Everlasting Peace

The last thing that Audric saw was a small black ball of fur hissing at the creatures before everything went black. He rises with no pain, as if waking from a restful sleep, and stretches. Even the ever present pains that magical healing could not rid him of are gone. He looks around and, recognizing the location, dread fills his heart. He silently looks around for a few timeless minutes with Zeb, before shrugging. As he stands there, a light appears, unwavering, unlike a torch or fire. It grows until it envelops the man.

“Hello, my child.” The words are in his mind, but he understands them at once. “You have done well. You were a good servant, and have made me proud.” At this statement, Audric realizes who is speaking in his head. He falls to his knees. Many times he sought the words of Mystra, but she had always been silent.

Audric involuntarily twists the ring he still wears, a habit that has grown since the battle in Malchor’s tower. “Yes,” the voice says, “destroying the ring was your purpose, but also so much more.”

“Bu.. Bu… but…” Audric stammers, unable to fully form a sentence.

“You do not need to know and understand all, only that you have succeeded in the tasks I set for you. Now that your tasks are complete, I have one final gift to bestow upon you, but first I sense your thoughts on your friends. Rest assured that they are fine.” All at once several images flash into the priest’s mind. Almost too quick to grasp.

...A man stalking a deer. Next he is bringing it back to a settlement. He dines with a woman with loose blonde hair. They both have the respect of the people around them...

...An older man in robes, surrounded by ancient tomes. He is engrossed in one such book, an ink smudge on his cheek goes unnoticed...

...A man singing a song to a woman in an unnamed bar. It takes Audric a moment to recognize “Ode to Laerch”...

...A young man walking into a settlement. A short time later, an older man and woman rush to him, hugging him. A son returning home...

Audric blinks away the visions, or perhaps memories. He notices Lume sitting beside him, also engulfed in the light. “What is this, five?” The words seem to come from the light. Lume issues a gentle meow. “Four, my mistake. Well, another awaits. Safe travels little one.” Lume steps through a tiny portal that seems to have appeared out of nowhere, and is gone as soon as the cat is through.

“It is time, child.” Audric feels another presence beside him. He turns and instantly recognizes his wife. “Nicola!” he gasps. He enfolds the woman in his arms for several long moments. “I thought I would never see you again.” He kisses her softly, before just staring at her, drinking in the sight of her.

“I would not put you through so much, without giving you eternal peace. Now, though, it is time to depart.”

Audric takes a step forward, before pausing. He turns back to Zeb, who is still standing there. Audric does not know if Zeb realizes what is happening, but he walks back to the man, embracing him. “Thank you my friend—no, my brother. You taught me so much, and were there when I needed you the most. You lived a troubled life, and I hope that I was able to help bring you the peace I know you were seeking. I’m sorry my foolhardiness brought it to this, though. You deserved so much better. I hope you find your peace in an eternal hunt with Malar.” He goes back to his wife and takes her hand, “I’m ready.”

As Audric fades away, he turns again to Zeb for parting words. “Be careful on your eternal hunt, brother.” Then remembering the words that Zeb spoke in Carrock and thought Audric did not hear, the priest grins widely. “Careful, I hear there’s bears in the woods.”