Eleven Years Ago...

Karik walked through the streets of Khuykir. It was market time when vendors from all over Salktum and beyond would sell their products. Karik walked into the market and was blasted with many senses. The smells of spices from around the world, parsley, cumin, and saffron. The beat of blacksmiths' hammers against hot steel. As well as the sight of many people from kalmgy to ogres. The former could barely make their way through the bustling streets, while the latter stomped around like giants. Karik was surprised that these people walked around. The Marrow Plague spread quickly, so he wore a mask. Although, he did have a good reason to be out.

Karik had a special item he was picking up. It was the fifth anniversary of him and his wife, Lupju. She was from the peninsula city of Khlri, where thieves were trained like that of mages. She had been an escort, who sold herself and stole the money of those she pleased. One day, Karik came to her, looking for a good time. She was going to snatch his coin purse, but something stopped her. Lupju was so close, but she couldn't bring herself to pilfering him. Eventually, Karik felt the same way, and the two had been with each other ever since. They were wed upon the peaceful isle of Shást, where they only grew closer together.

Karik arrived at the blacksmith, he was forging a battle ax. He pulled down his mask, "Hello, I have a silver pendant to pick up," Karik said, "Oh yeah, the lover," the blacksmith said, "It's on the counter by the degree. This blacksmith was trained to perfection, knowing the skills of blacksmiths long past. Karik picked up the pendant, holding it up. It was two-sided, one side was the symbol of House Zhala, a red elephant. The other side was two white snakes encircling a tree. It was the symbol of Khlri. Karik would give it to his wife as an anniversary gift.

Karik began making his way back to Tower Zhala, pulling his mask back up. Thinking of Khlri made reminded him of a passage from a small book he had recently bought. The book was all about World History, with coverage on many topics. At the back of it, the book said it must be updated, lest the ones he loved to be killed. Karik thought it was some gibberish referencing, "Tales From Shalaeki," a horror novel about the Shalaeki Valley. It had a very similar concept in one of its many stories. The passage was quite long yet it still lingered in Karik's memory.

The peninsula city of Khlri, an ancient city from before even Salktum. Its founding is surrounded by myth. Some say it was founded when two snake-headed humans found where the great mountain of spirits once stood. They built their city around the remains of this mountain, where a great red tree stood. The less mythical founding --and more realistic one-- was when a group of people migrated from Eastern Salktuymai across the Shu'u Mountains, seeing how far this peninsula would go. When they found the end, that is where they made Khlri. The city has been around from at least the Third Era, or possibly the Second Era. This city has remained on the map because of its grand defenses.

Three layers, each one makes the enemy miserable. Walls, lined with spikes poisoned by the toxins of great crabs. Each side of these walls depicts a victory from the history of Khlri. A twisting maze, with traps at every turn, the way through only known by citizens of this great city. Finally, wooden palisades, creating splinters for all who touch them. It is said that those who breach these deserve its destruction to be had at their hands.

The passage likely reminded him of his wife. She enjoyed reading about the history of her city. It is part of what she would use the money plundered from her dates for. Karik finally was at Zhala Tower, Su'i greeted him, "Master, there is something you must see," her tone was urgent, "What is it?" Karik asked, "It's Lupju, they say she will die soon. She is bedridden and likely has but a few hours left." Karik hurried up the new elevator, which was recently installed by House Kanfut, saving several minutes going up and down the tower.

Karik rushed to the infirmary, where his wife was bedridden. The room she sat in was small and dimly lit. The windows emitted this light, covered by black curtains. She sat on a simple bed next to one of these windows, at the far edge of the room. Lupju had tan skin, green eyes, and black hair. Her forehead was sweating, while her arm sat next to her wrapped in cloth. Karik pulled down his mask, revealing his face. "Karik.." She struggled to say, "Lupju," he said back to her. "I am on spared time," she said, "but I want you to know two things." She continued, "I always loved you," She said, "I love you too," Karik said to her. "and I..." she closed her eyes before finishing the sentence. "What? What is the second thing?" He asked, but there was no response from her. She was gone, lost to the marrow plague. The book was true, he had lost the one he loved most in the world.

Karik stepped out, onto a balcony overlooking the city. "I vow it upon my life!" He yelled to the great city "I shall break that book's curse, by any means necessary."

Eleven Years Later...

Karik remembered back to that day, when the love of his life had died, and he took those vows. He would break this book's burden, or die trying.