Prologue

The atmosphere in the room was tense. No one was looking at each other, instead it seemed they were trying their hardest to look anywhere except at their fellows. It was a rather impressive feat considering the rectangular tent held only a long narrow table with most facing the other side as they stood or sat at the table.  No one wanted to look anyone else in the eye so instead they had to look at their feet or hands, the ceiling, anywhere else in the darkened space lit only by a few weak lamps. But no one would look anywhere near the direction of the man seated in the back who alone looked calm and composed, even bored. He gazed across the room at everyone, languidly letting his eyes take in the variety nervous postures. His head was leaning on a silver hand, the metal disappearing into black robes which seemed to drag the shadows in the room over him and obscure him from sight. Yet without a doubt everyone’s attention was on him at this moment even if no one was looking at him. The mood lingered in this tense situation until finally a young man couldn’t take it anymore. His head snapped up from where it had been staring at his feet, purple eyes looking straight at the shadowy man seated in the corner.

“You can’t mean that! Now? When things are so critical?! How could you abandon us like this?! We all came here because of you, became what we are because of you! What the hell do you mean you’re leaving?!” He was not shouting but his words were heavily stressed and obviously full of emotion, emotion and a need for an explanation. Around the room others moved, shifting slightly, gulping, twitching, fidgeting. Nervous motions which showed just like the young man they were extremely uneasy either with the dark robed man’s words, or perhaps with the the way the young man had challenged those words. Several though looked hopefully toward the shadow cloaked man, as if hoping he would agree and take back the announcement of his departure.

“Ash do you really think I would abandon everything? Do I strike you that brusque?” The man said, the lazy smirk not fading for a moment in face of Ash’s displeasure. He spoke in an indulgent manner to the other man, talking down to him and patronizing him. Something which just riled Ash further.

“But-“

“I am going.” The man said cutting off whatever protest Ash was going to make this time. The indulgence had obviously come to an end. “And I will come back.” Some relaxed hearing this. Those that knew the shadow man better were still tense though. “When what I am doing is done.” Ah, there it was. Never a straight answer, never letting others know until the last minute what his plans were, never giving them any idea on what he was doing or when things would be done. Even though he had confirmed that he was not abandoning them the tension in the room seemed if anything to become more desolate but this time the air was also tinged with frustration.

“But, sir?” A new voice spoke up, quiet and small without the strength of Ash or the confidence of the shadow man. “What it is it you are doing?” The young woman’s voice did not tremble or her words stutter yet she gave the impression of great nervousness and smallness when she spoke. As if just managing to get the words out over her personal fear. She did not look the man in the eyes but instead stared at her hands, fingers interlaced on the table in front of her. She was sitting beside Ash, when he had stood it had almost completely blocked her from view. Still the direct look which the cloaked man gave her pierced through her though she was half hidden and trying so very hard not to look at him. She could feel it, pinning her there.

“That is my business Kestral.” Was the only reply, the tone of authority which bore no questioning. His matters would not be looked into or questioned no matter how surprising they were. And he expected them all to know it. He stood from the low chair, rolling his shoulders in an obvious carefree, relaxed manner . “That is all I have to say, continue the meeting. I am heading out now.”

“Now?!” Several voices rose up in surprise and shock. Those who had been staring at their feet now stared at the shadow man. Perhaps they could come to accept he was leaving, but to leave at this very instant after announcing his trip?

“Now.” He cut off the chance to further protest before anyone could speak. “I already have made all the preparations I need to, anything else would just be an unnecessary delay. Till I next see you.”

With that he strode out, leaving the dimly lit tent for the darkness of outside. His dark robes swallowed up so in no time he was completely gone, either in actuality or just from sight uncertain. All that could be seen outside was just absolute darkness which offered no answers as to where the man had gone. Those he left behind were quiet for a time. Kestral’s interlaced fingers clenched into a fist, trembling slightly. Then suddenly she stood up and broke the silence violently, unable to hold back any longer. “THAT BASTARD!”

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Author guidance for This story

Descent is not originally what I called this story, and originally it was actually a roleplay forum which I'd created and never took off. But for a long time the characters here have been with me so I'm letting them have their adventure since to be perfectly blunt it is a good story about social unrest and inequality, redemption and discovery, and above all magic.

updated Oct 13 '11 by Betwixt