house kuskyn was said to be distant from the gods, old and new.

their sons were trained in a type of combat held close to the house. it was said to be quick and merciless, like the viper they kept as their sigil. their daughters were just as quick and sneaky, only with words instead of blades.

cain kuskyn was no different. in fact, he was definitely worse.

the viper knight, people whispered. his grey armor was distinguished by the black viper inlaid on the back of his chestplate. some even whispered he had the same viper in black on his back, a mark the gods disapproved. few survived fighting him.

in truth, cain was worse than his kin. he swore some evil had joined him when he was a child, neglected and close to death in a burial ground. he felt it under his skin when he fought, quickening his moves. the gods had not protected him, so he did not swear to them.

he currently kneeled on stone, his head bowed even as he was appraised. he was a knight, sworn under a sword, even though he was faithless.

he wanted to work, and he was certainly good at what he did. his reputation held him back.

he dared to let his onyx eyes raise even as he remained kneeled, glancing through the strands of his ravenet hair that had fallen over his forehead.