Interlude: Part I

From a high castle on a hill, a figure in all black emerged from black mist. They walked down the torch-lit hall that gave it an eerie sensation. They reached the end of the hall and lifted a black-fisted gloved hand to knock.

The Black Hand figure waited for the deep voice to allow them entry. They walked into the darkroom with a few torch lights. On the walls hung red and gold banisters against the column. There was a long red carpet that led toward a throne, and a figure sat on it.

They wore plated black armor, and their face was cloaked in the darkness. They rested the side of their face into their hand, and their elbow leaned against the armrest.

“What news do you have me?” The baritone voice spoke.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The Black Hand knelt and bowed their head.

“We have intercepted a message from Monarch Angelus Augustus II—An Earthborne has found herself in the Illicit, and she is on the trail to find her mother Beatrice Alighieri, the wife of Dante. The letter proclaims that she is a Legacy and has extraordinary power. They’ve already been granted permission to leave the Gates of Hades and stayed at the Monarchs until the morning.”

“An Alighieri, you say?” the mysterious armored figure said.

The Black Hand said next, “Yes. It would seem like she is not traveling alone; Virgil’s daughter resides with her.”

“So, after a Millennium, it has finally come to pass.” The armored figure rubbed his chin. “Have Deidamia send the crows and Keep an eye on them. This may be the Alighieri we were waiting for.”

With that, the armored figured waved off the Black Hand. The Black Hand bowed once again, stood, and disappeared through a Veil to monitor the Daughter of Dante.