I wanted to say something, but even a simple “thanks” to Kolya was stuck in my throat. The mound of dirt grew much more slowly than my anger.
I replayed the events again in my mind searching for who was responsible. We had liberated Zhu from her captors and returned her home only to have her die the very night after her place was restored. She saved our lives for the second time on our journey tonight. How could “the gods” my companions served allow such things happen?
I replayed the events again in my mind. Seeing Kaito and Takeshi’s wounds close and hearing Zhu strain each time. Why did my companions call upon Zhu for her help so many times? Thane had fallen in the fight as well, but we had hopes of restoring him to life in the capital. For Zhu that wasn’t an option she had been returned to her plane of origin.
I replayed the events again in my mind. Why had Kolya waited so long to use the void arrow? Surely it wasn’t worth more than the lives that were lost. If he had only used it a few seconds sooner this tragedy could have been avoided. This whole journey felt like we were taking a step forward and then being pushed back two steps.
I replayed the events again in my mind. Why had I called out to lead the fight into her sanctuary? As I replayed the words my throat began to close and it grew hard to breathe. The world around me grew dim. I sat down in the dirt. Kolya said nothing, but I turned away to avoid any inquiry. It was my fault.
I replayed the words again in my mind. “Draw them into the glen…” It was my fault! It was my fault, and it is up to me to fix it. Gods or not, Friends or not. No more delays in this quest. The minute we finished retrieving the bastard for Ki’Ger, I will start searching for a way to Zhu’s plane and restore her to her glen. Perhaps I could find answers and magics in the capital, but if not - anything arcane can be learned in the libraries or from the wizards at home in Hannover.
“I’ll find you” I whispered as I placed her amulet on the grave marker. "Kolya, Can you help me find the pouch of grain that Zhu must have stashed around here somewhere? - It's important."