Bardic Chestnuts: Sir Wilmec McWell

Born in the Highlands of Scotland, Wilmec was a shepherd prior to the Arrival.  One night after a particularly long day of herding his sheep, a mighty storm arose on the farm where he worked.  The rains beat down upon the rickety wooden walls of which the barn Wilmec took refuge within were made.  Suddenly, with a clash of lightning a booming thunder, the doors opened and the sheep ran out into the storm.  Wilmec followed with his hounds, attempting to save his flock but fate had another course of action in mind.  Wilmec slipped on the mud and fell down, hitting his head on a rock.  The darkness surrounded him and he fell unconcious. 

Wilmec awoke to find himself strangely out of place.  He had Arrived far from his home in Scotland, he was rather on the coast of Bayside View in the County of Nicholshire.  Wilmec, not being easily scared, was terrified.  He asked around a few fishermen, learned the lay of the land and soon found his legs in Alluvium.   Within the week he was working as a shepherd across the river at the Highland Farms.  There he met with Tiegen Cassady who taught him the ways of the sword.  

Wilmec grew in fame and prominence as a fighter, fighting alongside Clan Chattan for many years.  Often quick tempered, Wilmec would find himself in arguments that would lead him to fight with other factions.  This trait allowed him to gain many friends and allies as well as a repertoire of techniques from various factions including Ravensblood, Justice, Nurnberg, the Chalice of Thought and Triad.  It was on the Faction Triad when Wilmec earned his greatest fame - rising to sergeant faster than any other warrior the Faction ever knew.  

In the political spectrum, Wilmec was the first to welcome a young Boltac and Filch Lowleaves to the land.  His ties to the various factions allowed him to serve as the Chancellor of Registries for a period of time in Nicholshire.  For a time he served as an Arbiter at the Ruin of Roses and Castleton.  Always a well known face around the gambling tables and the bard's tents, and many a lass's tent besides, Wilmec would either be welcomed with open arms or chase, depending on who he knew in a town.  

Sure, he had his fair share of troubles - but such is the life of a rogue.  Known for telling tall tales and running up more than a few gambling debts - he was also known for helping nearly everyone he came across in need.  Such a dichotomy of a man, it was hard to tell where his legends and stories stopped and his reality began.  Surely it was once somebody was certain that he was indeed spreading a blatant lie about saving the Lord of some town's daughter from a huge beast, that the girl would show up wearing a beast-hide cloak!   

He loved this life and never looked back at his days as a shepherd.  

When the time came for squires to be chosen for the White Talbot, Wilmec was one of the five who attempted, yet came short of this lofty goal.  After this, he was taken under the wing of Gustavus and eventually knighted Sir Wilmec McWell Knight Errant.  As a Knight, Sir Wilmec would take to traveling more and more.  He was said to travel to Fadlan on occasion and play music with the famed Bardic Academy.   

Sadly, the fate of Sir Wilmec McWell is not known.  The last story to be told of him takes place just outside of Mercenary's Valley.  Leaving a celebration with friends, Sir Wilmec spied a burning manse on the way back to his house in Nicholshire city.  The manse was set on fire with multiple people bound by ropes inside, the arsonist was still on the premises looting the place of any valuables.  Sir Wilmec ran in and rescued the bound people, leading to a confrontation with the arsonist. According to the rescued witnesses, Wilmec and the arsonist fought inside while the manse burned down around them. 

Still, stories of knight similar to Sir Wilmec appearing on the roadside to help stranded travelers with a broken wheel, or to offer a poor family some food are often told around the pub fire. Similarly some tell tales of a warrior appearing in the middle of a fight, bearing the heraldic arms of Sir Wilmec, fighting for a while and disappearing in the fray.   On nights when the ale kegs run dry just a little too quickly or the door suddenly opens without warning, some who knew him may still call out "Thanks Wimec."  

Wherever Sir Wilmec is today, his legend will live on forever.

Bardic Chestnuts: Elsa Von Nurnberg

Elsa Von Nurnberg is a tyrannical member of the Von Nurnberg Order.  Her position as commander is rare among the Faction, as they almost exclusively promote men to these positions.  Elsa certainly gained her position by being a ruthless and vicious soldier.  She certainly will not let emotions or sentiment get in the way of efficiency and orders.  Her motto, "follow your orders" is often the only warning anyone gets before she takes action on her troops or targets. 

