Basalisk
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/8/4/21842760/2524549.png?362)
- Age: 121 years old
- Birthday: Unknown
- Species: Snake demon
- Gender: Male
- Family: None
- Height: 6'1
- Hair: Dark brown
- Eyes: Blue
- Skin: Tan
- Other: Snake scales on ribs, calves, shoulders/shoulder blades
- Sexuality: Homosexual
- Significant other: none
- Personality: Secretive, distant, loyal, cold.
Likes: Sun bathing, fighting, protecting his city, the queen, Akil.
Dislikes: Cold, humans, sandstorms. |
Abilities: shape shifting, good with throwing knifes, agile.
|
Background Story
Chapter 1:
The world was once harmonious. All the living being knew not evil nor good. There was no such thing as war or peace it was just life and death. As the world progressed each species took it’s own path. The world became divided by humans and beasts. But there was a small sect of beings that were neither human nor beast, stuck in between the two with the ability to take the form of both. Though in their ‘human’ form they often had outward expressions of their animal characteristics. Whether it were their eyes, flesh, appendages, they were easily distinguished from a normal human.
Much like many of the humans and beasts this small sect of beings spread across the world making their homes in all corners of the earth. Learning to adapt to their new surroundings and making tribes of their own. Regardless of their surroundings each tribe had their own stories of where their kind came from, their gods, and reasons of being.
Each year the major tribes had a festival in which they celebrated life and death as well as making relations amongst themselves living in such a hostile world. Each tribe would take turns hosting the festival and all the others would make the long journey to the others land. The hosting tribe would put aside their differences and provide a safe haven for their friends and enemies alike, offering food and drink as well as festivities for the week long event.
Their differences pushed aside for the festivities they took part in many specific rituals, some different depending on who was hosting the festival that year but in the end they all followed the same guidelines.
Chapter 2:
The festival officially began once every tribe had reached their objective. The week long celebration didn’t begin until the heads of each tribe had met and drank a ceremonious drink made from the sap of the tribe’s most sacred tree or plant. The first night consisted of a large feast, dancing, drinking and storytelling to welcome the other tribes and enjoy each others company. The eating went on through the entire week but on the first and last night was the most extravagant meals they could provide. The women all wore their best clothing as did the men, they adorned their bodies with paints and jewelry as well as masks that often depicted their spirit animal or so they called it. They gifted the heads of each tribe with beautifully made goods from their land.
On the morning of the second day started a fast. The day was spent making masks and sharing clothing, getting ready for the night's festivities. There was a stage made in the middle of the city which was usually blanketed in black fabric in which appointed dancers would offer up their dance to the skies. Honoring those whom had died and celebrating their life through native songs and dances. Candles would light up the streets, each person was to have one, hand carved usually. Some were sent up to the skies in makeshift balloon like contraptions and others were placed on graves and left to burn out through the night. Showing their gratitude for the lives lost and respecting their memories
The third day was also filled with sharing cultures between the tribes. The home tribe took time to make paint out of flowers and bark and anything else they could get their hands on. That night being the first of two mating ceremonies, having celebrated the death of their loved ones now properly able to welcome new life into the world and strengthen the bonds between tribes. The children were taken care of by the elderly and strictly confined to their homes as soon as the sun began to set. Until sunrise there was open mating between species, tribes, and genders.
The fourth day was used as a rest day. The heads of each tribe met to talk over treaties, trade, and war. The people were given the day to enjoy the homeland of the hosting tribe. Having time to make trades for goods, hunt among them, as well as learn some of their trades. Often called children's day. Children were free of the restraints and rules of the first three day’s celebration and they made the most of it.
The fifth day was a day of giving. It was customary to make a gift for someone and give to them that night after the sun set. There was eating, dancing, singing, and storytelling through the night. Sharing stories of their ancestors and beliefs. The gifts were given through the night, even children took part giving gifts to siblings or parents. It could be jewelry, bowls, masks, clothing, toys, anything.
The sixth day was another day of mating. Following the same customs of painting themselves to signify their mating freedom. Some preferred to mate within their own tribe while others had less stipulations. Often the color of the pain could indicate that. The last night to create life amongst the tribes for this ceremony.
The last night was a feast much like the feast from the first night. Only the best meat and dishes were served to see off the tribes the next day. Providing them the best they had to offer before they made their trip home. It was extremely rare but there were occasions of people staying in the hosts tribe, the day time having been the opportunity for them to have met with the elders and asked permission if they wanted to stay. Making a new life often with a loved one they had made a connection with during the festival. Even rarer was someone from the host tribe choosing to leave with another tribe after the end of the celebration.
