What a sudden and unexpected turn of events! Even to this moment, as I write these lines, I find it hard to believe what has transpired... He is still alive. Imrachil, the one man to whom I owe everything, even my own existence, is alive. How can it be? My own eyes witnessed his death. Five years ago, when the corsairs came once more for raid and plunder, when I was taken forcefully, enslaved, doomed to be serving in their ships...
Since my mother had died, Imrachil was the only family I had, save for my sister, who has long since departed from Pelargir for places unknown. Imrachil had taken me in, offered me protection, a dry place to sleep at nights, he taught me most of what I know... Yet that, too, was brutally taken away from me. They came, with their warships, and I was part of their plunder. When they broke in Imrachil's house, he resisted them brutally, to his last breath, to keep me safe. Yet he was no match for so many of them. I saw them strike him down, pierce his chest with a rapier, before grabbing me away and dragging me to their ships.
Yet he is alive. And earlier today, he made contact with me in person. From what it seems, since word of Black Tide's death reached Pelargir, he had no doubts that it was my doing. And he has been searching for me since that moment. He is not, however, the man I once knew. He is no longer the simple and caring townsman who took care of a homeless orphan child for no personal gains at all. He is one of the city guards... And, if I am to believe his words, one of the few who have remained true to their cause, and have not been corrupted. Though I find it hard to believe those words, I have no reason not to. And from the first moment he spoke to me, I had no doubts that he knew I was the Crow.
We spoke for long, exchanging stories of the past, learning about each other. Finally, and that is what caused me such a surprise, he offered his help and support, when all I was waiting for was for him to arrest me. I was hesitant to believe him, of course... But his surprises did not end there. He told me things about his superiors, things that have never been made known. He told me of how they were silencing all those who spoke words of truth about their honourless and despicable dealings... It is a common secret that the guards are corrupt, but up to now, no facts existed to back those claims. And, from what it seems, Imrachil is determined to let the world know about injustice and corruption in his ranks, and he wishes for changes to be made. Drastic changes. Else he would not have come to me.
I am not a judge. I am not one to separate right from wrong, nor punish any wrongdoers because people want me to. I do what I do on my own accord, on my own judgement, and both my actions, and their consequences, are mine alone to face. However, I cannot turn a blind eye to such an opportunity. An informant and trusty ally within the guards is priceless. With his help and influence, my work becomes easier, and with his knowledge, my list of targets will never deplete.
He also spoke of others, daring individuals who have the power, the resources, and the connections I require. I shall make contact with them, and see with my own eyes if they are trusty and worthy of the risk. For now, I am glad to know that I am not alone in my struggles. I am glad to know that Imrachil is alive. But most of all... I am glad to know where I should strike next.
The Crow's claws are aimed at the captain of the guard.
[Originally written by the player of Crow (Derakoth)]