Growing up, it is believed that Elsa was mocked for being so tall and physical.  Whatever sort of harassment or mockery that she endured as a youth shaped her into a most intolerant being in adulthood.   Unconfirmed reports state that Elsa is in fact the illegitimate daughter of the Haus Vatter and a Clan Chattan lass, but this is purely speculative.  It is clear however, that being born and raised in Alluvium has made Elsa the perfect member of the Von Nurnberg Faction.  

Some even persist that she is part of some breeding experiment to create the perfect warriors.  This could be supported by the way that she embodies the mentality of the Haus to such a great level.  It is not simply a faction, to Elsa the Haus is her family.  If this is a true story.  

Elsa is tall and strong. She sees weakness as the most unacceptable state of being.  She Arrived during the height of the Legendary Era and joined the ranks of the Panzers of Nurnberg with great happiness. Her efficient allowed her to rise in the ranks, often taking the place of a superior that she personally executed for being incompetent.  Those under her command live in fear of stepping out of line.  Failure to follow simple orders can result in a quick death at the hands of Elsa herself.  Failure to succeed in a mission can result in the unfortunate faction member being choked or even beheaded publicly by Elsa. 

Vile actions within a faction alone Would not be enough to become a member of the Iscaiotes. It is her actions in war that place her on the list. Beheading and burning alive are common ways she deals with those who get in her way.  Having no problem violating the laws of Altarius, she has put many heads on stakes to get her point across. Failure is not an option to those who serve under her, those who she interrogates had better give answers fast or they will lose their eyes and be tortured beyond measure.  Elsa simply will not tolerate any inefficiency. 

It is worthy of note that Elsa is not somebody that can simply be captured and taken like others of the Iscariotes.  Elsa has the support of the Von Nurnberg faction.  Taking her will be not only an opportunity to deal with an impressive fighter, but also an invitation to face the entire faction and likely a declaration of war.   She must be captured either alone or in some fashion wherein her faction will turn their back on her.  This is the challenge of all who will seek to take her down.

Bardinc Chestnuts: Laertes of Elsinore

My name is Laertes of Elsinore.  I was in transit from my home in Denmark to France when I learned of the murder of my father, Polonius.  Naturally I rushed back forthwith to the castle to avenge the most heinous act.  I discovered that my once friend had murdered my father and with the help of the King I schemed to attain vengeance.   However, I soon discovered that something was truly rotten in the state of Denmark, as the King was a duplicitous liar who tricked all of us.  Sadly, my envenomed blade struck true not only to my fair weather friend but also did wound me.   I fell into the depths of death’s embrace quickly, watching the whole of the royal court poisoned as I faltered away.

To my surprise I awoke some time later in the bedchamber of the Thane of Cawdor.  Following him into a great battle I was cut down yet again, only to arise later in Verona, this time I was in the House of Capulet.  I was accepted by this house and sent to fight in a brawl not on the field of battle but in the streets themselves.  Our rivals, the Montagues, it seemed fought hard to bring our house shame.  So as with the masters of the house we would be sworn enemies.  

I was taken aback by a hefty rock to the head, but I once again awoke unscathed.  This time it was different; I was alone in a field.  It was no matter, for I discovered my fate long ago.  I am an immortal.  Neither blow from any woman born nor beast of the land or sea may fell me.  I may for a time be halted, but I will without doubt return to life yet again.  

I was lost for days without food, water I collected from the morning dew.  Then my salvation was found, a campsite in a small cave.  I made my way into the crevice and discovered that the owner of the campsite had been slain by some beast. 

The man’s supplies were meager and much was eaten already, but there was bread and dried meat enough for me to sate my pangs.   Then I heard the growl of a beast deeper in the cave.  I took the armaments from the man’s belongings; clearly he would not need them.   As fate would have it, the breastplate and lower cannons were a perfect fit!  The lower greaves I left for the time, but grabbed the saber and net to protect myself from whatever I was to find. 

As I went deeper into the cave, I found the source of the growling.  It was a large black beast, greater than a dog but less than a wolf.  I had never seen such a creature.  He bore a spiked collar and was pinned underneath a rock.  As I approached, the beast snarled at me – but as I tossed him some meat from my salvation I noticed a slight shift in his temperament.  Yes, he too was starved for sustenance.   The beast begrudgingly, and not without some warning and teeth baring mind you, allowed me to tend to his impairment.  His leg unimpaired by the rock, the beast fled my presence without further incident. 