Chapter 3:
In Egypt, days are normally warm or hot, with cool nights under the moon. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The only differences between the seasons are variations in daytime temperatures and changes in prevailing winds. Rain is scares and not much of it occurs, most rain falls along the coast, but even the wettest area. A phenomenon of Egypt's climate is the hot spring wind that blows across the country. Sand covers the land, being a desert. Large rocks and sand dunes can be found scattered around with only a few havens in such a harsh environment. The river of life, the Nile, was where most people made their homes, cities mostly grew hugging the Nile for life support. Cities were also made along the shores of the Mediterranean or Red Seas, beside the Suez Canal, or among one of the desert oases. Cities were brought up from the ground and they all fell under the power of the Queen Nakhti, who lived in the largest city in Egypt called Khu. All of the other cities were governed by an appointed noble who answered to the Queen and looked after the city in her best interests.
Life in Egypt was centered largely on agriculture, the majority of the people were involved in farming, and the growing season lasted eight-nine months. Wheat, fruits and vegetables were the principal crops, although there was some pastoral farming of cattle, sheep, or goats. A normal farmer would reach a level of self sufficiency, so that they could feed themselves and pay their taxes. During the annual flooding of the Nile, which typically lasted from July through November, farming was impossible. But when the waters receded, a thick layer of fertile silt over the farmlands remained to insure rich soil for their crops and thick grasses for their grazing animals. Depending on their social class their clothing was different from head to toe but most had bare arms, waists/chests, and sometimes legs. With trade coming in from different parts of the world jewelry was a must. Everyone from child to elder had rings, chains, headdresses, bracelets, etc. All took part in painting their faces, the women's lips were painted, nails were colored, hair and limbs were oiled, and eyes were painted. Some had tattoos on their body and on their face or some painted different designs every day. At the time men and women are being treated equally, one not more important than the other.
The people of ancient Egypt highly valued family life. They treasured children and regarded them as a great blessing. In the lower class families, the mother raised the children while the father worked hard to keep food on the table for himself and his family. The wealthy and royalty had slaves and servants that helped take care of the children by attending to their daily needs, at times they even had teachers come and home school the children. If a couple had no children, they would pray to the gods and goddesses for help. Magic was also used as an attempt to have children. if the couple still could not conceive a child it was acceptable to adopt a child instead. Young boys learned from their fathers while young girls watched their mothers carefully, both learning their future roles for society. Although women were expected to raise the children and take care of the household duties, there were some jobs available to them. Women ran farms and businesses in the absence of their husbands or sons. Women were employed in courts and temples as acrobats, dancers, singers and musicians. Wealthy families hired maids or nannies to help with household chores and the raising of the children which was another very popular job for a woman in these times.
Chapter 4:
In poor families with young girls they usually married them off early around the age of 12 years old. Families that had more money tended to marry their girls off a few years later from around 15 to 16 years old. Marriages were usually arranged by families where an agreement must be signed. While a normal man had one wife the king would usually have several. Women were allowed to divorce men but it was uncommon. Most married at such young ages did tend to stay together until death. If they divorced the woman they were given possession of any children they had during the marriage and were free to re-marry. While most women stayed home to take care of the children they were also in charge of the house, cooking and cleaning, as well as teaching their daughters the tricks of the trade so they could grow up to be good wives one day.
One of the great cities along the Niel river, perhaps one of the most powerful, was called Khu. It had the largest population and largest army. It was lead by a queen named Nakhti, which meant strong, she was a strong ruler she had made this city beautiful. Part of the reason her rule was so powerful was because the people adored her, every time she showed her face the people would have been willing to fall to their knees. She also had the largest army within hundreds of miles making it hard for any other country or city to try and touch her behind her mile high walls. And maybe it helped that she had a small elite task force of five men who were the best killers the world had seen. They were at her beck and call, to go into war, to assassinate a prince, to make her transport from one city to another safe, they were her dogs. They were called Uher, which literally meant dog in Egyptian, four men and one woman and thanks to them no one could touch the Queen Nakhti or her city.
The city of Khu was a very special city, said to be blessed or cursed by the gods, it depended on how one looked at things. Every soul born here had the ability to transform into an animal of some sorts, all animals that can survive in the desert of course. The Uher were no exception, some of the deadliest creatures found in the sand they were dangerous when in their human skin and their animal skins.
