Role

Chapter 12

The immediately recognizable tang of blood oozed between Aurew's teeth, and
the desire to vomit followed with the same immediacy. She had tasted blood
before but the strong flavor and scent were often lost in the fray of battle.
This time, she had poised herself over the prostrate, ailing body of Durnot
trying to flee the village from her very allies. The blood pooled slowly as
it wept from his body in half a dozen places, and it was Aurew's duty to stop
it. To counsel, to guide, and as she learned with Audune, to sometimes end.

This ending came with the congratulatory words and pats on the back that the
Maran were oft known for, but Aurew found nothing to ease the disgust in the
pit of her stomach nor the back of her mind.

Unable to shake this feeling, she wrote a letter to the Fortress, calling
upon them to recognize the sacrifices made in the name of the Light, whether
personal, accidental, or perhaps as Aurew sometimes felt, unnoticed. Life
should not be taken without serious reflection, regardless of whether that
soul dwelled in the shadow.

It may have been the letter. It may have been Drissa's constant insistence
that Aurew would make a fine Cardinal someday. Lord Korsgaard came down from
the heavens to offer Aurew that very opportunity. She was hesistant and more
than a little embarrassed; she knew Kruggy had recommended Marrion for the
same position, and yet here she was being offered it instead. She accepted,
for she must have faith in the good Lords of the Fortress to make these
decisions. Yet she was certain Marrion would feel disappointment, for she
also knew of Kruggy's recommendation. As it were, she would see Marrion
very little after that.