I returned to my fallen benefactor, made haste to find any remaining food and supplies that I might need.  A storm had come upon the region, so I made fire and camp in the cave.  Then I took a moment to rest.   I awoke in the night to the sound of heavy breathing.  Across from me was the same black beast.  He was staring at me, as if simultaneously threatening and threatened.  Yet he had to compulsion against warming by my fire.  I threw to the creature an additional portion of meat.  By morning, we had an understanding.  He answers to Iago now.

Bardic Chestnuts: Dalcar Pyle

        A hulking brute, Dalcar Pyle is a solider who has been misunderstood by nearly everyone he meets.  An imposing figure, he uses his size and brute strength to get by in a world where everyone is out to get him.  To his allies, those whom he trusts, Dalcar is a strong and reliable friend.  To his enemies, he is a terrifying monster of a man.

        Mocked for most of his youth, Dalcar became a privateer so that he could escape his dead-end life and seek adventure on the high seas.  He joined the Parris, a corvette under the command of Captain Hartman.   As a crewman Dalcar was harassed by the captain when he made any mistakes.  Verbally and often physically assaulted by the Captain, Dalcar soon was taken under the wing of the experienced Quartermaster Davis who helped Dalcar learn the ropes.  Dedicated to becoming the best crewman he could be, Dalcar trained hard. 

        Soon, Dalcar was becoming quite adept with his duties.  He even started to impress the Captain, although that did not stop Captain Hartman from breading every single mistake Dalcar made.  One day, however during a particularly brutal storm, the Captain found Dalcar in the ship’s galley.  There was a strange look about him, as if he had descended into the throws of madness.  Reciting the crewman’s oath, Dalcar slowly stared down his captain.  The captain yelled at Dalcar to return to his quarters, but Dalcar would have no more abuse.  He pulled out his musket and killed the captain.  It was then that Dalcar might have been arrested or worse, but fate intervened.  The crash of a wave smashed the side of the Parris - tearing a hole in the hull and pulling Dalcar out to sea.   

            Dalcar awoke in a field near the Highland Farms of Nicholshire.  It was not long before the discovered Triad and joined their ranks.  His new captain, Bartholemew Ward, reminded him of his friend Davis.  Their friendship tempered the views of Dalcar.  He had been given a second chance.  This time he would be no privateer, this time he would take no abuse.  Pirate Pyle would be a name that would strike fear in his enemies. 

Bardic Chestnuts: Cedric of Abbotsbury

Brother Cedric of Abbotsbury

The life of Brother Cedric has proven to be a test of faith.  When Cedric was a young man he learned a great many lessons at the hands of his older brothers.  Most of these lessons involved bruises and even a broken bone or two on occasion.  It was his faith in the almighty that kept Cedric from lashing out in anger at his abusive family.  Instead Cedric focused his energy to the study of the Lord and began his work in the church.  
As a scribe, Cedric spent several years illuminating the Holy Bible.  Many times over, he wrote the words of the Father until he was so familiar with them that he could recite verses with both accuracy and fervor.   In time Cedric's manuscripts would be sought after by monasteries all across the Christian world.  Cedric had found the path that the Lord had wished him to walk. 
Unfortunately, tragedy would once again come into Cedric's life.  War was endemic all across the land, Northumbria soon was overtaken by Egbert as the new overlord. This pillaging was devastating, as brutal as Mercia before, and Cedric's abbey was not immune to the slaughter.  Raucous mercenary attackers took advantage of the chaos and looted the church.  Cedric and his fellow monks tried to resist, and in the confusion several candles fell over starting a great fire.  As the abbey blazed, Cedric watched his manuscripts and the beloved church burn all around him.  He prayed to the Lord, and succumbed in penitent grief. 
He awoke in the halls of a dark castle.  Crawling through the cavernous dungeon, Cedric made his way to the light of day. There he saw the sign of Christ carved into a tree.  Looking around the barren landscape, Cedric was certain that he had been saved from the conflagration by the almighty and put on a new path.  The ruined dark caverns behind him were home to savage men that Cedric did not recognize.  They began to emerge from the tunnels and approach him, but Cedric was not afraid. These mongrels took Cedric into their town nearby, where they forced him to carry lumber back and forth.  But Cedric did not complain, for he knew his time would come. 
Soon, Cedric was proven right. One day when he was out gathering mushrooms for his captors, Cedric was led to a grove with many fungi growing in the hollows of the rotten trees.  Cedric stepped just out of the way when a tree fell upon his captor and killed him outright.  Cedric was scared at first, but fear turned into gratitude as he saw what appeared to be the Christ mark scratched into the felled tree and an arrow pointing south.   Cedric took the cue and fled to the south, where he walked for forty days and nights with only the mushrooms and the spring water to sustain him.  
Still, Cedric grew strong and on the fortieth day he came across a large monastery. There Cedric learned of the world and he instantly knew that he had been granted another chance to make it right.  And with that Cedric joined the Society of St Paul and began working on his first of many magnificent illuminated manuscripts.  Eventually Brother Cedric would rise in prominence and help spread the gospel all across Alluvium. 

