So went the next few days, quiet and slow. No one was in a mood for talking much about anything outside of Veline who was insistent on showing me different magics. It was mostly weird tricks that had no particularly good use, but I was getting used to the feeling of her bringing up the magic at the very least. It was far more than I was able to do though when I tried. It didn't help that personal space was not a concept to her. It would have all been fairly boring had this not all been about my potential death.

The only other thing that seemed notable to me was how much Su'Galo spent looking at the big orc guard. That and I was becoming aware that something was wrong with Veline. She hadn't laughed at anything in those days, despite her otherwise excited actions. I could almost sense there was something bothering her, but she refused to answer when I asked about it.

Eventually, there was a day where Azuro left and returned with news that the next day I'd be moved along. It was then that I saw Veline's face twist for a moment into what I could almost guarantee was fear. So, that night I wasn't really able to sleep well. Veline was laying there, her eyes wide open. Then slowly she reached her hand very carefully out and took mine. I looked to her in the dark, the red dots of her eyes glowing lightly. She whispered to me at one point, in wander tongues, "What are thoughts? What you have? Truly? You don't trust. Truly."

I stared at her, feeling awkward and worried. There was something very wrong and I could feel her trembling. I thought about how in such a short time my life had gone so insane. I felt the nagging feeling in myself somewhere something bad would happen. I spent the night trying to keep a clear head, Veline's eyes never looking away from me as we lay there.

She muttered, still in the wander tongue, "Trust me. Please."

I remained quiet as she gripped my hand tighter. I couldn't see much of anything, but I heard a soft whimper rise from her. Confusion took hold of my mind and my worry grew. I couldn't die, if things were to be believed. That meant she was immortal, too. Our very beings were so connected through our pact that she couldn't.

Veline muttered, her voice wobbling in a way I didn't understand, "The world. Ours for the taking. Yeah? Together?"

I stared into her eyes, but suddenly she closed her eyes and took breath. She moved in closer and whispered, even quiet, "We can't be separated. Right? Yeah?"

Those words echoed in my head. Was it that she was scared that she could die? She spoke about how she wanted to 'taste' the world. I felt like there was a pit in my stomach as she lay there next to me. Of all the fears and worries that had slowly become to be in my mind so often, the idea of being alone with no one to trust began to dominate me. So I sat there, a thousand horrible realities that could be filtering in out of mind.

The next day, I was shown a city map and the route we would take. Azuro pointed to various places they expected something to happen, but I was barely able to follow. I kept spacing out, thinking about how things could go wrong. He told me to stay in the carriage unless told otherwise and to stay away from the windows. Azuro pointed to Veline and said, "You will be quiet and do nothing to draw attention, creature. If you do, you two could die."

The thing that caught me was that Veline twitched in an odd manner as she floated in the air. She had for a few seconds a small grin that seemed to be more hiding something than anything else. Azuro pointed back to the map and continued to explain that Martin and Su'Galo would be in the back with me. He and Flamehammer would take up the driver's seat. In all, it sounded like it was simple, but I couldn't help but to worry. For all the cautiousness, I had this nagging feeling I couldn't shake. I felt both tired but unable to sit still.

Azuro then told us that we would be going tomorrow morning, before dawn. So once more I was up at night, trying to order my own thoughts. But Veline whispered, in wander tongues again, "Dreams. You have them?"

The others couldn't hear her as far as I could tell, but I turned my eyes to her. She whispered, "Dreams. There? Dreams. Wants? Don't understand. I don't sleep. You do. What are dreams? Are they wants?"

I stared and she let out a small sigh, suddenly reaching out and clinging to me. She giggled a bit, and said, "If you want. I want. Right? If you can dream, I can, right? I was made to serve. The world? Want that?"

I felt a chill run through me. The word's meaning ran through my mind, but I felt like I couldn't understand even that. She lay there, gripping me closely. I raised up my hand and placed it on the back of her head. I wish I had said something then to give her comfort. Yet I was too lost in my own fears at that moment. She said, "I was made to serve. You can't die. We'll return if you do. Right?"

