Where it all began (Act II)

It was many weeks of travel from that barren pit of a town to return to what could rightly be called civilization. You had once again nearly died of thirt in the heat, and without your stolen horse, you certainly would have. At the edge of desperation came help, opportunity, and a real second chance. From there, you traveled north to the home of your order.

Commonly known as The Bastion, it is equal parts a holy site and destination of pilgrimage, and a military fortress. It earned its name from the Second Age, when a small number of acolytes and holy defenders were able to fend off an onslaught of seemingly overwhelming numbers from the Umderdark. The sight of familiarity and safety warms you with nostalgia. You were trained and indoctrinated here, the last friendly place you saw before departing for war, all those years ago. You had thought you may never see this place again, and the longer you gaze upon it, the more conflicted you feel.

The voice in your mind doesnt help.

"Your arrogance knows no bounds, exceeded only by theirs"

"What now?" You ask infuriated, having thought the Dreadlord had stopped tormenting you in the desert

"You really believe that they will take you back? After what you did to get here?"

"I did what was necessary to survive."

"Your lies do not become you, paladin. You satisfied grudges, and impulses. Debased yourself and your faith. You will not be accepted once they find out your indiscretions. Even if they did, when you tell them what happened, do you really think they'll help you?"

"It's their obligation. If they refuse, than their entire purpose to exist is a lie."

"Careful, Rodram, your words may be more accurate than you know"

The guards at the gate let you pass without incident or comment. With your old armor gone, and this one strippes of any identifying regalia, you're just another person to them; a welcome guest. The inner cloister was another matter, reserved for the inner workings of the church and its devotees. Here, luck smiled upon you. A dwarf, his impressive beard having gone white as snow, was passing by the gate and recognized you.

"Rodram, is that you?"

"Yes Demarchus, I'm back."

"Ha!" He beamed to see you "How in the devil did they ever get you off the battlefield?" The guards, seeing your association, let you through"

"God's, you look like shit"

"Its by Iomadae alone that I'm still alive. I'm afraid I have terrible news. The outopost at World's End has fallen. I'm the only survivor."

Demarchus held his hands up in shock "No! That's....I don't even know. I'm so sorry to hear that news. Its a small consolation, but youre home now. Lets get you fed and cleaned. Pontiff will need to hear of this."