Bardic Chestnuts: Tanaka Yuki

The Saga of Tanaka

It is said he was a part of the Shiba clan, his lord was the Shiba Yoshimune.  To a great battle he did go, and lo he did fall.  After he was killed by Oda Nobautomo, he roamed the land looked for more death.   That way he could join his lord in the after life.  Tanaka fought many foes and sought many challenges, but sadly he was incredibly lucky and never died.  

No matter how much he wanted to, he woke up every day hoping I might find peace and eventually join his lord in death. This is his way, traveling and protecting people as it is in his code of honor.

Then one day Tanaka, who until this time was a nobody in a world of heroes, did fight a great beast.  Seeking fame, the allies OX, Beauregard, Louis and Elwood joined Tanaka's quest fight the dragon.  

The Dragon was four times the height of even the great OX!  Whilst his allies hid away in cowardice from the beast, Tanaka ran forward to take on the great wyrm.  He ran up the neck of the great beast and called for his team to assist, but they being frightened did not help.  So it was that Tanaka became the hero of the Hinterlands by defeating the great dragon.  

Shortly after he killed the Dragon, Tanaka was able to save Lord Euric Hathus's children from a mad doctor's instillation.  The children were being abducted and Tanaka would not stand for this.  So he left the cowering compatriots in the shadows whilst he once again fought certain death.  

Upon returning to Maarek's Landing, Tanaka realized that he had a duty to protect the land where others failed to.  Praising the new hero, Maarek's Landing knew it had a savior in Tanaka.

Bardic Chestnuts: Jacque de Payton

Born February 22, 1269, Jacque was the second son of three to his nobleman father Delmon de Payton and very religious mother Marguerite Claude. His brothers were Maurice the elder, and his younger brother Bernard. Maurice was a very arrogant boy knowing his father was going to pass all the lands and title to him. So he would hold that over Jacque. Jacque knew he could best Maurice in anything even if he was the older brother. Jacque did his best to prove he should be considered to be the better choice for the family line but his parents rarely even listen to this. Bernard on the other hand knew it was no good to try and best his two older brothers so he began to practice and read the bible. Their mother being very religious would preach the word of God to them.

Jacque began to take a new path after reaching the age of 14. He began to study the sword and warfare, the tactics involved and the means of how to win a battle. By age 17 Jacque was put in charge of his father’s men-at-arms. This was a big responsibility, these men guarded their home and would also be summoned to fight for the king if he so choice to call a pond them. Jacque met many generals and knights well leading the men-at-arms. The year of 1287 Jacque and the men were called a pond by the King to serve him. Jacque being very confident felt that this was his chance to make a name for himself. The king sent them to help Poland in their fight against the invading Mongols. This journey was not an easy one but proved to be a true test for Jacque. Jacque lead his men to some get victories while in Poland, and some in Germany where they felt they deserves some spoils for their travels. Once back in France in 1288 Jacque was knighted by the king and given land for services rendered while in Poland. Jacque finally felt he was being respected for his great skills.

For about two years Jacque would tend to his lands and train young men who would become part of the king’s army. In 1290 Jacque became bored with tending to lands and training men. He felt the urge to return to war, he joined the Templar Knights in May of 1290. He only had the summer to get to know and understand this order of knights before he was to be sent to the Holy Lands. December 1290 he and 100 men at arms were sent to Acre as reinforcements that had been requested. Acre being one of the last strongholds for the Christians, Jacque knew he would do his best to keep it that way. He knew that with the symbol of God no man could defeat them.

