3.2 : Serenity lost

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This town is cursed. The birds stalk us, staring from the rooftops, watching as though spying on our every move. The people we pass in the street are somehow less than people. Mindlessly wandering, repeating their daily tasks endlessly and tirelessly. My companions eat meat pies when we have seen no sign of livestock in this sickly land.

I have always tried to do good, but my faith waivers further still in this nightmare. What difference could I make in this forsaken place?

I saw it too in the eyes of the priest. He saw what I saw. The hopelessness. For the good of our mission, I had to convince him otherwise, but I could tell he sensed my own loss and crisis of faith.

The others do not see it yet. Hoskgak flirts with the Burgomaster’s sister and dreams of his greatness being sung for generations. Destiny sees the world like a child, playing with her tail, or her new pet dog and now with her newest plaything, a demonic imp. But they will see it soon enough.

I found solace at the inn, with wine and the company of the Vistani who owned it. We laughed and joked and when the others had retired to the room, the Vistani and I walked the misty streets and they led me to the graveyard to see the ghosts…

An endless funeral cortege of the fallen, those who tried to fight the darkness, cursed to rise again each night and walk to their deaths over and over. The Vistani drank and watched, so happy to share with me this unholy parade. The numbing effect of the alcohol was washed away at the sight. I suddenly stood sober, alone with three strangers, my only friends in this place, who were barely more than strangers themselves, lying asleep back at the tavern oblivious. I could not help but feel overwhelmed, asking myself what chance does good have to prevail against such a tide of evil?

I fear that before long I will join that ghostly procession and my Vistani friends will sit and watch me march, drinking with the next unfortunate soul to enter this town.

I must find some good in this land. The Burgomaster talked of other churches and an Abbey, I will seek them out and do whatever I can on my way there. For if I am destined to walk here for eternity, I will destroy as much evil as I can before it comes to pass.

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