Chapter 5:
The leader of the Uher was a man that went by the name Basalisk. Born from the cobra he was known for his merciless killing, strength and speed. His weapon of choice could be anything sharp that he could get his hands on. He usually has small daggers, throwing knives, and sometimes needles, along with a special weapon fitted to his tail with a sharpened tip. The Second in command was a man named Akil, he was born from the crocodole, known for their large size and deadly bite. He had a thick build with mostly muscle. Speed was not one of his major advantages but his poison needles were along with his heavy tail and his specially fitted razor clawed gloves. The third member of the group was the only female and they called her Dalila which meant gentle but she was far from it. Born from the scorpion and known for their deadly sting. She was beautiful and cunning and easily seduced her way past the radar. She was extremely talented with light weight swords and her hand made spiky ball and chain weapon. The fourth member was named Bastet and he was born from the Panther. He was stealthy, cunning, and had a wicked upper cut. A master at hand to hand combat, not even needing a weapon to break bones and damage organs. The last and newest member of the group was a young boy named Edfu, he was born from the Killer Bee, known for a dangerous sting and their sheer speed in flight. Unlike Akil, Edfu had speed on his side, he was young and quick and very maneuverable plus he was small but he had one hell of a quick hand no matter what weapon he was holding.
Unlike the others Edfu and Bastet were not native to Egypt but they survived well in the desert, though finding a Panther in the desert is rare they can be found in Western Egypt. But they were recruited to join the Uher because of their talents and the fact they were desert dwellers as well was an extra benefit. They all came to be apart of the Uher for different reasons and different ways but in the end they all serve the queen to their dying days. They were given anything they wanted or needed and were treated the same as royalty. They lived within the inner walls of the city and when they were among the people they feared them and treated them with respect. A very different life than what some of them had encountered in the past. Through the years they had bled for each other, protected each other, loved each other and served next to each other. They became more than friends and allies they became family to each other.
While they were on call most of the time it didn't stop them from spending time together outside of their job. Basalisk and Akil were the closest, they were best friends, blood brothers. Akil was the happy go lucky loud and cocky type, he enjoyed teasing the other members and always challenging them to duels or who could kill the most people during a fight. Dalila seemed to gravitate towards the two of them, more Basalisk than Akil but she spent most of her time with the two of them. Sarcastic and quiet at times she also kept the boys level headed and tried to keep them from going overboard. She was technical and cunning and some say she was more beautiful than the goddess Qetesh, the god of love and beauty. Bastet minded his own most of the time he was quiet and reserved and didn't seem to talk much. He seemed a bit cold and distant on the outside and even though his aura reflected most people Akil seemed to never notice, he was more than friendly with Bastet and was always cracking jokes. Edfu also didn't seem to be affected by Bastet's attitude he would be content sitting next to him and people watching, something Bastet seemed to enjoy. Edfu seemed to cling to Dalila as a older sister figure and there were times she protected him from Akil's cruel jokes and dangerous games. They were all like family after all.
Chapter 6:
Basalisk was the first to be found and recruited into the Uher. He was in his teens when they found him after being apart of a street gang of kids that stole food and gave the merchants a hard time in the town square. He happened to run in front of Queen Nakhti's royal carrying chair, her head of the guard seized him and brought him before the Queen at her request. The look he gave her was like that of the ancient beast called the Basilisk, who was said to have the power to cause death with a single glance. He was just as powerful too, he felt the guards fingers loosen on his shoulder for a second and took the opportunity to slip from his grasp and out of the now loosened head lock. He took a blade from his shin and shoved it through the mans neck. Nakhti gasped for a moment and then clapped her hands. She told the boy he was magical. She told him to follow them to the palace. With those words she disappeared behind her drapes that shielded her from prying eyes and the sun. He watched as the four other men carried her off as the man on the floor finally died and he decided to do as he was told, his family was poor, if anything perhaps she would praise him and give him something worth selling in the market and his family could eat for days.
In her beautifully adorned palace she praised him for his skills and told him what beautiful skin and eyes he had. She asked him if he would like to replace the guard he just killed. She promised food, clothes, money, jewelry, anything that he desired and he would live with her in the palace like royalty. For a boy who had nothing this sounded like the most glorious proposition in the world. Without hesitation he accepted her proposal and she did as she promised. He was dressed in the finest clothes had the most expensive jewels and he sent his family money every month, though he was no longer allowed to live with them and he didn't see them much he couldn't just forget them. Especially his mother and younger sister. As the years passed Basalisk learned how to fight properly and had the ability to train with a range of different weapons now. He learned and practiced with the best of the best. By the time he was in his late teens the Queen brought him Akil, he was a year or two younger than him but he had the same potential he had showed years ago. The two became the closest of friends as their group continued to grow.