April 4, 1291 the siege had begun. Jacque had never once been on the defending side of a siege. He always did his best going head long into the enemy. The days were filled with the sounds and sights of men being killed, and of stones hitting the walls. At night the sounds weren’t of men being killed but men screaming from the sudden feeling of being covered in snakes from the dark sky. Jacque had this happen to him many times while on his post of the wall. He learn to look forward to the light of day because with it he could at least see the enemy coming at him and the sudden feeling of weight that moved and hissed. On May18, 1291 William of Beaujeu, the Master of the Templars was killed, and the Muslim forces had finally managed to breach the walls. The Muslim were now inside the city fighting the defenders in the streets and alleys of Acre, which turned into a terrifying chaos as the inhabitants were fleeing towards the sea. Many inhabitants perished. Jacque and some of the men he came with were in the Templar fortress when the Muslim forces finally broke the lines of the defenders. We knew that for lives of the Christians we would be their lost hope. That night Thibaud Gaudin, the new master of the Templar gathered a handful of men at arms and remaining knights and escaped under the cover of darkness. Jacque didn’t want to go but it was not like him to disobey order’s from his order.

After fleeing Acre and the Muslim forces Jacque travelled from city to city under Thibaud. Jacque finally made passage to return to Avignon, France to meet with the remaining members of the Order. After he reconnected with other member he left for his manor and awaited further orders from the Order. At dawn on Friday, 13 October 1307, Jacque was awoken by the sound of his bedroom door being knocked down. His days at Acre had prepared him for moments like this. Without thinking about it jumped from his bed armed himself with his sword and was three men coming through his door. One by one they fall to his sword. The moment was so fast Jacque had not even looked at them before killing them.

As he stood over their bodies, Jacque realized he recognized one of them. It was a monk, it was his brother Bernard. In Bernard’s hands was a parchment. With great sadness and remorse for killing his brother he reached down and held his still warm body. After a few moments Jacque took and opened the parchment. It was an arrest warrant. Jacque read the arrest warrant which started with the phrase: "Dieu n'est pas content, nous avons des ennemis de la foi dans le Royaume" ["God is not pleased. We have enemies of the faith in the kingdom"]. Jacque was shocked, as he read he saw that it was ordered by the Pope himself. The voice of God in this place, how could he have issued such lies with the power of faith against the men who had fought for God. There he thought about his time with the Templars and how they were to be protect by God because they wore his symbol, and he thought about all the innocents that were lost because the warriors of God didn’t protect them in Acre. All these thoughts and then the thought that he had just kill his brother, a man of God. Christianity had failed Jacque and the Templars. Angered by this he quickly dress and armed himself, he headed to see his mother with questions.

When he arrived at his parent’s manor, he found it in ruins. As he entered he found Maurice alone in what was once the great hall. There he talked shortly with an intoxicated Maurice, learning his mother had been burned alive for heresy and his father executed for treason. The lands and title were no more and Maurice was left with a burned out ruined home with no one left. Jacque told him about Bernard. Maurice could take no more and flee through the ruins and away from Jacque. Jacque left knowing now that Christianity was not what he was taught as a child and vowed to never care or defend it again. As he left the ruins of his parent’s home, he found himself becoming lost in the forest as it turned night. As he stopped for the night he heard cries for help.

He ran toward the screams to find a woman being attacked by three men. Jacque quickly pulled his sword knowing that his skills as a knight would prove useful once more. He quickly subdued one man and killed a second. The third did not give up quickly for he fought very were for what looked like a peasant bastard. After a few moments the fight seemed to be going in the favor of the peasant but Jacque would not give up. He continued to fight and finally won with a quick knock out punch with the guard. The woman thanked Jacque and request his assistance in turning these men into the local sheriff. Jacque worried about being arrested himself did not want to be involved anymore than he already was but remembered his oath as a knight to help those in need.

The woman introduced herself as Lady Annabel, member of the Faction Justice. She explained that these men had began to follower her after learning that her loyalties were to the faction Justice. Jacque being curious asked questions about Justice and why it would make a difference to these men. Annabel soon figured out that Jacque was new to the lands and began to explain everything to him Jacque was a little over come by this new information but also started to think she was not right in the head. He would confirm some of these things once they arrived at the sheriff’s. Once in town Jacque started to question people about the thing Annabel had told him. He soon began to think he had gone to hell for killing his brother, but soon realized that this was not the hell he had learned about. He spent time with Lady Annabel and even became a member of Justice himself.