Once more I was silent, merely considering all that could be. I wanted to tell her yes, but I couldn't even form any words. She let out a whimper, "Pact with you. I still don't want to die. Promise. We won't die."

She was still speaking in wander tongues and was still very quiet, but I could see in her black pools of eyes a look of fear. I saw my own conser reflected back. Our lives were linked, sure it meant so. Yet the thought rushed in, assaulting me with every argument that I couldn't say that was true.

I still didn't know if I trusted the guards. I couldn't tell them the full truth anyways, but this creature that I didn't even know? She had made a pact that tied her life directly to mine and vice versa in the most literal of senses. As she lay there, holding onto me with a now vice like grip, I saw the fear in her eyes. I knew she was telling the truth when it happened. If nothing else, I knew she was on my side. Yet the thoughts continued to proclaim the poisonous ideas.. I asked, in a normal whisper, "Will you always be by side?"

She gave me a half smile and said, in normal words, "I will."

I whispered, "I am scared. I need you here. I-"

My voice faltered as I felt my eyes sting. She reached out and pulled my head to hers. She held me more softly than she had ever done before. She said, "Promise. We live. No dying."

I felt my breath catch as I lost myself for a moment in the warmth of her form. How I longed for that moment to never end. For the first time since I had arrived I felt safe enough to cry. For the first time sinse that terrible day long ago. She looked down at me, a bit of confusion on her face. Still she lay there with me. I muttered out, "I-I promise."

The concept might have been beyond her at that moment, but all the same, she was there. She didn't know anything about me from before, but that didn't matter. Veline was the only person I felt I could put my faith in. Not the logical agreements of mutual benefit. An honest and clear trust. Vague, but I couldn't hope for more than that. She went silent as I tried to sleep after my moment of weakness. I was left wondering if I could actually even revive from death again. She had just taken that as truth. Still, I had met a goddess, so stranger things were surely possible. I pushed it from my mind as I felt that horrid sensation slowly creeping and tried to sleep.

I was woken the next morning by Flamehammer shaking my shoulder. Groggily, I pulled away from Veline; lingering for but a moment with her. Flamehammer pointed to fresh clothes on the table and said, "Get dressed. Time to go. Move quickly."

I got up and switched into the new outfit. In truth, it was far too nice of clothing for someone like me. A soft white shirt and grey pants, with a nice, red pattern on a red cloak. The boots were not quite a fit, but were comfortable. Veline held the other outfit and stared at it. Her outfit was what appeared to be an equally high quality blue red with golden trim dress and a pair of gloves. She stared at it for a moment, floating in the air, and threw it on the table before getting her normal outfit back into order.

Walking out, it must have been clear how awkward I was feeling. Martin said, putting on a smile, "You certainly now look like someone who'd get an armed escort."

Azuro stared at Veline and slowly shook his head. He said, "That thing refused a rather costly outfit, then? Fine. Saves the guard the outfit."

He looked to me and motioned for me to follow. Walking along, Veline floated behind me and the three guards took up position around me. Azuro muttered something about Veline being the biggest issue. His eyes darted about and his hand next left his side where his sword was. Martin looked nervous even with his big smile. Su'Galo eyed everyone nearby, appearing as if she might jump anyone who was even mildly suspicious. Flamehammer was stone faced. I felt like I was a string that had been wound far too tight and was ready to snap. Again, my mind was racing through too many ways it could go poorly.

We walked down the stairs and into a large stables area that was inclosed. Martin looked about till he saw two horses, let out a sigh, and said, "Oh, they're fine. That's good."

The place was empty from what I could see, but there was a nice carriage waiting with horses already hitched. Azuro stopped by the carriage and gave a small wave to Su'Galo. She moved up quietly to the door, pulled out a knife, and Azuro opened the door. She jumped into the carriage like she was on a spring. I startled and Azuro shook his head.

A moment later she peaked out and nodded. Azuro said, "You could calm down a bit, Su'Galo. Get in Alexander."

As I climbed in, Veline quickly following, I saw Su'Galo. She had that passive look on her face as she ran finger along the dagger and stared out the door. I sat down across from her, Veline took up the seat by me. The elven woman looked to me as she put her weapon away. I asked, perhaps stupidly, "Why do you keep looking at Flamehammer?"

