Nemesis

Ten years I’ve hunted you, You think grimly to yourself. Ten long years, and it all comes down to these next few minutes.

Indeed, it’s hard to believe that so much time has passed since the dark wizard Sindarion attacked your village. It happened a day before your fifteenth birthday, and if you had not been out in the forest practicing magic, you would now be dead...or worse.

You had watched helplessly from the treeline as Sindarion’s demons marched through the smoldering streets of your village. Watched as they ransacked your home, snatching away the people you loved through strange, inky black portals. Watched as they cursed the very soil beneath the wreckage so that nothing could ever grow there again. Fleeing the carnage with tears stinging your eyes, you ran blindly through the forest until you stumbled across a nearby town.

And that is where your journey for started.

The first few months after the attack passed by in a blur. As your old life slowly faded into a painful memory, you scraped a meagre living by dancing at the local tavern. It was not a kind place to a beautiful, young girl like you.

Almost everyone you met tried to take advantage of your vulnerability, and you quickly learned how to fend for yourself. Your wit and charm were usually enough to handle most people, but when they weren’t, you also had your magical talent to fall back on.

Within a year, you had killed your first man - a fat, balding pig who tried to get you drunk so he could you in your bed. Leaving only the burning husk of an inn behind, you fled that town under cover of midnight and continued to drift for five more years. You mastered your spells while following the trail of devastation left in Sindarion’s wake, waiting for the perfect opportunity to destroy him.

Six years after the attack, that opportunity finally came.

One of the smaller towns Sindarion attacked had been hosting a group of traveling paladins, who took an unexpected stand against the invaders. In the chaos, you managed to infiltrate the demons’ camp and confront the man that robbed you of your innocence. Though your righteous anger led you to defeat him, it was not enough for you to prevent his escape. Your nemesis disappeared for the next three years...before resurfacing with a vengeance just a few months ago.

So here you are, at the very top of the ancient, forgotten tower Sindarion has claimed as his newest lair. A blanket of ashen clouds hangs menacingly above you, streaked with ribbons of grey snow from the storm stretching endlessly in every direction. You had braved countless demons, a magical labyrinth and Sindarion’s pet dragon to get this far. Now all that remains is your greatest enemy himself.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time for this, Sindarion.” you whisper. Though his back is turned to you as he stares over the battlements, you’re not about to underestimate the cunning of your black-robed opponent.

“So have I...it’s been too long since I’ve faced a worthy challenger.”

There is nothing left to say. The warmth of magical energy gathers around your body and you unleash it as a brilliant white flame in his direction. He teleports out of its way without even looking, countering with a swarm of shadowy tendrils that spiral out towards you. You wave a hand to disperse them and the duel continues, neither one of you able to gain the advantage.

“Impressive, your powers have grown since we last met. I’ll be sure to put them to good use once I’ve broken you in!” Sindarion hisses, finally turning to face you.

“The last time, I defeated you while trying to capture you alive. What makes you think you stand a chance now that I want you dead!?” you retort.

“Naive little girl. Did you not think it strange that you would suddenly find me after all these years? The only reason you’re here is to fulfill your role as a pawn in my master plan!”

The thick carpet of snow beneath you shifts as Sindarion points a bony finger at it. Looking down reflexively, you watch as his spell uncovers a ring of purple runes that encircle you where you stand. You curse at the sight; Sindarion had been using his attacks to lead you right into his trap! Before you can move, a powerful wave of exhaustion crashes over you and the entire world starts to fade into black.

The last thing you hear before you fall is Sindarion’s maniacal laugh...