Chapter 01: The Raid

Beneath the crescent moon, a group of cloaked warriors moved swiftly and silently across a desolate desert landscape. They were members of the CaraCult, an ancient cult of warriors who dedicated their lives to protect "The Chain", a trade route, but to them, home.

As they trekked, a sense of unease hung in the air. The warriors sensed that something was not right. They picked up the pace, hastening towards the direction of a small caravan in the distance.

"There's a fire up ahead!" one of them exclaimed. The group rushed forward, their hearts pounding in anticipation.

As they drew closer, they realized with horror that they were too late. The scene before them was gruesome - dead bodies scattered around, blood and flames mingling in a macabre dance.

"Spread out and search for any survivors," the leader commanded.

The warriors fanned out in different directions, searching for any signs of life. But all they found were corpses.

"Master Aman, there are no survivors. Everyone is dead. What could have done this?" asked one of the warriors.

Aman, the old Master Cultist with a scar across his eyes, looked at the scene with sadness. Suddenly, he heard a faint sound, like the beating of a tiny heart.

"Listen. Do you hear that?" Aman said, closing his eyes.

The warriors listened intently, their ears strained to pick up any sound. Then, they heard it too - the faint beating of a heart.

"Over there!" Aman pointed towards a pile of broken carts.

As Aman moved the shattered carts, he saw the back of a woman, cradling something close to her chest. A wooden shard had impaled her from behind. Gently, he lifted the woman to the ground, and as the other warriors gathered around, they saw the horrifying sight of a newborn wrapped in cloth, covered in blood. The same wooden shard that had struck the mother had also pierced the child.

"Thank the gods, this child is still alive!" Aman exclaimed. He examined the baby and gasped, "This child's heart is on the opposite side! What an extraordinary mystery this is."

"We must bring him to the Sanctum immediately" said another warrior.

And like the wind, the cloaked warriors vanished behind the sand dunes, carrying the newborn with them.