Siris Illum - Entry 0

"Father Achen, I do not know if I can do this."

Siris Illum knelt before the altar at the temple of Ilmater, before the great stone hand with the red velvet covering. Father Achen stood behind the altar, bald and smiling slightly.

"What do you mean, brother?" Achen's tone was kind.

Siris bent forward, until his forehead almost touched the granite hand. "I mean that after five years with these men, I have made no progress at all. They are... they are irredeemable, father. With the exception of our one decent companion, the rest are never going to turn to the light." Siris looked up at Father Achen. "In the name of our lord Ilmater, Father, the best of them worships a lich, and the wizard seems to possess such an interest in the damn things I think he may want to become one. And the halfling..." Siris' shoulders dropped. "Sometimes the halfling thinks he's a lich, sometimes a doppleganger, sometimes a violet puppy! And all of them share the belief that his knife is a blessing, to be bestowed upon as many as possible!"

Siris placed his hands upon the altar. "I've failed, Father. They are as cruel and decadent as ever they were, and I can do nothing to change their minds or souls."

Father Achen smiled, and slowly shook his head. "Brother Siris, we never expected you to change their souls."

Siris looked up again. "Father?"

Achen knelt on the other side of the altar so he was level with Siris. "The task before you is difficult, we know. It is the largest sacrifice that the church has ever asked of you. But we know that you are no stranger to sacrifice." Siris looked down at his rough tunic, and nodded. "But it was never your task to change their minds, merely their steps. With you there, your companions are forced to keep the darkest parts of their natures at bay, and the evils they commit are lessened by the kindnesses that you do."

Siris felt something brush his hands. He looked down, to see a strip of red silk laid across them. He looked up at Father Achen. "You know I cannot accept a gift from you, Father, nor from anyone."

Achen shook his head again. "This is no gift. This is merely a reminder of your vow to us, to continue your work, and it does not violate your vow to have it. We have made sure of it.

Siris wrapped the silk around his hands, and bowed deeply. "I understand, Father. And I do so swear."