#innitiation

The burlap sack over Allanah’s head made it difficult to breathe. She had no idea where she was or where she was going. She could see the occasional outline of a tree or a bush. The most prominent thing she could make out was the full moon. It was difficult to walk through the forest and the guild wasn’t very gentle. They led her through the forest, occasionally pushing her or forgetting to warn her there was a rock in front of her, but she didn’t mind. She knew the guilds traditions. She had to learn all of them to even get this far. She knew what was happening and it excited her.

“Stop,” commanded the voice on her right. She obeyed. The elf on her right walked forward and said something, but she couldn’t tell what he said because of the burlap sack. Suddenly the ground began to shake and she heard a grumble, almost as if someone was pushing a boulder. There was a loud thud that seemed to ring on for forever, then silence. She was shoved forward again.

“Move,” said a female voice from behind her. She walked forward. The wind stopped blowing and it became darker. Something was blocking the moon. Someone hooked their arm through hers. She was led down a series of twisted halls, throwing off her sense of direction. Through her burlap sack, she could make out a glow, coming from the end of a long hallway. They walked towards the light. The arm holding hers let go.

“Kneel,” commanded a deep voice. She kneeled onto the hard stone floor. The burlap sack was ripped aggressively off her head. She had to resist the urge to fix her hair. There were guild members all around her, wearing the same, black armour. She was the only one wearing grey armour, a sign of her rank in the guild. She was deep underground in some hidden cavern. In front of her was a large fire.

The oldest looking elf stepped forward. “Allanah Sarfiel, Daughter of Shenarah Sarfiel and Galan Sarfiel, is it your wish to become a member of the Darkblade Clan?”

“Yes,” responded Allanah, her heart beating in her ears.

“Do you promise to uphold all the standards of the darkblade clan, to protect and serve all creatures no matter, race, gender or any other factors?”

“I do,” responded Allanah with determination.

“Do you promise never to betray the Darkblade’s? To always put your clan before anything else?”

“I do.”

“Do you swear all of these things on your life?”

“I do.”

“These are the flames of our ancestors, given to them by a dragon. The flame will seek your inner soul. If you break any of the commandments you have just sworn to, the dragon’s flame will consume you. Are you certain you swear these things on your life?

“Yes.”

“Then let her receive the mark of the Darkblade clan.” She pulled the metal stick out of the fire. On the end of it was the darkblades insignia. Two of the elves came up and held onto either side of her shoulders and lifted the back of her shirt. The elder circled around her

“May the God of our ancestors bless you,” she said. Then she took the red metal and placed it on her back. The hands on Allanah’s sides tightened as her back curved up. She let out a scream as burnt flesh hit her nostrils. It seemed like an eternity before the heat was finally lifted from her back. The two elves let go of her shoulders and she fell to the ground panting.