After hearing the voice of my creator, my glorious lord, I could no longer bear the pulsing within my veins. My vision was already blurring but now it faded completely into darkness as I felt arms pick me up.
Upon waking, Mirela was looking down upon me. Grief filled her eyes. Nothing was hidden. "Tokarn, I must tell you something." She said softly.
"What is it?"
"Your illness, the healers say it can't be stopped."
"How much time do I have?"
"A few days maybe. They weren't exactly sure. And Koutso said you were to be banished to the darkness after you collect your belongings."
"BANISHED? THEY WOULD ABANDON ONE OF THEIR OWN?"
"Tokarn what are they supposed to do?"
"I don't know but I thought the blood of the sentinels ran thicker than to abandon me. They couldn't give me an honorable execution? NO INSTEAD THEY LEAVE ME TO BECOME A MONSTER IN THE DARKNESS! To become one with the Hollow."
"Tokarn, before you leave I want you to know that these are not my wishes. I would go with you if you allow me."
"Mirela no, you must not, I won't let you sacrifice yourself for nothing."
"Nothing?"
She stormed off, blushing as she did.
…
How am I to survive now?
…
There is no possibility I last in the Hollow and there is no telling how long until I am no longer myself. When this infection takes over I must sacrifice myself if I am truly the heir of Mir'Av.
But did he choose me for a reason? Am I that valuable that he would choose me and yet I am abandoned by my own blood?
…
I would reign over the world with justice and iron. If I am to become his right hand I must become strong.
…
Where did this thought come from? I cannot be thinking such things. These are not my own thoughts. It must be the infection.
I ignored this oddity and went to gather my things as slowly as I could.
Everyone was there, all but Mirela. I only wanted to say goodbye to her before I left to never return. Many that I knew, that I saw, gave me blessings that I might survive the darkness. None dared touch me, but what I had was no virus or sickness of the common sort.
As they all dwindled away, returning to their own chambers and outposts, I made way for the watch where this had all begun. Every step felt heavy, full of pain. This weight was from my heart for this was my home, and now I am to be exiled. Though I can still serve Koutso from outside the Irmin seed, I will be alone.
I took the stairs and at the top stood Mirela. Waiting for me to say her final words. I felt my heart swell, and a tear fell from my eye.