War Within

[DoS Archive]

From: dukeuziei@aol.com (Duke UzieI)
Date: 22 Jun 1998 00:43:28 EDT



Adonai left the Arena, going into the place in between through a rift. Leaving his daughter, distressed and scared, with the command that she go to her mother.
The night had been a hard one, and Adonai snarled to himself and he ripped open a rift and strode into the study of the tower, the fire burning low and casting fey shadows upon the stone walls as he went to his chair and sat.
The match with Dalamar had gone as he had predicted it might. A long duel with one mistake on either side making up the difference in the match. The match against Perrinis had been surprising in the least, and somewhat unexpected as the challenger had apparently had the luck of the gods with him this time.
He turned in the chair and regarded his face in the mirror next to the desk, the hard lines, the darkness of skin, the burning red eyes staring back at him, the cruelty therein belied by the love he had for his daughter causing massive tidal shifts in his soul. With a snarl he grabbed a flat stone on the desk and threw it at the mirror, a resounding crash rolled through the room and an explosion of glass flew in all directions as the
rock decimated the mirrors quiet repose and the monstrosity that was shown there.
He sat, heaving of breath and angry, suddenly more tired than he had ever been in his existence, with a quick glance to the desk he seized paper and quill and set down a quick note to his children.

Aislain and Agravain,

I write to you from behind the mask of this monstrosity I have become. Few will ever understand the meaning of what we are, but I know that you both will understand this someday.
There is a war here, in my soul, where love and hatred vie with each other for mastery of my being. And love must win, but even I cannot guarantee a victory. I shall seclude myself in my tower, and away from those I might harm to fight this battle, and mayhaps I shall emerge again one day.
Do not come upon me here, nor try to offer assistance as only I can fight this battle, and if you were to come here, I could verily harm you if I lose this battle within my heart.
Know that I, Adonai, am well pleased with ye, and my love for you both is unending.

Love,
Your Father.

Adonai drew in his will and sent the parchment quickly to his children and then with another word, sealed the tower completely from the outside world. A deep sigh rattled through him as he leaned back heavily in his chair.
" Another day..." He said to no one, his eyelids drooping as the fatigue caught him full in its grip. " We can take up this fight another day. "
Adonai drifted off then, into the safety of sleep, and dreamed the dreams of a god.