Su'Galo's lips curled into a smile, much to my shock. She said, "He's far too nice for his own good."

I stared at her confused for a moment, but she then suddenly frowned. With a quiet voice, the elf asked, "Are you Nyo pyoakan yokun'e ze? I've been thinking and no one will say it. Are you ?"

Her eyes went to Veline, who was fidgeting oddly. My pact partner slowly leaned in and said in wander tongues, "She's asking...if you are a dog that will make the world suffer? I think. Don't know. Weird."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do I look like a dog?"

Su'Galo stared at me for a moment, but it was impossible to read the look on her face. She began to open her mouth but suddenly Martin took up the seat next to her after entering. He said nervously, "All's well so far."

The door had a window covered by a curtain that prevented me from seeing out at all. The entire thing was rather well decorated, the seats cushioned, and so was the back. In total the entire thing was actually a comfortable ride. Su'Galo finally said, "So you really don't know the prophecy?"

Martin stiffened at those words and looked between the two of us. I said, with as even a tone as I could manager, "That keeps getting mentioned but no one will answer the question. Are you going to pull the same thing?"

Soon the carriage started moving, Su'Galo's eyes slowly turned to the door and I heard her mutter something. Martin seemed off put by whatever she said, but he gave me a forced smile. He said, "This entire thing is far beyond me. I mean, Alexander, you have claimed to not come back to life, yeah?"

I took a deep breath, my mind still mired in all my suspicions and doubts. I looked to the young guard and asked, "If I said I actually do?"

Martin's face paled at that and said, "Come on, tell me you are joking there."

I leaned forward as Veline snickered. I said, annoyed at the entire situation, "Tell me why it matters and I'll tell you if I am."

Martin looked to Veline, quickly glanced at Su'Galo, and then said to me, "It's the prophecy. The Undying Hound will come and call for the world to repent."

The cart moved along steadily, but now a new feeling pushed through me. Like ice, I felt it slither along my veins. I asked, "And?"

The guy looked to Su'Galo almost pleadingly. When she sat quiet, his eyes turned back to me. There was visible sweat forming on his brow. With his hands gripped together as he continued, "A-and he'd be one of five champions who would bring about a dark age. The clergies are always on the lookout for them. If you rise from the dead, maybe you are that first champion."

Su'Galo hissed out the words, "I don't believe anything those damn priests say. I bet if you are one of the heralds? They are just scared you'll bring them all down for their evils."

A little sliding thing up behind Su'Galo and Martin opened. Azuro looked in and said, "We should get there in about fifteen minutes. Be ready, all of you. Anything happens, I'll let you know with the bell in the corner."

I looked, and there was a small bell above me. Yet my mind was beginning to turn from a boil to a full frenzied storm. Veline slowly took my hand, causing me to snap back to reality. As Azuro closed the little door, Martin was staring intently at me. I let out a sigh and said, "I don't know. I might rise from the dead. I have been honest. But all I can say is that I don't care to ask anyone to repent. All I want is to live a peaceful life. So don't worry what I am or am not."

Veline gripped my hand a bit harshly and leaned on me, having turned awkwardly in the seat. She said, "Hear him. No worry."

I stared at her for a bit, wondering how much of her big grin was to hide some other emotion. I knew she was scared of the potential outcome if I died somehow. We sat there in silence for a time. It had been so short, that time. The soft feeling of what little safety I got from Veline was about the only comfort to me in that carriage. I began to get lost in my head, trying to just remain calm.

The fact was, they could easily just turn me over to the church of the shattered one. I was thankful I had Veline there. If nothing else, I could trust her to keep me alive. As was, I had begun to formulate some plan in case my suspicions of them were correct. Yet my mind turned to more internal speculations It wasn't like it had been when I was home.The thoughts almost felt foreign. Like there was more than just me. I couldn't really even begin to figure it out, since it made no sense on the face of it. Yet, while trying to keep clear of mind, I couldn't shake that weird concern. Perhaps it was the pact and I shared far more than just pain with Veline.

