The final few words of the healer's apology were all but drowned out by the incredible nausea that rose up from within Rohl. A feeling only worsened as Rohl's eyes began to flood with tears and his thoughts became overran with the harsh truth he had just received.

"I, I. No, that can't be true." Rohl's words came out in an almost inaudible mutter but even with his voice failing him, Rohl could do little more than remain frozen in his grief. Fresh tears made their way down his cheeks as the grief-ridden Rohl once again became enveloped within his own mind.

Hundreds of memories flooded into him, all of which did nothing more than remind him of what he had just lost, of his failure. Their faces haunted his memory and with every second the realisation that he would never see his family again only dawned on him further. Moments later, Rohl's mind once again did the only thing it could to protect itself from these overwhelming emotions; succumb to the safety of dreams until he could once again face the horrors that awaited him upon awakening.

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Of course, finding relief in the shelter of his own memories was only a temporary measure, no matter the pain and trauma he had experienced, Rohl couldn't remain hidden within his dreams forever. No matter how peaceful, loving or heartfelt they were, the time would come when he had to face his new reality, a reality without meaning and without the loving embrace of his family.

Even if his eyes had no more tears to give, Rohl still had to wake up and begin the healing process, a process that Rohl found himself forced to begin much sooner than he would have liked.

His safe dreams had been yanked away from him by the now-familiar presence of the old elven healer.

"I do apologise Mr Bluedawn, but I'm afraid your body needs nutrition. The human body can only survive so long on potions. A meal shall be brought to you shortly but first I'm afraid we must have one last conversation about your condition. I have been summoned to the city to give a more detailed first-hand account of the events and this may be my last chance to talk with you. Before we begin, this is a Draught of Calming, it is not something usually prescribed outside the military but with everything you have been through."

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The healer's words were little more than a faint echo in Rohl's ears, but as the words continued, Rohl found the strength to open his tired aching eyes and look at the healer who even now was checking over his body with a concerned gaze.

“Please do not feel the need to answer me, allow time to heal what I cannot. There are two matters I must discuss with you, the first is regarding the inquiries into your health and survival, you may remember me mentioning the topic during the first time we spoke. Out of respect for your pain, I have refrained from asking these questions and will start now. However, I cannot protect you from others who may come seeking answers.” The healers spoke with his words likely carrying for more foreboding than he had meant to include.

“Secondly my examinations have led me to believe I have treated the worst of your injuries, but should you feel the need, please do not hesitate to seek my aid should there be any unforeseen complications. That goes for both the wounds of the Endless Silence and for your blessing.”

At Rohl's confused gaze, the healer paused before allowing himself a moment of contemplation.

"I can see that you were unaware of the blessing, it is not an unheard-of occurrence for a deity to bless their chosen during a dire situation. From what I can deduce, you are now the chosen of Euterpe, the Goddess of Music. A grim solace after such an unforgettable hardship, I'm sure. Unfortunately, I am unaware of what gifts this blessing has bestowed upon you, however, I do believe it may have saved your life, the other two survivors are both blessed as well." Despite the news coming as a complete surprise to Rohl, the healer did not waste any time in explaining himself further.

"It is time for me to depart Furbrough but before I go, I do truly hope you are able to find some meaning in all of this. You have gone through something few mortals ever experience and it would be a shame to lose you now."

With that the healer left, leaving Rohl alone to quell the raging storm of thoughts that had erupted within his mind.

What do I do now? I don't have anywhere to go. I've lost them. What good are dreams, ambitions without someone to share them with?

He had lost all the meaning in his life, his family, his friends, his dreams and desires. In truth, his very sense of self had been wiped out in one horrid meaningless affair.

But there was one thing that prevented him from being left little more than an empty shell, one small ember that would soon be turned into a raging fire. He could find meaning in killing the Endless Silence and taking vengeance for all the lives it has stolen.

But before he could even process how to go about killing such an ungodly powerful creature, there was something he had to do first. He had to visit the graves of those he loved.