The world was once harmonious. All the living being knew not evil nor good. There was no such thing as war or peace it was just life and death. As the world progressed each species took it’s own path. The world became divided by humans and beasts. But there was a small sect of beings that were neither human nor beast, stuck in between the two with the ability to take the form of both. Though in their ‘human’ form they often had outward expressions of their animal characteristics. Whether it were their eyes, flesh, appendages, they were easily distinguished from a normal human.
Much like many of the humans and beasts this small sect of beings spread across the world making their homes in all corners of the earth. Learning to adapt to their new surroundings and making tribes of their own. Regardless of their surroundings each tribe had their own stories of where their kind came from, their gods, and reasons of being.
Each year the major tribes had a festival in which they celebrated life and death as well as making relations amongst themselves living in such a hostile world. Each tribe would take turns hosting the festival and all the others would make the long journey to the others land. The hosting tribe would put aside their differences and provide a safe haven for their friends and enemies alike, offering food and drink as well as festivities for the week long event.
Their differences pushed aside for the festivities they took part in many specific rituals, some different depending on who was hosting the festival that year but in the end they all followed the same guidelines.
Chapter 2:
The festival officially began once every tribe had reached their objective. The week long celebration didn’t begin until the heads of each tribe had met and drank a ceremonious drink made from the sap of the tribe’s most sacred tree or plant. The first night consisted of a large feast, dancing, drinking and storytelling to welcome the other tribes and enjoy each others company. The eating went on through the entire week but on the first and last night was the most extravagant meals they could provide. The women all wore their best clothing as did the men, they adorned their bodies with paints and jewelry as well as masks that often depicted their spirit animal or so they called it. They gifted the heads of each tribe with beautifully made goods from their land.
On the morning of the second day started a fast. The day was spent making masks and sharing clothing, getting ready for the night's festivities. There was a stage made in the middle of the city which was usually blanketed in black fabric in which appointed dancers would offer up their dance to the skies. Honoring those whom had died and celebrating their life through native songs and dances. Candles would light up the streets, each person was to have one, hand carved usually. Some were sent up to the skies in makeshift balloon like contraptions and others were placed on graves and left to burn out through the night. Showing their gratitude for the lives lost and respecting their memories
The third day was also filled with sharing cultures between the tribes. The home tribe took time to make paint out of flowers and bark and anything else they could get their hands on. That night being the first of two mating ceremonies, having celebrated the death of their loved ones now properly able to welcome new life into the world and strengthen the bonds between tribes. The children were taken care of by the elderly and strictly confined to their homes as soon as the sun began to set. Until sunrise there was open mating between species, tribes, and genders.
The fourth day was used as a rest day. The heads of each tribe met to talk over treaties, trade, and war. The people were given the day to enjoy the homeland of the hosting tribe. Having time to make trades for goods, hunt among them, as well as learn some of their trades. Often called children's day. Children were free of the restraints and rules of the first three day’s celebration and they made the most of it.
The fifth day was a day of giving. It was customary to make a gift for someone and give to them that night after the sun set. There was eating, dancing, singing, and storytelling through the night. Sharing stories of their ancestors and beliefs. The gifts were given through the night, even children took part giving gifts to siblings or parents. It could be jewelry, bowls, masks, clothing, toys, anything.
The sixth day was another day of mating. Following the same customs of painting themselves to signify their mating freedom. Some preferred to mate within their own tribe while others had less stipulations. Often the color of the pain could indicate that. The last night to create life amongst the tribes for this ceremony.
The last night was a feast much like the feast from the first night. Only the best meat and dishes were served to see off the tribes the next day. Providing them the best they had to offer before they made their trip home. It was extremely rare but there were occasions of people staying in the hosts tribe, the day time having been the opportunity for them to have met with the elders and asked permission if they wanted to stay. Making a new life often with a loved one they had made a connection with during the festival. Even rarer was someone from the host tribe choosing to leave with another tribe after the end of the celebration.
