At the Dilapidated Home, Mezhuolash gathered all the Tiefling refugees.
Regardless of age, gender, or status, every conscious Tiefling Refugee was summoned to the camp square. It was where they usually assembled and where all major announcements were made.
Mezhuolash first looked around at the faces of his kin—thin, scarred, and ravaged by suffering.
"I... did nothing wrong."
Mezhuolash murmured in a voice only he could hear.
At last, he made up his mind and slowly raised his longsword.
"My compatriots, I have had enough of this life on the run, enough of this endless pursuit."
"Enough Tiefling blood has been spilled."
"What we need is not to flee—"
"But vengeance, tooth for tooth and blood for blood."
The Tiefling Paladin, who had always been calm, now spoke with fervent passion. A light utterly unlike his usual self flickered in his pure black eyes.
Many Tieflings who knew him well found it hard to believe.
"From this day forward, we will join the Ember Nest."
"And the great Red Dragon, Lord Keosius the Flying Flame, destroyer of the Eagle Guards, will become our master. He will shelter us and lead us in vengeance against the vampires and humans who persecuted us."
"We will reclaim North Wind Fortress. We will reclaim the home that was once ours."
"Lord Keosius will lead us in establishing new rules—rules of true fairness."
The crowd erupted into an uproar, arguments and discussion breaking out everywhere.
Many Tieflings had seen all their loved ones slaughtered in that tragedy. Revenge had long since become their only reason to live, and Mezhuolash's words finally ignited the flames in their hearts.
They raised their weapons and cheered.
"Revenge!"
"Revenge! Revenge!"
"March on North Wind Fortress!"
"Cut off Duke Lakeman's head!"
Yet there were also many dissenting voices. Though they