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INTRODUCTION
The son is the inheritor, the protector of a family line, this is usually the first son. But this tale focuses not on a first born son hungry for power, but a tenth and noble son intent on serving his father. You see, the slither lord, now remember the 'the' as it is quite important, is the ruler of a continent, more specifically the continent of Maras, on the fair and lush world of Dantia.

The slither lord can be from many a race, although it is usually one of the Schar race, snakes with arms and wings, telepathy and magical power beyond any human wizard, ork shaman or nymph priestess. The Schar are unique in their ability to reproduce with any race, it is there psychic power that allows them to do this. The slither lord though has the most children of all, with mothers of all races. This tale follows the tenth son, Vort, as he gains his strength and title.

Vort was strong, like his father, tough, like his father. He possessed many of his fathers traits. He was tall, humanoid. He had his fathers scales, soft when not in a fight. He had his fathers mind, his mental ability's. He had retractable Schar claws on his human hands and feet. He had razor teeth and a tail which ended with an knife edge diamond of bone. He was quite inhuman on the outside, and his large black wings added to this. He was, strangely, the only inters species offspring to be born with Schar wings. What made up for this was what he got from his mother. He received the stubbornness of a mule, the strength of character that allowed him to be confident, and his heart. You see, when a human and a Schar procreate the Schar has no control over the child's formation or personality, as they usually do, so Vort was born with his mothers compassionate heart and her fiery temper.

Chapter one.

The slither lord sat upon his throne, his long tail lazily sweeping through the air behind him. He was angry, as he usually was. Focus of his current anger was standing, smirking in front of him. A Korla, a beast creature. He hated them, they hated him. They where from the far east, and lived in jungles mostly. They had been attacking his trading routes out east, damaging his ties with the human cities. This particular one was of the tiger tribes, a male. "Why have you dared to sully my lands with your presence, Korla? Why have you killed on of my children Korla?" He almost screamed out, instead merely roaring. His son, Roland had been killed by this Korlas band. "I did as my lord bid son of the damned" The slither lord shook his head "The fact that you killed Roland is enough for me to have you tortured, then have you given to the brothers of malice." The Korla's eyes widened "NO!" It he yowled, realizing his fate. The slither lord shook his head, he hated sending anyone to those 'scientists' i the Brotherhood of malice. They had even petitioned to experiment on Vort, his tenth born and his favorite.

Vort ducked the spear as it sailed through the air. He twirled to the left and rolled away from his attacker. The assault continued. A dagger spun threw the air and smacked into his Iron scales, ringing as it clattered to the floor. He struck out with his fist, denting his armored opponents breastplate. "Watch it" a voice issued from the iron visor covering his opponents face "where only sparring remember?" He nodded quickly, and struck in again
aiming low. His opponents shield interceded itself. His sparring partner fell for the feint perfectly. His fist slammed up, smashing into the bottom of the helmet. As the helmet flew off, his opponents golden hair streamed out behind it. The high cheekbones and long trails of silver tattoo across the face immediately identified her as a nymph. Well that and the obviously female face.

"Better than yesterday young one, you actually managed to best me without a weapon" Vort smiled, showing his sharp, Schar like teeth "The student becomes the master and all that, eh Mara?" He laughed, his voice gruff and deep. "I let you win" She joked, removing the braces from her arms "Now go meet Varin in the tower for your magic lesson" He nodded quickly and left. The corridor outside was cold, as it always was on Yules eve. He loved the winter solstice, and his father had promised him a place at the high table this year and his first drink of dragon blood. He sped up a flight of stairs past a group of human servants hanging lines of holly and mistletoe. Another group where inscribing ruins of protection over window sills and door frames. Yule was a night of darkness as well as one of happiness. The door at the top of the stairs was heavy oak, with a large eye carved int it. Three quick knocks, an old man grumbling, a key turning and he was inside. "What do you want at this hour boy?" The old human mage asked slowly "Mara sent me for my magic lesson master Kom, we finished early" Old Kom shook his head "Damned nymph knows i spend my time preparing for your stumbling exploits" After a few seconds of bustling about the old man found a scroll "I know you have great interest in the Schar chronicles, this one is written in the ancient language of Schar-Valok, the lost city." He tutted slightly "As only you or Lord Rythanos can translate it and he is away exploring ruins, you may read it while i finish my preparations" Vort nodded. It was the noble Lord Rythos who had taught him Valokian.
He sat down to read
The words of seer Rya Nodari, human
In the darkness of winter, an evil shall stir
The first shall betray the lord, and he who is loyal shall fight
The lords shall side and fire will burn and war shall ride
The Schar shall be divided, the humans cast out the nymphs with them
And i know that you see this tenth born, loyal one.

Vort almost threw the scroll. Kom turned and whacked him over the head "Watch what your doing fool! Thats valuable!" Vort looked up at the magic master "I-I apologize, i read something disturbing" The master shook his head "Summon a fire ball, this time don't let it flicker out" Vort nodded and concentrated on his hand. A few sparks flickered, then a small guttering flame that eventually went out. "I meant this" Kom said and had a large ball of fire appear in the palm of his hand

(More to come later)