They can summon a rift of considerable power. Am I ready?
I leave behind my two friend Pawns. They can’t follow. Only my own Pawn goes over the edge with me. We land in the Seneschal’s Chamber.
In this void land, the Seneschal glows white. He drops a lot of information as we battle. I command all life into existence, he says.
“But expect none of the mercy men seek in their gods. The unbending reality of a world without compassion. The world and all its denizens are but empty vessels. In that regard, no different than the pawns. Without volition, there is no true life. That volition is tempered by the struggle for survival. Just as the pawns need a master’s command, so the world thirsts for the will to live. Turn back now and I will grant you a merciful death. Step forward, or retreat.”
Of course I step forward.
The Seneschal reveals himself. It’s the avatar from the opening tutorial. We played as him once. Now he and his pawn battle me and mine until we defeat them.
Then he monologues again. “You and I are swept up in the current, same as the rest. And so, until the coming of a new soul fit to craft the will to live — until that day, may you guide the world ever justly.”
From his chest he pulls a sword, the godsbane blade.
“Those who arise to oversee this world are undying, save by this brand’s kiss. I ask that you, as the world’s new seneschal, use it now to vouchsafe freedom to your weary servant. Mourn me not, for I welcome the release. At long last, I am free of eternity . . . of infinity . . . free of the cruel, unending ring!”
Granting his request, I kill him. And then I, once he’s gone, also wield the godsbane blade. I’m dead.
My Pawn and I fall. As we drop, she becomes me and I disappear. When the transformed me awakens on the beach, my beloved greets me, recognizing me in some way. Together we walk into whatever life brings.
Credits.
Beautifully done, sir.
And we begin again.