After they had separated and gone their own ways Jacque soon tried to build a reputation as to become a knight in these lands. He wanted everything that came with it again, respect, lands, women, and to be known with the nobles. He trained like did when he was younger, running in armor, weapons training, tactics on a field of battle, and being aware of people’s actions that could cause problems. His actions did not build the reputation he was hoping for, people felt him to more of a snitch than courageous. Always informing the sheriff or the town guards of things that were small or not a big deal to them. He also would not drink with people because he felt that alcohol would weaken him from becoming a knight. He knew that he would change his reputation and become a knight again.  

Bardic Chestnuts: Michael Seraph

Michael Seraph

Born and raised in Gehegan, in Krymm, he was to take over the job of healer like many of his family.  His instruction in chemistry came young when the miners often suffered chemical burns from what they would find down in the Mesker Mountain mines.  He learned basic medicine and first aid from the wives and medics around, often having to mix herbs and apply salves that he made emulating the other medics. His was not a formal education, although he did learn later on how to make various chemical products in order to understand them.  

He married a loving woman named Sophia and together they had a son named Thomas.  A year after the child was born, things went down a dangerous path.  It was during the harvest festival of the dead they celebrate every year to scare off the demons. That day he brought his son a red scarf to wear and keep warm, for it was colder than it usually was this time of year.    Like always the band would gather in the center of the town and begin playing the music that signaled the townsfolk to gather.  This year it was suddenly quiet, and the people came to find out why.

It was then they found the musicians -  killed and strung up with the wires of their instruments - left there to die a slow and agonizing death.  No sooner did they assemble that the army of Raziel attacked.  Wave after wave of cannibalistic miscreants poured into the streets from every corner.  The people ran and hid in their homes as best they could.  But that is what the invaders wanted.  Soon new invaders showed up.  Men in black armor and white skin.  They set the houses on fire, those who stayed inside would burn, those who fled would be attacked and slaughtered.  The army of Raziel ate their victims.  The town guard was butchered, any all of the nobles were ripped limb from limb, their entrails eaten even before the bodies had a chance to die.  

Michael and his wife barricaded the windows and doors on the ground floor and went upstairs to their bedroom.  They began to open the pass through on the wall that was connected to the neighbor's hoping to escape and have safety in numbers.  They soon stopped, however, as they heard the screams from the other side.  They then began to think the window was the only option until the cannibal ghouls climbed up to the second floor and was trying to force their way in through the window.  As Michael began to lead the way out, the roof collapsed from the fire, separating the family.  The door was blocked by fallen timbers.  Sohpia threw a few blankets over the fire but the debris was too much to move.  She handed Michael their infant son and took a knife from his vest.  She looked at him with tearful eyes and turned to face the ghastly hoard to buy time for her husband and son.  Michael could see no more as the flames ate through the blanket and covered the door.

Running along the walkway Michael kicked open a window and onto the roof overhang he went.  He held onto his son as he slid down the broken structure into the alley.  He began looking around for a smart way to escape.  The clear paths obviously had invaders lurking in the shadows, the people being eaten and screaming had alerted those already visible.  His only option was to take paths where people were already dead and their bodies left behind.  He tried to be careful but Michael was captured anyways.

They brought he and his son before a woman.  A vain, haughty french woman with red eyes and what appeared to be sharpened fangs.  She took his son from his arms and her guards forced him to his knees.  Michael watched as she sliced the throat of his child, and then drained the blood from the infant into a chalice.  Powerless to do anything, not even able to plea for mercy as they held him firm, Michael was mortified.  The child was drained to the point he could no longer whimper, barely able to open his eyes or breathe.  She then kissed the baby and dropped the exsanguinate corpse like an empty wine skin and smiled at Michael.

She was then going to kill Michael, but one of her retainers informed her that it was time to move on.  The sunlight was coming, but something else caught her senses, and she left in a hurry.  Michael went to chase but the ground began to cave in, leaving him in the sewers as fire moved overhead.  He wanted to die, he waited for it, welcomed it.  Nothing.

Hours passed and the sun rose.  Michael went out into the city, looking at the blackened buildings and smoldering corpses.  He felt his body grow heavy with pain.  He tried not to go mad.  The few survivors waited for the Grave Dancers to come.  They did not come.  It was said this place was cursed and even the Grave Dancers refused to go near the bodies to even bury them.  Michael buried his wife and son together.  He kept the red scarf and was filled with the need to end it all.  The crows were there.  Squawking, chirping, mocking.  So many crows, so much noise, he began to lose himself.