Confrontation/Chapter 9

I arrived back at the Ne'eld, having fled The'Galin, and was nearly immediately set upon by a band of young thugs who were part of a local press gang. I am told humans had such things, too, where people were consigned into work against their will. A form of slavery, really, without the same legal status. That is what I was told of human press gangs. Among the Kruath'ri, however, it was another matter. Those enslaved by press gangs and made to work in the mechanical factories building war machines were treated very well relatively, but they were also stripped of all honor and status. There was no honor in falling to a press gang and none would press the issue and seek freedom because to do so would admit weakness. Most impressed workers were brainwashed thoroughly and by the end would swear by their work force.

After the day I had, I was not about to fall to a press gang, however. Whatever self-preservation instinct I had was replaced instead by a rage at my situation and I struck out and fought the gang fiercely. As they pressed on me, without thinking I unleashed several fire spells in succession, my anger boosting my ability, but I was not an accepted member of the church. In later years, all would have access, but back then fire magic was the province solely of the servants of the Fire Lord. This alone was bad, but I killed one of my attackers and the guard happened by....

If I expected justice and mercy... I was sadly mistaken...What I got was a fulfillment of The'Galin's prediction for me... My people betrayed me for what would be the very last time before I sealed their fate permanently.....