Episode Two:
It was Butcher who first noticed something amiss and said “Anyone else see some Pops of white smoke?
“No,” Valkyrie replied. Frankly I was exhausted. We’d just vanquished a Ragnar and Cheery in the Dwarven Throne room. I silently agreed with Valkyrie that Butcher was losing his mind. I was anxious for rest.
Just as I was about to relax for a moment, I thought I Did see something. Then I felt the tug of a powerful force…
…
I found myself in an altogether different Throne Room. In complete contrast to the ever darkened room of Ragnar, this palatial space was much brighter and full of Sunlight. With a large glass window in view I looked just in time to see the Sun crest the horizon above rolling meadows full of roses.
It was Dawn.
A songlike voice say, “How are you this morning?” I turned toward the voice. It was Lathander. He was seated at a throne of polished white granite. He looked magnificent. Youngish, gold-skinned with thick sandy brown hair. His armor and shield were beautiful and fluted in silver and gold but assuredly effective. His demeanor was calm and pleasant.
I calmed my heart. I took a second deep breath and knelt. I lowered my gaze to a spot on the floor and replied, “All is well. How can I be of service Morning Lord?”
I stole a glimpse and caught the hint of a smile on his face. I quickly bowed again. The Dawngreeter stated, “You have done much good in my name, Glow of the Brethren. Many have been thankful for your help and aid in the these dark times.”
“It is my pleasure to serve in your name.”
“Yet I feel you remain unfulfilled. What is the matter?” asked the Morning Lord. “Be at ease, child. Tell me your troubles.”
Without changing my posture, I craned my eyes to see his face. He gestured for me to rise and continue. “I simply feel that there is more that I can do. I spend hours helping new recruits. I do not resent the work. In fact, I quite enjoy it. I do not feel that I will ever cease it. However, anyone ‘could’ do this work. I feel I could do more.”
“I am glad at that, Glow. The burden of leadership is a tough one to bear. Yet it can lead to many fruitful discoveries if you persevere through difficulty.” With a warmed heart I saw him smile in earnest this time.
The smile faded however and his friendly gaze changed to a deeply penetrating stare that seeming to search my inner soul. I again looked down and closed my eyes. I was filled with anticipation. And not just a little dread. There was a long silence. I dared not interrupt it.
After some time he spoke again. “I feel you are worthy for a greater task, child. Would you consent to do it, even if danger threatens on every turn?”
“A valiant death in your honor is all I Seek. For in Death, Life.”
“You consent without knowing the cause. I apologize for this test of loyalty, but I am glad you understand.”
“It is the way of the Gods. - Faith. Then Purpose.” He nodded at this and after a moment he stood. He was magnificent. He looked in the prime of his life. A worthy Lord. Instinctively, I knelt again.
“There is a great evil in your world, and it grows darker as each day passes. You and your allies must vanquish this Evil before it consumes the very rungs that the rifts are balanced upon.”
“I listen.”
“Glow, you must swear, before me here today, to vanquish this Evil at whatever cost, whenever you see it approach.”
“I Shall Let It Consume Me Lathander!!” I bowed my head and closed my eyes.
…
The next thing I remember was hearing Butcher say, “There it is again.” I smiled.
I said, “What the smoke? Again?” They hadn’t even realized that I had been gone. The light of dawn was just emerging so it seemed that some time had passed since I left. But perhaps not. Was it just divine coincidence that my meeting with Lathander occurred precisely at Dawn? No. I don't believe in coincidence.
No questions were asked as to my whereabouts and I offered no explanations. They resumed hunting dwarfs. I did not join them. I was in not in a proper mental state for adventure. It was purpose that held me captive. The full revelation of my agreement was weighing upon me. How do I start with such vague direction?
Do I seek undead and slay them? Do I find evil relics and destroy them? I paused to think. Evil. I know Evil. But I seldom take action against it. This must change. I will take action against Evil.
I stood in an empty courtyard as the Morning was laying grasp on all Aetheria. I was confused. But I’ve come to understand that Lathander provides. And at that moment, clarity was arranged. Someone approached. They made no attempt to hide or disguise their approach. I turned to the sound. I knew him and he knew me. Formerly, we had been cordial, accepting our differences as a matter of being. He approached casually - unaware of my demeanor. He is a known follower of Bane. In fact, he is partially undead himself. He was likely to summons any manner of Mummy, Ghoul, Vampire or Lich. Truly a hideous individual in Lathander’s eyes. Beings such as this were exactly the Evil type that Lathander wished to be vanquished.
I raised my sword and said, “I’m sorry friend but our days of mutual courtesy have come to an end.” And with that the flash of my sword. He was unprepared. It was not at all a fair fight. Remorse overwhelmed me as I was not thrilled with the result. I felt no pride. It is difficult to betray a friend. I stood there for another moment then finally walked away.
Lathander’s request begun...
- Glow -
