Confrontation/Chapter 8

Screaming. I remember the screaming vividly. The moment I nodded, the odd haunting melody raised in intensity and the unearthly screaming began. I could feel power welling from within me, flooding out of me like I was some battery providing the current which the force that I had awoken needed to fuel its attempt. The screaming was terrible and I am not entirely sure how much of it came from another world, how much of it was the results of my actions in the streets above, and how much of it was my own screaming.

I learned later of the armies of undead that arose from nowhere. I learned later of the return of the ancient greater light demons, the Brilhado, to the land of Lore. I learned later of many things, but then I knew only my anger. I was furious at the Vandarians, particularly at Darin and his manipulations; I was furious for their destruction of the land and of the people. I was furious and also a bit afraid. The answer to my many problems seemed to now be tied to some force outside of my understanding. I had sealed my fate by accepting his aid, I knew this, but had I also sealed the fate of the rest of the world? I did not know then who or what held control of that place.

Later, I would make the choice to attempt to undo the folly of not one man but two, but then I knew only my anger and fear. Anger and fear that were so consuming that they would effect everything. In bringing the undead menace to the world, I spelled the doom of he who would most likely have been able to fully defeat the Vandarians, Draynor of Deren.

All of this, however, is another tale, one that is recorded in other places. For my own part, I did not remain in Neld nor in Lore for long... I ran into the traveler.... and the traveler.... changed everything.

I remember walking out of the city and the wailing continuing and feeling the fear and sick dread that it evoked even in me. I remember also the sense of great power that threatened to deaden my reservations. The power was extreme and it was intoxicating.... I was stumbling out of the room when I saw him standing there, shifting through the rubble with a stick and then writing down his observations. He was tall and had platinum gray hair, but his ears were elf-like. I remember thinking that something was a bit off about him, that he was not from around here; I remember thinking it and then, before I said anything to him, he answered...

"That's very true.... I am not from around here."

The statement was simple and purposeful. Yet I was alarmed by it. It took me a while to realize the source of my alarm: the man had answered my question without it being voiced. I thought of the voice in the rubble and wondered if this might be the source of my power... but again, before I could voice this idea, the stranger answered.

"No... Never. I do indeed grant things, but The'Galin and I have nothing in common. Nothing at all. Some might argue we are both wickedness, but it would be a weak argument...." He stood again and shifted.... "Nonetheless, I did come here because I knew I might find you. I did come here to help abate the damage of the Devourer."

"The Devourer?" I asked dumbly, vaguely thinking of ancient legends but not really placing what the stranger said.

"Yes.. The Devourer. The Uncreator. The Destroyer. The'Galin. Your new master....."

"What?" I asked, horrified.

"Yes, I thought you might be startled. The'Galin works by enticement. He does not use direct methods but instead misdirection. If people knew what he really was selling, they would never buy..... Still, it is important you continue cooperating with him.... for the nonce. It is important, child, that he believe your treachery. Thus as he will believe that of Myr of Stone Deep. Myr indeed will have to betray many and actually for a time act as the direct emissary of The'Galin before the end. A god is not easily fooled, child. Even when aided by the likes of other gods... and we do indeed have their aid. Lorithia and the others move on our side... but it is important important that you fulfill your role. Myr I have confidence in. He has been a high priest in the church of the Shadow Lord for years.. He can act like all priests."

"Priests act?" I asked, not comprehending him.

"Oh, indeed. The majority of the modern priesthood of Lore is a show... Myr is a communicant... You have the tendency, but you would never have been a priest... That is why The'Galin chose you.... He always chose those on the outside. It is why he chose Xilar so long ago as well..." The man stopped then considerately.

"Your path and Xilar's shall mirror many... But for now... it is time to show you the full magnitude of what you serve and the evil he will attempt and also why it is so important you play your part. Are you ready? No? Good! If you had said yes, I would have left this world to its fate... You can never be ready... but nonetheless, you will act..."

The strange elf said this and then the world was chaos as he ripped me out of Lore and cast me in to another world....