Terial Dawnbow

In the annals of time, there lived a man named Terial Dawnbow, born into the bonds of servitude, yet destined for something far greater. His story begins with a betrayal that would forever alter the course of his life.

Terial's father, Damian Dawnbow, was once a member of an elite mercenary company, known for their prowess in battle and their unshakable honor. But such loyalty was repaid with treachery. Their employer, a man whose name has been lost to the winds of time, betrayed the company, sending them into an ambush that would claim nearly every life. Only two survived that day—the proud Damian, and one other.

Though Damian had escaped with his life, the grievous wounds he bore rendered him unable to serve as he once had. Proud and honorable to his core, Damian refused to beg or live off charity, though he still had a family to provide for. After many failed attempts to find work, it was a humble clothier merchant named Francis Draper who extended a hand of mercy. Draper offered Damian employment and shelter for his family, asking only that Damian pledge his loyalty to protect the Draper household.

In gratitude, Damian swore not only his own service but that of his son, Terial, who was but six summers old at the time. From that day forward, the Dawnbow family would live in the shadow of their oath to the Drapers.

Terial was raised with a code of honor, duty, and respect for others, instilled by his father’s teachings. Damian, despite his injuries, trained his son in the art of combat—swords, spears, and the ways of a warrior. Terial accepted the vow his father had made as his own, and as he grew, his bond with the Drapers deepened—especially with Bianca Draper, the merchant’s daughter. Though their love blossomed in secret, it was forbidden. Yet Damian, knowing the strength of Terial’s heart, turned this love into a tool, binding his son’s vow even tighter by making him personally responsible for Bianca’s protection.

For years, the Dawnbows and Drapers thrived in their peaceful lives. But as with all peace, it was not to last.

One fateful day, on a journey to a distant city three days from home, the caravan carrying the Dawnbows and Drapers made a brief stop to rest their horses. While the others busied themselves, Bianca, ever curious and bold, ventured into the nearby forest, chasing after a rabbit she had glimpsed in the underbrush. Terial, bound by his duty, followed close behind.

After some time, the chase ended, but as they prepared to return, the air was pierced by terrible screams.

Racing back to the caravan, Terial and Bianca arrived to a scene of unimaginable horror. The entire party had been slaughtered—Damian, Terial’s mother, and the Drapers among them. Damian had died with honor, surrounded by the bodies of slain bandits, his sword still clutched in his hand. But it was Bianca who recognized the truth in that blood-soaked clearing. Among the fallen bandits lay men she knew—guards in the employ of her own uncle, a man long coveting the Draper family fortune.

With the realization that their lives were now in danger, Terial and Bianca fled, their bond stronger than ever. Bianca recalled a cryptic message her mother had once shared: a necklace adorned with a silver stag and a whispered instruction—should danger ever befall her, she was to seek out those who bore the same symbol, for they would protect her.

And so, Terial Dawnbow and Bianca Draper set out into the unknown, bound by love, duty, and a shared mission to survive and find the mysterious allies her mother had spoken of. Their journey had only just begun.