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Andru stood at the edge of the docks, gazing out east to the horizon. He had come to Vesper to charter a ship, but had little success thus far. Very few were even willing to consider his proposal, much less accept it. He was not discouraged though. He would not disappoint Konrad.

Since joining the ranks of the slaves, he had bowed his head to every man, woman, and skeleton that crossed his path. Only Konrad and Lord Zh’Azhak had showed any faith in him. As for the rest…

Andru touched his hand to his face and winced. He ran his fingers over the swollen bruises and cuts he had received.

“Mindless barbarians”, he spoke aloud to himself.

They had reason to beat him, he knew, but he would not submit. He couldn’t let himself give them the satisfaction. Lord Zh’Azhak’s decree that he no longer had to wear the robes of a slave was test in his eyes; a test that he would not fail.

His thoughts then went back to Deceit, three days past. He was sent to receive a vision from Oblivion, and a vision he did receive. The world around him began to blur and fade away as he went over it again in his mind.

************************************

A strong gust of wind whistled through the ravine and ruffled Andru’s hair. He stood not but two steps from the edge, staring down into an endless void. He then looked across the chasm to a great tower that stood on the other side. His eyes focused on the giant double doors that served as the only entrance to the tower. Above them, inlaid in gold, was the crest of the Vandevic family.

A voice thundered into his head, “You must have faith!”

Atop the tower Andru could see himself sitting on a throne of gold. The figure was but a shadow of him, however. Its eyes were black orbs and it did not move or speak. Servants in red robes were kneeled before him. Andru look back to the vast ravine.

Again the voice boomed, “Faith!”

A solemn look crossed his face, and he inhaled deeply through his nostrils. His heart pounded as he lifted his foot and began to lean out into the nothingness. Time seemed to freeze around him. Even the ever constant gusts of wind had stopped. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the fall. Much to his surprise, however, his foot hit solid ground. He exhaled loudly.

Andru slowly opened his eyes and looked down. He stood upon nothing. It was as if there was a bridge beneath him, but he saw nothing. His mouth opened slightly, as he was unable to understand what was holding him up. Again a voice spoke to his mind, but this time in whispers.

“Faith.”

Andru looked to the tower. The figure of him now stood at the pinnacle, staring down with its ebony eyes. A toothless smile was spread across its face. Andru took several steps towards the tower. Still he was held up.

He now stood halfway across the chasm. He looked once more to the cold, chiseled face of the figure. It showed no emotion, no sign of life.

Andru frowned.

One last time did the voice whisper to him, "You cannot escape us... you can only embrace us."

Andru looked to the figure, shook his head, and spoke, “No, I will not.” Before he could turn around, the tower and the figure faded.

He fell into blackness.

************************************

“Hey there, fella, you alright?”

The voice roused Andru from his thoughts. He was lying on the deck of a small schooner, with a sharp pain pulsating from the back of his head.

“What happened? Where am I?” he asked.

“Ah, well ye walked on to me ship and collapsed. Odd bit of behavior, I says. ‘ere now, let me give ye a hand up.”

“Your ship?” Andru asked as he pulled himself to his feet.

“Aye, she be mine. What’s it to ya?”

“I am looking for passage to the Isle of Daggers… to a place called Caina… have you heard of it?”

The captain shook his head no.

Andru just grinned.