The Tamrinor Chronicles – Chapter 3: Tac’s Tale
Lotac, the tenth of his name, more commonly known as Lotac the Terrible, was possessed of cunning, tactical brilliance and a savage ferocity almost unheard of among his fellow Wild Ones. From a child he had heard the teachings and doctrines of Rei-Ki, chosen of the gods. The clan elders impressed upon him the kindness and benevolence of Rei-Ki, a member of the legendary Antari race, and they led him in devotions and worship in her name.
For many years, Lotac had gone along with them, mumbling prayers and participating in the required rituals, but as he grew older he found other ambitions and desires. He dreamt of a life free of dogmatic shackles. A life where he and his kin could be masters of their own destiny. A life of glory that the Wild Ones so rightly deserved. And he would be the one to deliver it to them.
He was not alone. Over the years he gathered others who thought as he did. Eventually they left their home in the tree-top city of Lawtek and struck out towards the south, towards the great mountains. They set up their camp in a hidden pass and lived as bandits, attacking merchants and nobles alike, gathering money and weapons. As time went on more and more joined Lotac and his cause – Wild Ones and even humans eventually found their place among his ranks. They called themselves the Order of the Black Talon, and signified their dedication by charring one of their claws to an indelible black. The humans among them, lacking claws of their own, charred one of their fingers instead. As they grew more and more audacious in their attacks the names Lotac and Black Talon became names to fear. But the worst was still to come.
After a decade of building up his forces Lotac decided the time was right to strike. He led his armies from their mountain camp and struck out across the Land. His intended destination was not the city of Lawtek. Instead Lotac had set his sights on the biggest prize of all – the source of all his clan’s oppression. Lotac’s objective was nothing less than the conquest the homeland of the Antari and the destruction of Rei-Ki herself. Only then could the Wild Ones be truly free.
The legends of Lotac the Terrible’s surge across the Land are well known, even now. Towns and villages burned in its wake. Crops were pillaged, houses looted, everywhere Lotac and his armies went they left nothing behind but dust, ashes and the screams of those few who survived. The humans of Rivertown made alliances with Lawtek and even the Amazons of the South Islands but even their combined forces could not stand against Lotac and his crusade. Indeed, many soldiers willingly switched sides, turning their blades upon their fellows.
After what seemed an eternity of blood and slaughter Lotac finally stood on the far western shore. The land of the Antari and the city of Golian lay within his sights. There was seemingly nothing left in his way.
But then a golden figure appeared before him. Rei-Ki herself had come to face Lotac and his forces. The two eyed each other for hours, then Lotac raised his armes and roared, charging forward, his army following in his wake.
And that is where the legend ends.
No-one knows what happened in that fateful encounter. No-one knows the ultimate fate of Lotac and his army of zealots. No-one can even say for sure what became of Rei-Ki. All that is known is that Lotac disappeared.
Many still talk of Lotac the Terrible and his crusade against the Divine. The name of Lotac is still taught, along with tales of his exploits and conquests. But of the Wild One himself none can say.
Except…
There are rumours, whispers, sightings, of a lone warrior wandering the Land. Seemingly lost, as though looking for a home but not knowing where it is. The rumours speak of a warrior with cunning and tactical brilliance, but with the mind of a small child and no memory of his life.
They say his name is Tac Taenth.
