Role

Chapter 13

I checked the scribbles I made on the last page of the Dictionary. I think
I've slain some seventy tainted ones. I wish I did not have to do all that.
I was just a fisherman. Now I find the blood of so many adventurers upon
my swords. I used to have nets in my hands, fish in my bag. Now my swords,
steeped in blood... so much blood... I never thought there could be so much
blood. I thank the Lords of Light every day I have wonderful companions in
the Fortress, wise Acolytes to guide me, and good friends to comfort me for
all the grief I must suffer as I do the necessary culling of evil. I've
fought, and fought, and fought. I've mastered more skills than many
warriors at their pinnacle. I've slain so many, more than some of those
whose names we remember in legend, but the tides of darkness come, and keep
coming. My body is ageing, my will is strong. But I look at the legion of
evil, and know I must fight it, chip away one lost soul, one at a time...

I am Humbert Holdfast. I am just a soldier. I do what I believe is right,
and I will not fall off the path. Dark ones have accused me of evil, many
have rained words on me, anger and suffering I've heard. All caused by the
dark ones themselves, yet they place the blame on me. So that they may go
and slay more elves, and more of my kin, and more innocent people?

I will NOT allow them free rein, and indeed I will strike them down in
order to protect all of those I hold dear, and pure. Their petty cries and
promises of revenge are just that, empty. Destroy all my gear? That will
NOT stop me. Slay me with an army? That will NOT stop my spirit.