Role

Chapter 1

The home that I lived in was very large, plenty tall enough to house dozens
of my family, although it was just my servant and I. Our life was not overly
wealthy nor flashy but it was a good one. Our needs were met, always a roof
over head, and most of the time a good full tummy.

I was typically the provider. I'd leave to go hunting during the day and
keep a sharp ear to prowlers throughout the evening and nighttime hours.
When I'd return from my arduous trips through the wood and fields, many a
time successful from the hunt, my servant would have prepared a feast for me.
The savory aroma was often intoxicating. I'd eagerly dig right in, while
he'd sit and await for me to finish before removing the dishes. It was a
good life indeed.

My servant wasn't typical for his race, no charms, cheep tricks, or magical
aptitude dwelt within. Still, he was mine and not one I'd trade for
anything. At times, he was the only one willing to remind me of my manners
and in doing so, I shared no animosity toward his methods. On occasion, he'd
present me with gifts. Sometimes they were shiny little baubles, but on one
occasion it was a splendid collar, necklace. It even had my name engraved
upon it.

One day, either through luck, or sheer happenstance, an unknown caller
arrived at our humble abode. He was tall, lean, and smelled vaguely of
death. I immediately bayed him to turn and leave, leave us alone. Of
course, my servant reminded me of my manners and begrudgingly, I allowed him
to enter. He sat and my servant brought us refreshments so that we could
entertain his proposal. The man, if that is what it was, was making an offer
to acquire my servant. Of course I immediately protested, loudly and
unabashedly.

I felt utter anger, rage even, that he'd try to take him away. I didn't care
what the offer was or why he wanted him. No bloodline makes someone that
important because he was mine. Soon, I was standing up in a blinding furry,
every muscle was tense and engorged with blood. I'd tear his limbs off if he
didn't leave this very instant. I lunged.

Pain.. pure, unadulterated, agony.. burst through my body. His words twisted
and arched the very world around me. My physical body was powerless, aching,
dying. Blood oozed and a filthy black substance began to protrude and
intermingle with it. I felt my spirit lifting and just before my eyes lost
their sight, I saw my servant. Stricken with a similar aliment, fighting for
our lives. Before long, all began to grow dim and my life was extinguished.