I awoke screaming in horror. Above me was a smiling face. A vampire. Somehow I knew what it was but I didn't know how. He grinned, showing fangs as he said to me "Welcome to this world, Dumah."
    "Du-mah?" I whispered. "Is that my name? Who are you?"
    "Yes it is your name. I am your creator. You may call me Kain."
    I was stunned. I had no memory of what I was less then two minutes ago. And now I had learned that this Kain was my creator. If this was true then I was- 
    "A vampire." Kain finished for me. I wondered if he had read my mind.
    "You are my third born."
    "Who are my elders, Lord?"
    As if on cue two vampires stepped from the shadows. Both were powerfully built and almost identical. One of them had short raven hair. The other's was the same shade except he wore it long, tied at the end.  I rose from the casket and onto solid ground. I growled in satisfaction.  My body rippled with power. I was Dumah. Third born maybe. But I would prove that I was the greatest of Kain's creations.

    It had been five hundred years since my creation and my kingdom flourished.  I was put in charge of the North's frozen wastes. I began to change. My eyes which had been a deep violet at first now were golden with my enhanced sight. My sense of smell was like a wolf and my hearing could pick up a sword fall a mile away.
    I had also developed three blood red claws on each hand. When I was not armed they made perfect weapons. My feet had become hoofed. With this gift my speed was greatly increased to hunt down fleeing humans. Ah, blood. The only thing a human is good for really. The sweet, hot taste caressing my mouth.
    Despite my obvious superiority to my brothers, I was always known as third best. But why was this? Why me, Dumah? The one who domesticated the puny cattle known as humans. The greatest warrior in Nosgoth.

    I stood in the bedchamber of my palace.  My invincible clan busying themselves with fights, sleeping and feeding off the human slaves. My firstborn, Draith, entered my chamber. "King Dumah?" He replied softly.
    I turned to face him.  "Yes, Draith?"
    "Lord Kain has requested an audience of the clan leaders. Something about Raziel and a new gift."
    I laughed. Every time Raziel gained a new gift Kain felt it necessary to expose it to the world.  Even though he was first didn't make him best. Even though I had to obey my 'master's' orders no matter how much disgust I felt.
    "Draith, prepare my escort to Lord Kain's palace. "
    "Yes, Milord."

    I stepped into Kain's throne room slowly. That pitiful, simpering weakling Melchia was there already as was insidious, jealous Zephon. I also saw Rahab and took my place next to him. In the next few moments Turel emerged from the shadows and stood between Zephon and me.
    Kain held his ancient blade the Soul Reaver. He reclined on his stone throne. He didn't say a word.