Role

Chapter 4

Quietly within the caves of the Talshidar, Gokmokroh takes to slumber
only to be haunted by the most terrifying of dreams. It begins
with the feeling of snowflakes upon his face. Something comforting
for both the Spirit and boy. Then all within eyesight is covered
in a blizzard of snow. The wind picks up, howling in Gokmokroh's
ears, but this is not fearful, but there is something else. Another
howl, whisper, quiet, but different than the winds. A deer suddenly
appears, hobbled with injury, and Gokmokroh slays it for eating
but when it is opened, nothing withing but cotton stuffing.

The dream begins to turn. Shadows begin to dance just out of sight,
outside the blowing snow. Gokmokroh begins to run, but the familiar
sound of snow crunching under the feet is not there. Looking down
there is sterile, gray bricks instead of snow. The smell of burning
wood fills the air, and the snow, smeared with black lines of
grime and residue burns the eyes. The snow is no longer snow, but
to the horror of both Spirit and flesh, it is ash as far as the
eyes can see.

The dream opens up to a land filled only with brick and mortar. With
ash launching into the air from brick and steel processing as they
burn wood of untold amounts. The ash fills Gokmokroh's throat and
he collaspes to the ground, gasping.

Out of the swirling ash comes two paths to safety, but each one
goes in completely opposite directions. Everything then fades
to black as the ash and smoke become too thick to see.

Gokmokroh wakes with a horrorified scream. The Spirit within him
has seen its Loss, its greatest fear, and it is coming true. The land
is already beginning to be choked out, and what comes next is
truly remarkable.

Rage, Fury, Vengeance, and a path chosen. Gokmokroh and his Spirit
have found the way to walk. Ergush may have shown the path, but
it is now the teachings of Rahsael that he embraces. Clarity
comes through the reminder of the Loss of Spirit.