I was jolted back to reality when the little bell rapidly shook about. I looked up to Martin, who's face had instantly drained of color. Looking up to it making that slight tingling as the carriage rolled to a stop. It was too vigorous to have been from the movement. Veline began to frown as Martin slowly put his hand to his sword. Su'Galo had already pulled her knife, her eyes burning with want. After a few moments of silence, the elven woman carefully unhitched the small door to the drivers and opened it slightly.

Martin asked, quietly and fearfully, "What is it?"

Su'Galo closed it and latched it back. Her voice trembled, not in fear but annoyance, as she said in a whispering hiss, "There is a cart turned over up ahead."

I gripped my hands together, trying to hold myself together. Veline looked to me and she slowly put an arm around me and leaned in. Quietly she said in my ear with a soft tone, "It's ok. We're ok."

Martin looked at her, with his pale face regaining color. He rose, stood by the door, slowly pulling the curtain to look out. I could hear talking outside by the cart between Azuro and someone else. Shortly after that, we began to move, this time off to the left. Martin asked, with a sharp inhale, "They alley?"

I looked at him for a moment a bit confused. Then suddenly I frowned and gripped Veline's hand. Su'Galo asked, "The big one?"

Martin nodded and moved away from the window. He said, "Azuro knows this one. What is he thinking?"

I stared at him, clenching my jaw hard. *Were these two not informed of something? Were they left out to lure me into trusting them? They might be disposable.* I took a deep breath and asked, "What is going on?"

He said, a shake in his voice, "This alley is the longest in the city and connects to several others. It's like this because it's where the old wall was. Why though?"

He had this half panicked look on his face as gripped the hilt of his weapon. Su'Galo didn't even bother putting away the dagger and said, "Calm down. Just be ready."

The wagon carefully moved through the alley. I sat in my seat, avoiding the window as best as I could. Veline was giggling quietly next to me. Her fingers drumming her lap rapidly after she had let go of my hand. Martin was looking out the door's window, hand on his sword ever still, sweating. Su'Galo was sitting quietly as she played with the knife. She had a burning look on her face that screamed for something to happen. Not for pleasure, but rage. my mind race, *If they are betrayed, can I trust them? Would they try to survive by throwing me to the enemy?*

Suddenly there was a loud crack and the carriage shifted hard, dropping a corner to the ground. I heard Azuro shout and Martin was thrown forward into Veline, who quickly kicked him off with a yelp. Su'Galo jumped through the door, like a hound let off the chain. Martin looked to me with a fearful look as Azuro called out, "We're under attack!"

The next sounds were crashing metal and the almost fear screaming of Su'Galo. Her loud voice carried no sounds of pain but of bloodlusting rage. Martin got back to his face and froze a moment looking at me. He opened his mouth once as a look of concern crossed his face. He said nothing for a moment before going out of the door saying, "We're near the safe house!"

Veline was grinning madly at me as I slowly creeped towards the door, the entire wagon tilted awkwardly. There were several men attacking those who were outside. They didn't look anything like the figure who had attacked in the forest. These people looked more like thugs and other low lifes, yet they were all armed. One suddenly appeared and tried to get in; he was thrown by Flammerhammer charging into him. The orc looked to me and said, "Get out, Veline is protecting you. You can make it to the safe house. Follow the full way of this alley. We'll try and hold."

I scrambled out with Veline while Flamehammer blocking any blows as we exited. the entire alley was almost the size of an actual side street, yet the ground was dirt. In total it was maybe about a yard wider than the carriage. There were at least six armed people fighting the guards. I didn't have time to really not anything else as Azuro shouted, "Forward, damn it!"

I ran, failing to dodge an attack. A knife slid across my arm as Veline's tail slashed across the attacker's face. With no other options, I took off down the alley. I saw a man with a knife to my side, but saw Su'Galo pounce the man with a wild raging howl, stabbing him. A few more came around the corner. Before they could begin to pursue, Martin stepped forward, blocking them.

