Ripples of Shadow
Prologue - The Beginning to an End

“Aye, it is good to see you as well my dear.” His deep bow was formal as always to Moria. He had the deepest respect for mages. “And where would you have my feet take me this time?” His wry smile stretched the scar across his cheek. He was an incredibly handsome man except for that scar, and even at times she could ignore it. Rash’s deep brown eyes held intelligence, and he knew now what was being asked of him was no small task.

“Rash, I fear this will be dangerous. I cannot promi-“

“Isn’t it always dangerous?” Rash broke in with a laugh. He reached out and took hold of her hands. “You know that wherever you send me, I will reach. No matter the cost.” He released her hands, and intensity filled his eyes. “Now tell me, where?”

“The Hinterlands. Aerie Peak to be more exact. I know you’re familiar with the Wildhammer clan, and they should receive you warmly.” She paused, eyeing him carefully as she chose her next words. “You are to meet a mage-sister of mine, her name is Mitsume Tch’indil. She has been studying in the Hinterlands for some time, and the last she wrote me, she was among the Wildhammer Dwarves at Aerie Peak. You will take this,” Moria paused, taking a deep breath and handed him the parchment. “It is imperative that you reach Mitsume, Rash. I cannot emphasis that enough.” Rash took the pamphlet and folding it, placed it among one of the pouches at his belt.

“You needn’t worry yourself Moria, I will reach this Mitsume unscathed, as will your letter.” He smiled then, and somehow, Moria knew that he would reach Mitsume at any cost to himself.

“Good. Now you best be on your way Rash, I have given directions to Mitsume as to where to head next. I must see to some local matters, but I will expect word from either your or her when you reach Aerie Peak.” Moria made to turn back her dresser, but stopped at Rash clearing his throat.

“Moria I need to tell you something. That is I-“ Moria made a cutting gesture with her hand to interrupt.

“Rash please, these times are hard enough. It would be best to wait for some of this to settle.” Crimson bloomed in her cheeks. Part of her was screaming to let him finish, the other was terrified of what he might say.

“As you say my dear.” He bowed again, and simply pressed his lips to her hand before turning away. And with that, he was gone.

Moria sighed deeply. She turned back to her dresser and began pulling dresses and shawls of good wool, and folding them, placed them on the bed. “Now where is my luggage.” She murmured to herself as she searched the room.

“Pardon ma’am, but would you care to buy some flowers?” Moria nearly jumped out of her shoes. She was so absorbed in gathering her belongs, and preparing to leave that she didn’t even notice the young boy in the doorway.

“Oh! Haven’t you heard of knocking? Ha-ha, gave me quite the scare you did. But no, I do not need any flowers, thank you.” She gestured to the flowers on her nightstand and smiled and bent down to the boy, placing a silver penny in his hand. “But I can always spare a coin for a cutie like you.” The boy grinned up at her. Moria felt pain lance through her back where the knife slipped in between her ribs. Shock overwhelmed her, she couldn’t move. Too stunned to speak, the boy just stood there grinning at her. The knife landed again, in her lower back, her kidneys. Moria fumbled, trying to gather magic around her…trying to. Her vision dimmed, she felt herself hit the floor. She looked up at the boy, his grin had turned into a maniacal smile. Moria’s grasp on her magic slipped, if only she could get away…if only she could… A shadowy figure stepped over her to the boy and looked down at her. Moria’s eyes went wide with shock. It was cold all of a sudden.