Prologue

The day was waning, night was beginning to fall over the demon realm of Infernum, many are gathered for today's events. Not every century do you see one so young achieve so much in such little time. A testament to his master some would say! The young Haidrick of House Drachen, the last descendants of the dragon lords. This evening young Haidrick will be named lord of the third domain Perfidiae. One of the nine domains that make up Infernum, the home of the demon race.

The cathedral was packed, all of the high houses of Perfidiae were present, even the other domain lords have graced us with their presence. The grand hall was lined in glorious crimson drapes, a banner was hung above the altar bearing the Drachen family crest. Father stood to the left of the altar, master Adelram to the right. The other eight lords sit evenly on both sides of the room. Vadik and Sahar wait in the first row on the left. At the ring of the first bell I begin my slow walk to the altar. As the huge double doors to the grand hall slowly swing open, the crowd falls silent and the music begins. A smooth yet steady rhythm, hectic yet calming. Perfect for my ascension.

The fine dress style and sharp features of the Drachen family are said to be the most alluring in all of Perfidiae. I am no exception to this, my long black hair tied into a neat braid, my deep red eyes contouring the deep black and gold lining of my coat. My horns wrapped by a set of slim silver loops.

All eyes are on me as I strut down the aisle, making eye contact with Vadik and then Sahar, giving them both a slight smirk before turning my attention back to the task at hand. As I reach the landing just before the steppes, I carefully remove my sword and scabbard, presenting them as I kneel before the altar. The music stops as Master steps forward placing his hands on the sword.

"By this blade do you swear to uphold the safety and security of the domain and the empire?" Master asks, his voice stiff and unemotional

"I Haidrick Drachen, son of Arronath Drachen; last of the dragon bloodline, do solemnly vow to uphold the Safety of my people and the security of the domain." I exclaim mirroring masters tone and mannerisms.

"Haidrick, by kneeling before the Altar of Perfidiae and presenting your blade, you are given the face his majesty, high emperor Sparda's domain specter." Master announces. The true test of a domain lords abilities, to face and defeat a specter of the emperor. "When you are ready draw your blade and test the specter of the Altar!" He holds out the sword, the hilt facing me. I take it drawing the sword. Its handle a firm leather wrapping, a smooth steal mold of a hell beast in place of the pummel. The guard double sided skull with sides mouth open, a traditional cross guard connecting the hilt to the blade. A slight rib cage sits just above it, embedded into the blades base. "Through Dragon's Blood I draw forth thy Power" inscribed into the length of the blade in ancient Daemonium.

I waste little time in ascending the steps and placing hand to the altar, transferring magic power into the black gem at the altars center. In an instant a magic field is erected, dragging me into the specters realm. A twisted version of the Grand hall clear of all decoration.

"Do you dare to challenge Perfidiae?!" The specter asks kneeling before a stained glass painting, depeicting Spardas battle with Satan.

"I am here to serve, to do that I must first defeat you!" I reply lunging at the specter, in a flash it deflects my attack countering with several spectral swords shot from above, each sinking into the ground as I leap back. A crooked longsword in one hand, a black crystal in the other. His shadow mist like appearance makes it hard to tell whats solid and whats mist. But it's clear this specter is a minotaur with one horn cut bruataly removed. Once more I launch myself at the specter, firing off a few different spells as I barrel through the air. The first spell hits, a simple mage bolt but still effective. Three more bolts land soon after knocking the specter off balance. Now strike fast! I hit the ground hard kicking off the far wall and quickly followed up with a strong thrust to the specters chest. "Ahhhhhhah!!" the specter cries in pain, grabbing the blade before I can pull back, twisting quick and yanking the blade from it's chest throwing me aside.

"God damn monster!" I curse as I crash into the opposite wall. I quickly climb to my feet, preparing a few powerful spells. "By the power of the ancients restrain this beast in the harrowed chains of unholy fury!" I call as I form the magic circle. "Now go forth and ensnare my pray!" I call as chains burst forth form the circle, restraining the specter. "Return to me, my sword!" I add as the sword strips itself through the beasts hand before returning to my hand. I'm done holding back!

"Cursed child!" the specter screamed as the chains tore at its flesh.

"By the blood of the Dragon King Arronath, I hereby release Thy soul" I whisper, Closing my eyes as the world slowly begins to shake, a strong flow of magic power takes hold of the realm. My skin darkens, my wings extend their size growing. My horns grow longer, my fangs sharper. A tale of fire forms behind me, blazing claws form over my fingers. "Ahhhhh!!!" I let out a monstrous screech. My eyes burst open, my pupils now a reptilian like diamond. I lunge forth digging my claws into the specters chest, taking it to the ground. With one quick flick of the wrist I plunge my sword into the beasts neck, attempting to saw its damn head off. It screams in pain as I tear it's head from its body. The specter falls still the area around me slowly fading away, turning back to the grand hall of the cathedral, the aisles filled with spectators to sight of a Drachen's Dragon form.

"I henceforth seal thy power" I whisper as the dragon form fades. I tighten my grip around my sword finding it gone, a chunk of black crystal taking its place. I look back to the altar where my sword is logged in what is left of the black gem. I stride back to the altar recollecting myself as I walk. Claiming my scabbard as I ascend the steps, pulling my sword from the altar, returning it to the scabbard and replacing it with the gem shard.

"You have passed the test" Master remarks as the gem repairs itself.

"I wouldn't stand before you if I had not" I reply, turning to face him. He nods before kneeling before me, the rest of the room follows suit. All but the other domain lords.

"So has awakened, the third domain lord of Perfidiae!!" The crowd chants. I bow to the crowd, before turning my attention my new comrades.

"Here and now I vow to the people of Perfidiae and to my fellow domain lords; that I Haidrick Drachen, to henceforth protect and serve our glorious empire! All hail the mighty kingdom of Infernum!" I say saluting to our kingdom.