The alley was a straight shot, but the exit was some distance still. The street further down appeared to be empty, but every opening along the side was a potential new attacker. Still, forward I ran, the wet, warm feeling of blood running down my arm. Around one corner came three. I felt the magic rise in me and watched as a gout of flame shot from Veline's hand. They collapsed screaming. I couldn't help but wonder where all the civilians were. Not even at the end of the road did I see any passing. A single thought kept recurring in my head, *Is this all just a trap?*

Yet another appeared from around a corner, but a knife came past and struck the man in the throat. In a panic he grabbed at it, slowly stepping back. I had to hope that was Su'Galo's work and not a miss from another attacker. I kept running, pushing myself faster and faster. Another turn off and another attack, who lunged at me with a sword. I spun, seeing his face. An older, scarred man. Yet he had this almost desperate look of fear. It startled me enough to cause me to hesitate but Veline quickly came in, her tail's blade like a tip slashing the man's stomach open. His face turned to shock as he grabbed at his insides, dropping his blade. I was past the last turn off and all that remained was the open street past the alley. The man's face haunted me as my mind began a jumbled mess. Something wasn't right.

I ran out of the alley, my heart pounding. A guard came running up to me. I felt that horrible panic in my very core as I slowed to a stop. The guard was staring down the alley and I could vaguely tell he was asking if I was alright. My mind had given way and I couldn't think clearly as he approached. Then, my eyes dropped to his hand, seeing the knife. At that moment, I felt as if something broke somewhere in me. A horror crypt into my being as I recoiled.

The guard stepped forward once more and the blade sunk into me. I stumbled, Veline screeched, catching me. utter despair gripped me in that moment. I stared in disbelief at the man, he stepped back. There was fear in his face as I looked at him. Veline let out a wail as she gripped onto me, screaming something I couldn't comprehend in the moment. I gasped out, hand on the spot I had been stabbed. My mind had one single thought left in it, *Not Again. Not Again. Not Again. Not Again.*

Then the man stepped back, shaking as he dropped the knife. An odd feeling crept over me, like the magic but entirely different at the same time. The man stopped, suddenly in place, as I felt the power drain from me, Veline holding me as she kept muttering something. Suddenly the air seemed to become charged with a sickly energy.

I felt a strange stillness as the pain began to flair. I couldn't scream as my vision wabbled. Something was happening and I then heard a familiar voice. One that shook me to my very core. In my head, I heard, "I'm sorry. I couldn't stop it again."

I felt energy still flowing out of me, a feeling of horrid tiredness creeping as it left as the pain grew. The area seemed to darken and I saw Azuro and the others run out of the alley, only to stop suddenly. The man looked at me, hyperventilating as he seemed far too stiff. He was screaming, but none of it seemed real. I couldn't make a noise as I stared on.

I watched in horror as he seemed to struggle against something. His arms were at his side as he writhed. Veline was whimpering in my ear, gripping me tight in her arms. Then the screams began to regain meaning. He was screaming out apologies and begging me to stop. His eyes watered up as he continued on, howling in fear. I felt the energy to continue to drain, tiring me more and more, but I couldn't look away as the man sat, appearing to be slowly crushed by some unknown force. He howled and screamed at me, yet I couldn't do anything. And then, from his feet, they took their form. He wailed incoherently then, as chains that were wrapped around him grew taut. Then, slowly they began pulling at him towards the ground. The very ground bubbling up a pool of water.

Slowly, screaming and struggling, he was pulled. I don't know how I didn't faint as the pain grew to new highs. Still I couldn’t utter a word as I watched as he wailed for as he was pulled into that unnatural liquid. I knew what it was and I couldn't do anything. Inch by inch, he was pulled struggling. I couldn't even think as a horrid numb filled me then. I knew Veline still held me, yet I just couldn't feel it anymore.

The man disappeared into the tears and they just simply melted away into the road. I felt Veline slump against me and we collapsed. She weakly whimpered there, on top of me. I could see horrible burns and gashes across her entire body as she slowly turned her yes up to me. I saw the tears rolling down her face. The pain returned, nearly knocking me unconscious there and then.

She let out a few horrid weezings as she said, barely even there, "Don't die. Please. Don't die. Please..."

I lay there looking down at her as her voice trailed off. I let out a sad chuckle as I saw Azuro above me, he looked badly injured, but I heard him say, "Hey. Hey! Stay with us!"

