Role

Chapter 11

There is some shame in ever having a doubt that my path led me astray. The
journey that I had and the making of friends along the way is not something I
would never give up. Trapped in that cell for so long... Yet many came to
visit. To the gates of Hell itself merely to keep me company. It was barely a
moment until a veritable army had assembled in attempt to free me. Never had
I felt so blessed as knowing so many would risk being and soul to free a
simple empathy trapped in the depths of Hell. Though they could not gain
entry by any means, just their effort is enough to know my work is not in
vain.

Who knew that it would be a little mouse that would lead me to salvation?
I've named him Bannon, after my old mentor. He braved the depths of Hell and
led me to the conclusion of the spiritual journey set before me by Captain
Neltouda. By Bannon's lead I was returned to the ideals of my youth. The
worth of a man being his spirit and how it affects those around him for the
better. Possessions or amount of blood spilled is no true measure of a being,
when death has come to take him or her. When I let all of it go and felt my
spirit rise from that dastardly cage... It was as if experiencing freedom for
the first time.

There she was, at the edge of the land, waiting for me. Captain Neltouda. I
did not intend to seek her out in my youth, yet she has had a greater
influence on my life than perhaps any other. Always with a twinkle of knowing
in her eye and words just cryptic enough to guide, but let you figure out
your own path. Would that all would take time to know her better, Thera would
no doubt be a better place.

Then the return to the Inn... My heart nearly gave out with the happiness I
found there. Corlx, Saersha, Keara, Elathali, Mliansref, Shamise, Tiribew...
So many good, close friends came to greet me. I shared my tale and they
shared their support. That is the way of a strong community, you know. Share
the burdens and support one another. Even one's inner turmoil can be eased by
the simple sharing of words with a companion...