Role

Chapter 3

War Master, Khorat grunted as he sank down in his chambers. Blood stained his
clothes, both new and old. Both his own and of enemies. More of his own if
truth be told. His blood boiled as he stared into the flames of the hearth,
the fire within burning. It invigorated him as much as it caused pain. With
a sigh he sank back in his seat, his eyes losing the fire. He had not
expected to become war master, had not expected to be gifted by the lords.
For what else could this fire within be. What had he expected? Nothing, had
he even had enough of a mind to expect anything? Looking back he could trace
his path through life like blood running down the gutter. Predictable,
stable...but no mind of its own.


He remembered his words to Empire lords, saying he had ambition. Did he even
know the word? He followed Empire, it stirred his burning embers yes, but had
he truly wished for anything other? Did he even have enough thought too have
wishes. He remembers words spoken to enemies and allies alike. Air, nothing
but air. No substance. Led in talks like a sheep, with no mind of own. What
is he? What is Khorat? Nothing, an empty shell that talks and walks the
world. Leaving as little trace as the hated shadows.


The fires within his blood start burning again, the hand creaking around his
hammer. No, he growled. Something has changed, War Master....Emperor. Yes,
likes the sound of that. He could see it now, him sitting upon the throne,
the skulls of vanquished foes beneath him. Empire stretching and growing.
Fine, mostly the skulls of enemies vanquished by others but his to sit upon.
Yes, keep this path, his muddled thoughts came. Grow, bring Empire order
everywhere and him resting on the throne, and what glorious rest to let
others do his bidding and curry favour.


With that Khorat rose once more, raising hammer high and swung heavily at the
stonewall. Chips of stone flew and Khorat nodded in satisfaction before
settling down again. Enough thinking and doing, he thought and closed his
heavy-lidded eyes once more.