Chapter 3:
In Egypt, days are normally warm or hot, with cool nights under the moon. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The only differences between the seasons are variations in daytime temperatures and changes in prevailing winds. Rain is scares and not much of it occurs, most rain falls along the coast, but even the wettest area. A phenomenon of Egypt's climate is the hot spring wind that blows across the country. Sand covers the land, being a desert. Large rocks and sand dunes can be found scattered around with only a few havens in such a harsh environment. The river of life, the Nile, was where most people made their homes, cities mostly grew hugging the Nile for life support. Cities were also made along the shores of the Mediterranean or Red Seas, beside the Suez Canal, or among one of the desert oases. Cities were brought up from the ground and they all fell under the power of the Queen Nakhti, who lived in the largest city in Egypt called Khu. All of the other cities were governed by an appointed noble who answered to the Queen and looked after the city in her best interests.
Life in Egypt was centered largely on agriculture, the majority of the people were involved in farming, and the growing season lasted eight-nine months. Wheat, fruits and vegetables were the principal crops, although there was some pastoral farming of cattle, sheep, or goats. A normal farmer would reach a level of self sufficiency, so that they could feed themselves and pay their taxes. During the annual flooding of the Nile, which typically lasted from July through November, farming was impossible. But when the waters receded, a thick layer of fertile silt over the farmlands remained to insure rich soil for their crops and thick grasses for their grazing animals. Depending on their social class their clothing was different from head to toe but most had bare arms, waists/chests, and sometimes legs. With trade coming in from different parts of the world jewelry was a must. Everyone from child to elder had rings, chains, headdresses, bracelets, etc. All took part in painting their faces, the women's lips were painted, nails were colored, hair and limbs were oiled, and eyes were painted. Some had tattoos on their body and on their face or some painted different designs every day. At the time men and women are being treated equally, one not more important than the other.
The people of ancient Egypt highly valued family life. They treasured children and regarded them as a great blessing. In the lower class families, the mother raised the children while the father worked hard to keep food on the table for himself and his family. The wealthy and royalty had slaves and servants that helped take care of the children by attending to their daily needs, at times they even had teachers come and home school the children. If a couple had no children, they would pray to the gods and goddesses for help. Magic was also used as an attempt to have children. if the couple still could not conceive a child it was acceptable to adopt a child instead. Young boys learned from their fathers while young girls watched their mothers carefully, both learning their future roles for society. Although women were expected to raise the children and take care of the household duties, there were some jobs available to them. Women ran farms and businesses in the absence of their husbands or sons. Women were employed in courts and temples as acrobats, dancers, singers and musicians. Wealthy families hired maids or nannies to help with household chores and the raising of the children which was another very popular job for a woman in these times.
Chapter 4:
In poor families with young girls they usually married them off early around the age of 12 years old. Families that had more money tended to marry their girls off a few years later from around 15 to 16 years old. Marriages were usually arranged by families where an agreement must be signed. While a normal man had one wife the king would usually have several. Women were allowed to divorce men but it was uncommon. Most married at such young ages did tend to stay together until death. If they divorced the woman they were given possession of any children they had during the marriage and were free to re-marry. While most women stayed home to take care of the children they were also in charge of the house, cooking and cleaning, as well as teaching their daughters the tricks of the trade so they could grow up to be good wives one day.
One of the great cities along the Niel river, perhaps one of the most powerful, was called Khu. It had the largest population and largest army. It was lead by a queen named Nakhti, which meant strong, she was a strong ruler she had made this city beautiful. Part of the reason her rule was so powerful was because the people adored her, every time she showed her face the people would have been willing to fall to their knees. She also had the largest army within hundreds of miles making it hard for any other country or city to try and touch her behind her mile high walls. And maybe it helped that she had a small elite task force of five men who were the best killers the world had seen. They were at her beck and call, to go into war, to assassinate a prince, to make her transport from one city to another safe, they were her dogs. They were called Uher, which literally meant dog in Egyptian, four men and one woman and thanks to them no one could touch the Queen Nakhti or her city.
The city of Khu was a very special city, said to be blessed or cursed by the gods, it depended on how one looked at things. Every soul born here had the ability to transform into an animal of some sorts, all animals that can survive in the desert of course. The Uher were no exception, some of the deadliest creatures found in the sand they were dangerous when in their human skin and their animal skins.
