Writings of Edward the Penitent
Sister Anna is dead.
Bravely she fought, in the end standing alone against a Goliath of terrifying proportions. Because of her courage, we were able to fell the enemy, two of the Goliaths, their powers so great that just the two of them laid our entire party low. Courageous and strong, righteous and mighty in her faith, I believe she has taken her place in Heaven, despite her rather heretical beliefs involving the role of her gender.
Though it be a sin, I cannot help but feel envy for her now. When death comes for me, it will mean my penance has been completed, that God has forgiven me my sins, and called me to His kingdom. I will be released from the terrible burden of my most foul sin. I yearn for that day. But I cannot hasten its coming. I must wait for Him to call, least I burn in hell forever. I must walk the path He hath laid before me, for as long as He hath deemed me walk it. Though it is hard, and fraught with pain and struggle, moral confusion, and tentacles of heresy and blasphemy reach out from every side to entwine my soul and pull me into the fiery blackness of eternal damnation. I must not stray, though I find my self in darker and darker places the further my journey takes me, and the path is getting harder and harder to see. But this is beside the point, envy is a sin, and an indulgence, and it has gone on long enough.
Sister Anna is dead.
The women wrapped her remains, and as we traveled through the Everbloom, looking for safe haven, the French Witch proposed a plan. After much discussion with the Elf Witch, the Gypsy, and the Jew, they came up with the idea that it might be possible for the French Witch to enchant the remains of Sister Anna, and with his witchcraft, cover the distance it has taken us the winter and spring to travel in just over a week, to reach the Pagan Priestess in Kiev who had helped us cleanse the Gypsy of a wound festering with a most resilient evil. It pained me then, and still does now, that this old woman is more powerful with her Pagan Idol than I am with the One True God. But her kindness and generosity could not be denied. And if she wielded so much of her Pagan Idol's power, she should be able to bring Sister Anna back from the dead, given that Sister Anna's remains could be presented to her in time.
As for me, I could not have found this plan more obscene and repugnant. For Sister Anna to be ripped from the loving embrace of God and Heaven, and to be dragged back to this world of pain and struggle by pagan idolatry seemed terrible blasphemy. And to defile her remains with witchcraft, seemed an insult to her holy memory. Yet, I kept these thoughts to myself. It is not my place to say anything, as I know Sister Anna's wish on the matter would not be my own. I believe if it were up to her, she would give almost anything, save her immortal soul, to continue to smite the evils of this world, in the name of St. Michael. Nor, in my humble, unworthy opinion, would God approve of my attitude. If I had fallen, and my comrades were able to raise me by whatever means, I would have to return, for it would mean that I had not yet finished my journey upon the path to redemption. Better the world of pain and struggle with still a hope of Heaven, than the black and comfortless fires of Hell. With these thoughts, I have, again, indulged. Perhaps this is normal, but I cannot help to think of this as weakness. My feelings are not the matter at hand.
Sister Anna is dead.
The plan was formed but French Witch's courage is weak, a like that of a toddling child. It can only stand for but a few moments, before it falls, then his French cowardice rises to the fore once again. He demanded a Divination before he will undertake the mission. While this was not an unreasonable request, I sensed he asked more out of concern for his own safety than anything else. But it is not my place to judge.
The next morning I prayed to my Lord for his wisdom on the matter of the French Witch's plan. God answered my humble request for His council. And the council stunned me, though perhaps it should not have. Sister Anna's pending resurrection will depend on me. I have but eight days to become a strong enough vessel for God's divine grace, that I can contain the power to return Sister Anna to the ranks of the living.
I believe it would be her wish. Once more it would be done by the power of the One True God. Our quest needs her strength. Perhaps, during her few days in Heaven, she might, perchance, have seen Grace. But this reason is selfish, and should not be considered, yet it would ease my burden to know. I will accept the challenge, and I shall pray for strength.
Sister Anna is dead.
The task to return Sister Anna's life has fallen to me. If I fail, if I succeed, I hope she will forgive me.
