Betrayal

Nightal had past and the dreaded month of Hammer, and Midwinter, was upon me. I had dreaded the month of my birth constantly. Now it was here, and I still didn't know what to do. Matron Merstra, my mother, and my sisters had been planning the ceremony set for the 22nd of Hammer. That ceremony would mark my passage into womanhood, and the moment when I would take my place as a Priestess of Lolth.

On the 7th day of Hammer one of my brothers brought us news of the betrayal of House Teken'ndar. Three of their most skilled priestesses had abandoned the 3rd House for the stronger 2nd House. House Teken'ndar was trying to prevent this from becoming known because they knew it left them vulnerable, but my brother had overheard. He brought the news to our mother and she immediately began plans for our assault. I remember now, how her eyes gleamed when she told me that I would become a woman as a member of the 3rd House. Since before I was born, House Rilyn'lyl had been the 4th House. My mother had longed for this opportunity to overthrow House Teken'ndar, the delvers in black hearts.

My mother desired a quick defeat before news of their vulnerability reached others. My family planned through the night and we were ready for our attack before even the earliest to rise would be stirring. Our forces would be led by family members; each one an experienced fighter. I was assigned to the contingent that would approach the Teken'ndar House from the rear.

I was exhilarated to be marching into my first battle. As we advanced, I felt the hairs on my arms tingle with an anxious anticipation. Before I knew it the battle had begun. Initially, it seemed that all of my mothers' desires would soon be a reality. We were slaughtering their first defenses that exited the house moments after the onslaught had begun. I was cutting down our foes before me with my two swords. The fodder fell only to be replaced with others. I glanced to my left. It was only a glance, but what I saw chilled me to the bone. The forces of the 2nd House, being led by the traitorous priestesses were advancing on us. An instant before they joined the battle I realized the grave error of my mothers haste. She had never confirmed my brothers report!

The soldiers seemed to swarm on our position, and as I looked at my sister, Lua'thura, I saw the same horrified look on her face that I knew I had on my own. My scimitar was biting into flesh as often as my main weapon, my broadsword. Soon I was covered in blood and I realized that it was my own as well as my enemies. I had a gash in my side, but battled on as I watched members of House Rilyn'lyl fall to the ground all around me. I couldn't feel the healing that I should have felt pulsing through my body. I turned to seek help from Lua'thura's spells just in time to see her body crumple into a lifeless heap.

That is all I remember of the end of everyone in House Rilyn'lyl; everyone that I had known since birth.