Chapter 5:
The leader of the Uher was a man that went by the name Basalisk. Born from the cobra he was known for his merciless killing, strength and speed. His weapon of choice could be anything sharp that he could get his hands on. He usually has small daggers, throwing knives, and sometimes needles, along with a special weapon fitted to his tail with a sharpened tip. The Second in command was a man named Akil, he was born from the crocodole, known for their large size and deadly bite. He had a thick build with mostly muscle. Speed was not one of his major advantages but his poison needles were along with his heavy tail and his specially fitted razor clawed gloves. The third member of the group was the only female and they called her Dalila which meant gentle but she was far from it. Born from the scorpion and known for their deadly sting. She was beautiful and cunning and easily seduced her way past the radar. She was extremely talented with light weight swords and her hand made spiky ball and chain weapon. The fourth member was named Bastet and he was born from the Panther. He was stealthy, cunning, and had a wicked upper cut. A master at hand to hand combat, not even needing a weapon to break bones and damage organs. The last and newest member of the group was a young boy named Edfu, he was born from the Killer Bee, known for a dangerous sting and their sheer speed in flight. Unlike Akil, Edfu had speed on his side, he was young and quick and very maneuverable plus he was small but he had one hell of a quick hand no matter what weapon he was holding.
Unlike the others Edfu and Bastet were not native to Egypt but they survived well in the desert, though finding a Panther in the desert is rare they can be found in Western Egypt. But they were recruited to join the Uher because of their talents and the fact they were desert dwellers as well was an extra benefit. They all came to be apart of the Uher for different reasons and different ways but in the end they all serve the queen to their dying days. They were given anything they wanted or needed and were treated the same as royalty. They lived within the inner walls of the city and when they were among the people they feared them and treated them with respect. A very different life than what some of them had encountered in the past. Through the years they had bled for each other, protected each other, loved each other and served next to each other. They became more than friends and allies they became family to each other.
While they were on call most of the time it didn't stop them from spending time together outside of their job. Basalisk and Akil were the closest, they were best friends, blood brothers. Akil was the happy go lucky loud and cocky type, he enjoyed teasing the other members and always challenging them to duels or who could kill the most people during a fight. Dalila seemed to gravitate towards the two of them, more Basalisk than Akil but she spent most of her time with the two of them. Sarcastic and quiet at times she also kept the boys level headed and tried to keep them from going overboard. She was technical and cunning and some say she was more beautiful than the goddess Qetesh, the god of love and beauty. Bastet minded his own most of the time he was quiet and reserved and didn't seem to talk much. He seemed a bit cold and distant on the outside and even though his aura reflected most people Akil seemed to never notice, he was more than friendly with Bastet and was always cracking jokes. Edfu also didn't seem to be affected by Bastet's attitude he would be content sitting next to him and people watching, something Bastet seemed to enjoy. Edfu seemed to cling to Dalila as a older sister figure and there were times she protected him from Akil's cruel jokes and dangerous games. They were all like family after all.
Chapter 6:
Basalisk was the first to be found and recruited into the Uher. He was in his teens when they found him after being apart of a street gang of kids that stole food and gave the merchants a hard time in the town square. He happened to run in front of Queen Nakhti's royal carrying chair, her head of the guard seized him and brought him before the Queen at her request. The look he gave her was like that of the ancient beast called the Basilisk, who was said to have the power to cause death with a single glance. He was just as powerful too, he felt the guards fingers loosen on his shoulder for a second and took the opportunity to slip from his grasp and out of the now loosened head lock. He took a blade from his shin and shoved it through the mans neck. Nakhti gasped for a moment and then clapped her hands. She told the boy he was magical. She told him to follow them to the palace. With those words she disappeared behind her drapes that shielded her from prying eyes and the sun. He watched as the four other men carried her off as the man on the floor finally died and he decided to do as he was told, his family was poor, if anything perhaps she would praise him and give him something worth selling in the market and his family could eat for days.
In her beautifully adorned palace she praised him for his skills and told him what beautiful skin and eyes he had. She asked him if he would like to replace the guard he just killed. She promised food, clothes, money, jewelry, anything that he desired and he would live with her in the palace like royalty. For a boy who had nothing this sounded like the most glorious proposition in the world. Without hesitation he accepted her proposal and she did as she promised. He was dressed in the finest clothes had the most expensive jewels and he sent his family money every month, though he was no longer allowed to live with them and he didn't see them much he couldn't just forget them. Especially his mother and younger sister. As the years passed Basalisk learned how to fight properly and had the ability to train with a range of different weapons now. He learned and practiced with the best of the best. By the time he was in his late teens the Queen brought him Akil, he was a year or two younger than him but he had the same potential he had showed years ago. The two became the closest of friends as their group continued to grow.