Righteousness. Brotherhood. These empty words echoed through Edwin’s mind as his mentor and friend pointed a blade at him. High Paladin Torick stood before Edwin, his pained face obstructed by his blood-caked beard.
“How could you do this, Torick? Do your brothers mean nothing? Do I mean nothing?” Torick looked grief-stricken. Edwin heard an audible groan from Torick’s leather gloves as he clenched his fist. Hesitation laced Torick’s words as he spoke, his voice deep and shaky.
“This- as a paladin this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But foremost I am a peacekeeper. I made an oath, Edwin. It is you who should ask that same question.” Tears rolled down Torick’s face. Edwin looked upward to the night sky. He felt a brief moment of happiness as he breathed in the stars. A warm, calm feeling enveloped Edwin as he fell forward into the dirt with a thump. Torick looked down, pulling a steel blade from Edwin’s chest. Edwin felt numb, all he could hear was the metallic footsteps of Torick as Edwin lay helpless, surrounded by his fallen comrades.
This is it. I am going to die, Edwin thought as he felt blood pool against his cheek. As he drifted off Edwin felt at peace. He did his duty as best as he damn well could’ve. He deserved some rest. However, before he fell completely unconscious Edwin heard muffled voices in the distance. He croaked air but could make no sound as he finally fell into a deep slumber.
Clip Clop Clip Clop. A familiar rumble filled Edwin’s ears. Still dazed, a rush of sensation filled his body. He noticed himself being jolted up and down, the smell of air and grass, distinctly different from the blood and dirt of a battlefield. Edwin peeled his eyes open, he was lying in a horse-pulled cart. Panicked and confused, Edwin reflexively tried to sit up, but a sharp pain reverberated through his body, keeping him still. He gave a low moan as he resumed stillness.
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“He’s awake? Already?” A scratchy voice exclaimed.
“Course he is, he’s Sunblessed.” Another voice growled. Edwin felt a hand on his shoulder gently prod him into alertness.
“Hey, can you speak?” The Scratchy man inquired. Edwin responded with a dry, raspy croak, his vocal cords too weak to do anything more.
“Would you leave the poor sod alone?” said the growly man. Edwin heard the scratchy man sigh in protest but said nothing more. For the next while, Edwin drifted in and out of consciousness. Each time he awoke it felt like days had passed, despite it being mere hours. At one point, the growly man saw Edwin awake and finally spoke to him directly.
“Not often you see one paladin face-down on the brink of death, never mind ten.” the growly man snorted. He felt the growly man’s tone turn cold as he continued to speak. “You were the only one who survived.” Edwin’s heart sank as he heard those words. Was it purposeful that I be the sole survivor? Edwin’s thoughts meandered towards the conclusion, but ultimately he shook it off. Edwin felt Torick’s intent to kill. He wasn’t meant to live.
As time passed Edwin felt his strength return to him, slowly, like he was being spoonfed his energy. Gathering his remaining strength he managed to utter a single sentence.
“Where are we going?” Edwin’s words came out in a breathy whisper but the growly man heard him clearly and replied,
“To the pits. You’re going to be my best fighter.”