ajenal the arms teacher and Jolayix Thrawn his strategist teacher. Both had been his teachers when Ixix had been a boy and now they would be his. Tzim was a little scared of the two battle scarred veterans. Both bore numerous scars proudly and seemed to be eager to give Tzim some of his own.
“ Tzim you must be strong these are the best teachers I can find for you. Ixix was also trained by these men . . . They will treat and train you well. The Vidoc line has a history of serving in the Hellknights and I expect no less from you.” explained his father
Tzim’s father exchanged a few quiet words with the stern teachers and then with a brief nod of farewell and encouragement left the training hall. As he left the room seemed to shrink in size until the two remaining gentleman loomed over his small frame. Hours became days, days, became weeks, and weeks became months of endless training in both weapons, armor, tactics, history, law, wrestling, and stealth. Tzim’s
instructors were pleased with his progress and reported well of him to his father and brother. Finally after months of training it was time for a small tournament in the capital to show case Tzim’s new skills as well as pay yearly respects at the main Asmodeus temple.
Tzim was escorted into a stone training yard in the Hellknight’s main barracks. Weapons had been blunted and left for the contestants to select and use in the upcoming battles. Tzim selected a dagger as well as a sword and gave them a few tentative swings. Behind him people gawked at his obvious tiefling heritage. Some were cracking jokes and Tzim vowed that they would receive a few extra blows before allowing their yield to be recognized.
It’s the third match and both boys are tired. The boy opposite Tzim was larger by 7 inches and 35 pounds. It was soon obvious what the audience thought of the match and calls of finish the runt soon began to fall upon Tzim’s ears. The boy swung quickly and rolled to close the distance between them. Tzim was prepared however and maintained a healthy distance between himself and his foe while he tried to think of ways to even the match. However the roll had been a diversion as the boy leapt up from his roll he threw a handful of sand directly into Tzim’s eyes. Blinded Tzim panicked and began swinging in front of him hoping to keep his opponent back long enough for his vision to return. Tzim felt one blow connect weakly but jumped back in time to see the boy pull a dagger from within his armor and rush Tzim. Tzim had just enough time to realize this blade had not been blunted. The boy charged Tzim with murderous intent upon his face. As he neared he whispered.
“With your death my family will advance greatly.”
Tzim was not so stunned that he did not retain his senses and he leapt to the side only receiving a slash across his face. Clearly he was at an even greater disadvantage here than he had first thought. Tzim was getting tired and now that his opponent was cheating he seemed to be feeding new energy from his confidence that this match was very close to over. Tzim quickly kicked at his opponent and backpedaled to the edge of the arena. He could alert the trainers to the boy’s treachery or leap out of the arena disqualifying himself in front of his family and teachers. Neither option had much appeal to Tzim.
“ Use me” said a small voice from deep within Tzim. “ I can help . . . . Call upon me.”
Momentarily distracted Tzim was caught unaware as he was pushed from behind by an opponent he had defeated earlier in the day. Stumbling into the middle of the ring Tzim was unprepared for the dagger his opponent thrust at his chest. Tzim barely raised his arm up in time to receive the blow instead of his heart. The dagger became lodged in Tzim’s forearm and when Tzim pulled away the dagger remained with Tzim. His opponent paused to assess the situation and see if the match would be called due to the obvious sharp weapon. No one seemed to be calling the match the boy quickly began looking for his earlier weapon.
“ Use me! I am as much a part of you as you are a part of me. Our souls have been tied together since your birth do not deny me my own chance to be born and do battle for you my young master. Call me!!”
“ I have no knowledge of you or how to call you. I am sorry . . . It appears we will die here today.”
“ NO! I will teach you. Simply repeat after me. Finishing the binding your descendants started some many decades ago. Bind us now and forever. A piece of my soul resides in you and a piece of yours resides in me we are meant to be together. Call me! Call Azam the Fallen to do battle at your bidding now and forever more!!”
Tzim began following the voices direction whispering a language he had heard before in his travels and studies but was still surprised how easily it slipped past his lips. Sure that he was merely insane from blood loss Tzim was as surprised as everyone when a rune began to form over his heart and slowly travel up his body to his forehead where it finally came to rest. At the same time as the rune came to a stop Tzim’s opponent finally realized that it was not incoherent mumbling coming from Tzim but a spell. The boy charged Tzim intent to stop the spell and then either beat him to death or free his dagger and finish the job.
The ground beneath Tzim erupted in a sickly green light forming a large circle with Tzim in the middle. The circle bore many an arcane formula that seemed to burn it’s way into Tzim’s eyes. Suddenly in an explosive blast of air that threatened to knock Tzim’s opponent down a figure appeared in the light. Standing close to 6 foot tall with black wings spread out to the maximum10 foot wing span Azam the Fallen made her appearance.
“Tzim . . . Tzim . . . Tzim. It’s time to wake Tzim. Your brother bids you meet him at Ordial Tower.” said his mother.
Tzim pulled himself slowly from sleep’s clutches. Another odd dream. This one had been about the first time he had called Azam. She had saved his life that day and nearly ended it as well. Tzim was found to be magically aware and awakened during the match. His opponent had been torn apart by the time the audience had gathered it’s wits. Tzim was forced to a trial and had to explain both his actions and reasons for the summoning and the boy’s death. It had nearly caused Tzim to be killed as too dangerous to be allowed to live. Only the word of Vicarius Giordano Torchia the leader of the Order of the Gate persuaded Tzim to be allowed to train with other casters and see if his talent was indeed useful or dangerous. Tzim spent the next 5 years under a guillotine and the watchful eye of the order. After the 5 years it was deemed a useful talent and useful for very specific missions. Tzim had been given a full pardon and returned to his family. It wasn’t long after that he returned to training with his old teachers and pursued his brother into the Order of the Pike.
“ Ok mother I am awake now. Thank you.”
Tzim spent several minutes making sure his mind was focused and clear before dressing slowly and methodically. Tzim opted for his black robes which fit over and hid his chain shirt effortlessly. Making sure his identifying patches and runes were clearly visible. The left shoulder bore the diabolist patch alerting all those that knew that he was bound to a devil and a devil bound to him. On his right shoulder he bore the sign of his Order. A broken pentagram with a pike thrust underneath it alerting all that he was a member of the Order of the Pike. Last he placed his symbol to Asmodeus so that it hung from his neck to bear clearly upon his chest and over his heart. Arming himself with his pike, sword and dagger Tzim went downstairs to tell his mother goodbye and start his journey to Ordial Tower.
Upon reaching Ordial Tower Tzim knew something was amiss. Many of his order were gathered here which was not unusual as this was where they based all their operations but the mood was tense and stress was thick in the air. Tzim hurriedly went to the keep of the Tower knowing his brother would be there. Ixix was indeed there and giving orders to some members of the Order before he noticed Tzim and motioned him closer.
“Tzim we have a new mission it seems far to the north a there is much going on. The land is ripe with strife and turmoil. The Queen asks that we investigate both the political climate as well as the infestation of demons, devils, and fey loose in the north. They run around with no opposition or order. Take the teaching of Asmodeus to these heathens as well as clean the lands for the expansion of the Cheliaxian Empire. Take as much time as is needed but do not forget your Queen, your people, or your mission.”
Tzim was shocked a mission of this magnitude and it seemed he was not the only one to be sent outside of the Cheliax borders. Tzim was both nervous and excited. This was an incredible opportunity to a member as himself. If he could assist in taking over the north for his Queen and God . . . the rewards would be very generous indeed.
“ Brother I will not let you or the Queen down. Until I return.”
