Confrontation/Chapter 24

A voice in the darkness. It was then as it was on Neld. I was in Deren near the capitol and, hearing the voice, I knew what it meant, though it at first only whispered my name on the wind.

"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalrick," it called through the mountain nights, and I tossed and turned, churning in doubt. I tried to distract myself with images of Celestra. She was gorgeous and so wise in the ways of the world that she allowed me respite. She was also, I must confess, highly dangerous, and given as I had little to lose I suppose that interested me. It was not that I had forgotten my beloved, I never would, but I had been so hollow and so alone for so long I knew not where else I could turn.

"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalrick," the voice repeated pointedly, and I could no longer deny its reality, nor, in fact, its nature. I stood there, shivering slightly, wondering what it might mean to hear that voice here now as I once did.

"What do you want?" I demanded angrily, effecting bravado I could not remotely pretend to feel. "Why do you call me here?"

"It has to end, Galrick," the voice answered, solidified. "I have come to ask as I told you I would. Is there hope, Galrick son of Glenn?"

"They hide it. They lie and cheat and steal, they attack the innocent. They plan their own ends."

"Nothing they do is unknown to me, Galrick. I do not approve and they will learn of my displeasure when time allows. Is there hope, Galrick?"

"There IS hope."

"Then will you serve me? Will you fall bringing about what comes?"

"Me?"

"No, not you. You are too worthwhile. There needs to be an offer made though, Galrick."

I considered what this could mean. It tormented me. I debated at length and hours for what it was and in a flash it came to me. Came to me in the words of others and in the warning of the Loremaster.

"I understand," I said, somehow knowing he still listened.

"Will you fall bringing about what comes?"

"I knew long I would."

"Then the Caelestian will succeed, Galrick. I will make sure of it."