Role

Chapter 2

The encounter with the Beast is one of those hazy memories. Admund struggles
between wanting to recall all of it and wanting to completely forget it. He
is certain that he remembers two things clearly. The first one is the terror
induced by those shining eyes. A feeling that clings to his soul like an
insatiable tick. Always there, always throbbing, always pressing, always
demanding, always threatening. The second is a horror to match the first.
How it came about, Admund doesnt clearly recall, but the Beast had made an
offer to let them leave the forest only if they were to agree to tricking
two other souls to take their place. If they failed, it would claim them
forever. The Beast would not be denied. The brothers struck the deal and
found themselves in the Void, stepping out into the Holy Grove to begin
their search.

The gravity of the bargain is not lost to Admund-it is horrifying. To trick
someone into taking his place is to lie. To tell the truth honestly is to
fail their bargain. Whenever his mind broaches the idea his soul recoils. He
remembers a hazy towering father, a clear admonishing tone: 'Do we tell
tales? No, not unless we wish for red rumps!' We do not tell tales. Admund
would want nothing more than to find a way out of the bargain without having
to trick someone into taking his place with the Beast. He is plagued with
many questions regarding the creature, but most of all he doesn't trust him
to keep his word. Why would he let them go after they deliver the souls? Why
does he need the souls? Who is it? What is it? It is an endless maze of
uncertainty that only feeds Admund's paranoia that the beast might come any
moment and collect his debt.

He hopes that perhaps the spirits would guide them to a solution. He is aware
that his Brother does not agree. Idmund holds Admund to a promise not to say
anything, even to try and succeed in their task. There is no Admund without
his Brother. A solution must be found. One that will both save their bodies
and their souls.