Role

Chapter 3

And so he came to speak with a young dwarven footman, Ghearden, whom fancied
himself a holy knight of the Phoenix. Hoping to find some explanation and
redemption in the dwarf's words, he spoke, and the Footman sensed quickly the
jealousy Arech held.

And the Footman's words, because they contained truth, burned Arech's ears,
so much so that he called out to the Skyborn, asking why he must be tormented
by his priest. The Footman's comments on Arech feeling entitled to the
blessing of Shokai were true, and for that Arech could find no response but
to call him a demon.

Still, the desire to seek redemption and understand where he had fallen was
strong, and he met the dwarf at the shrine of the Skyborn. The dwarf's
steady response to the betrayed feelings of Arech was effective, but also
infuriating.

And before Arech's very eyes, as they debated the capricious nature of the
Skyborn, Ghearden the Footman was granted the blessing.Such an insult, such
betrayal by the Phoenix, Arech felt, meant he was surely cursed. As Ghearden
urged him to seek redemption, a delusional certainty came to his mind, and he
vowed to strike the Footman down as he had his brother.

Arech fell before the Footman's faith in the shrine and in addition to losing
the phoenix pendant he wore around his neck, he lost hope for himself.