There, on a street, I didn't bother to struggle this time. I had promised Veline. Yet, it meant nothing then. I might have been able to recover from my wounds, but I knew it was too late. Slowly, with fading vision I looked down to her. All I could feel was guilt and like I was an idiot. She lay there on me, her eyes open but unseeing. I knew I'd die there. Slowly, I put my hand on her head. My arm was still bleeding somewhat but otherwise fine. My heart was slowing more and more with every beat. I petted her head, feeling a horrible bitterness at the irony. So, knowing my fate was sealed, I closed my eyes and let death take me with her.

Suddenly, all feelings returned. The moment I opened my eyes, utter and complete despair gripped me, a faint light illuminating the water and the pillars. Behind me I felt Veline leaning on my back. Her tail and arms gripped me tightly as the figure above us stared down the gaunt and unnerving visage of The Sorrow Penitent.

I stared at the goddess as she looked down on me with a sad expression. I felt Veline's grip tighten as I felt a deep seated fear fill me. The goddess's head slowly shifted back and forth like a puppet, her dull eyes staring unblinking. Veline said, her voice shaking, "That...no. No. We go? Yes. Please. We should just go."

Veline began shaking and gripping me so tight it hurt. The goddess looked on, saying, "I'm sorry."

Suddenly the shallow water around us moved. I realized that the Sorrow Penitent wasn't looking at me but at Veline. I felt my heart pounding now, for a horrible answer to our fears was about to be given. I looked down and saw the floor below had disappeared and there was but a pit full of the chains moving upwards.

Veline let out a whimper and said, "No. No. No. I don't want to. No."

Slowly, in horror, I watched as the chains slowly moved up towards us. The Sorrow Penitent said, "I'm sorry. You aren't part of his gift. I'm sorry."

I turned my eyes back to the goddess and shouted, "Our lives are linked! She should be able to return!"

The goddess said, tears rolling ever down her face, "I'm sorry. You both did share your lives. But it doesn't affect my gift. Forgive me, but that's the truth. If it helps, Carthurnalt is the name."

Suddenly I felt Veline being pulled from me, but she held on with her tail and her arms. Chains gripped both me and her, stopping me from moving. I looked to the goddess, feeling the fear replaced with panic, anger, and misery. I shouted at her, "Stop! I'll do anything! Just please stop!"

I could feel her being pulled downward, her grip not being enough even as her nails dug into my skin. The goddess wasn't looking at me now. I wailed out at the being who was about to take everything from me. The one who had cursed me and called it a gift. The foul creature that I was told was divine. This icon of misery and suffering that now held me in place as I begged. I screamed out, "If you want forgiveness, I forgive you! Just stop!"

The goddess looked at me with a confused, angered look. I couldn't move my body no matter how much I tried. Veline begged for help, and I couldn't do anything again. I was rendered utterly, completely helpless. Veline suddenly stopped and said, her voice shaking in sorrow, "Taste the world for me."

I shut my eyes tight. With those words Veline suddenly let go and there was an echoing splash. The worst outcome I feared had just come to be. The one who I could trust without reserve was now gone. I had found a single being who I felt I could trust and that person was so quickly ripped from me. Not even a week had passed and Veline was now dead. I broke down. I was reduced back to that pathetic man on the side of the road once more.

I don't know how long had passed, but I was left there, screaming out pleas, curses, denials. Once I couldn't even muster the strength anymore, I just sat there, still unable to move. What could have been days passed but I no longer cared. I eventually said, horse, slowly looking to the goddess, "You. I hate you. You took everything from me. You are fucking monster."

She hung there, upside down, crying silently as she always did. She simply said, "I'm sorry."

I said, through clenched teeth, "Of course you are. You don't even know what you want. Can you even comprehend that thing you ask for?"

I glared at her as she hung there. She wore this perplexed look on her face as she swung back and forth. Then she said, "I'm....sorry."

I sat there, tight jawed, as I glared at her. I replied, "Fuck you."

She said again, "I'm sorry."

Slowly a set of chains grabbed me and I just let it. As they began to pull me, I said nothing as I was taken back to the world.