wrin's flashback

We turn our attention now to two children, identical in near every way. The only thing that marks them as different from the other kids their age is their ash-grey skin and small protruding tusks. Like all brothers, they bicker and squabble as they pass through childhood, but they always make up in the end. Their mother works herself to the bone caring for them after their father disappears in the war against the goblins. After running and hiding and scraping for whatever they can find, she breathes her last.

The boys, however, are old enough now to stand on their own: Wrin and Tsana. They no longer are quite as identical as when they were children. Wrin has taken on the studious role of a scholar, looking to lead a quiet life in the countryside. Tsana has grown big and strong, often protecting his “little brother.” Time and life slowly drag the two apart, though they still meet occasionally to catch up and laugh over old times. And to cry.

“I’m joining the hellknights,” Tsana says suddenly. His face is a stony mask.

Wrin stares at his brother, confused. “Why would you-? You can’t do that. You could get…”

Tsana nods, having anticipated this conversation. “I could get killed. Just like father did. Maybe it will be a blade in my gut, or a devil tearing my soul free, but… yes, I could die.”

“Then why do it?” Wrin is suddenly incensed. “You could make a good living as a cooper, or a blacksmith, or… anything else. Something safe.”

Tsana flexes his muscles and smiles. “Come on, you want these to go to waste making barrels? Besides,” he adds, “you’ve got to be ready to put your life on the line to protect the people closest to you.” He runs his hands through his twin’s hair. “A safer world for you is the best way I can use my talents. I haven’t got the brains the way that you do.”

The two pour more drinks and talk late into the night. Topics switch between old friends, nostalgia, and what they’ll do in the future. That is the last time they share drinks together.

Much later, the brothers meet again. But there is no laughter. No tears. There is only violence, blood, and a surge of magic that destroys the other. Under darkened skies, the survivor falls to the ground and weeps, as the ashes of his brother swirl around him.

He is alone now.