The Slaying of Arakh (Painting)

An oil painting depicting the killing of Arakh, leader of the Iron Order of Elven Death, an infamous figure in Andunorian and isle politics, that occurred late 130 AR. The scene takes place within the stronghold of the warlord, somewhere in the exotic districts of Andunor, in his bed-chamber.

He lays on a kingly bed like a debauched feudal baron, a bed that assumes almost the entire dimensions of the room. Everywhere upon the wall are hastily hung items of conquest: golden crowns pried from the scalped heads of dead kings, holy scepters filched from the chancel tables of the sacred houses of ancient religions toppled and consumed, baronial tapestries drooping and nailed and soiled, taxidermied man, elf, orc head -- ornaments of an insatiable glutton, the devourer's hoard, the gallery most savage.

Upon the bed is a pulsing, bleeding throng of harem-girl and catamite, of every size and species, of every breed and carry, all completely naked, murdered and bruised, mouths agape, some scrambling from the mattress as they were killed, some half in the act of pleasure. Their eyes are white and horrible, their youth as if consumed upon the sacrificial altar of a deity muttersome and vile, pure violation, sacred violence.

Sat upright against the head-board of the bed is Arakh, presiding over this degenerate congress, kris dagger struck into the beating heart of his immense and terrible body. There is still grease on his lip from a leg of mutton dropped into his lap. Loosed ritual goats meander nonplussed through the carnage. The shimmering pool of skin, blood and bed-sheet is masterfully imagined, exquisite, decadent, sensual, horrible.

The assassin is unknown. In the darkness of the room a shadowy figure leaves by one door. From the other, behind the head of the bed, features only just visible, stands a red-haired, pale-skinned woman, her eyes ice-blue. Whether this is in fact the identity of the assassin, or merely an unwitting observer, is not suggested by the author.

"For S.F."
E. Bishopthence, 131 AR