Act I, Part IV: The Dead God Lives

By Commandant Zaknu, Lord-Commander of the Dagothite Tribe

So there was truth to Gabrin’s incessant squawking about how the Dead God would return. I find myself appalled to lay eyes on him, but even I can not deny that this wretch that lies before me is indeed everything said he would be. He is small. Puny. Pathetic. But the prophecies did speak of how the Dead God would not return to us a god, but a mortal creature unbecoming of his divine nature. A part of me thinks I should kill him where he lies though before Gabrin spreads word to the others and garners more of a following than he already has, but if this is truly the Dead God returned, then I can’t snuff out his insignificant little life because he’s our only hope.

Still though. I’m tempted to, because I refuse to let Gabrin’s ramblings take from me everything I have worked towards for who knows how long. He has overstepped his place as it is and with the Dead God here to solidify his prophecy then who knows how long I can maintain my grip on this place and on our people. Gabrin’s not the leader he thinks he is and if he dethrones me, he will only lead us to the death and famine I saved us from when I led the siege to take this city. But if this is truly the Dead God then maybe he can save us—maybe he can spare us the horrors of this world and lead us to a new one as the prophecy says. But I don’t know. I don’t trust it and I don’t trust Gabrin anymore either. He used to know his place in our tribe and ever since he had that vision, he has thought himself greater than he is and I won’t allow him to destroy everything I’ve built for our people.

Still, if this is the Dead God, maybe he truly will be our salvation. And if he is not, I will cut him down and I will finally have the reason to put Gabrin’s head on a pike. For both of their sakes and for the sake of my tribe, I hope Gabrin is right.

-Commandant Zaknu, Lord-Commander of the Dagothite Tribe