The battle with the great undead warrior left him exhausted and humbled. His arms burned as if tiny spiderwebs of flame coursed through his blood. He clenched his fingers into tight fists and gently released the pressure to try and stem the burning sensation. He had cast his most powerful magiks repeatedly into the undead abomination in order to bring it down. The party's most powerful warriors had fallen prey to the insidious trap in the center chamber of the barrow. He watched as they fought bravely against the black magik which drained their very lifeforce.
The battle was yet another reminder of what a strong willed group of individuals they were. Through the haze of battle each was calling out with opposing tactics. In the end it was only their superior numbers which averted disaster.
"Short are the days when we will outnumber our foes four to one" thought Raam as he sipped the cool water from his worn leather waterskin.
"If this is to be a kingdom, we will not often be afforded that luxury."
"We must begin to act as a team, to fight as one, with one purpose, one goal..."
"I am failing them as a leader" he mused. He knew it was going to be an overwhelming task to transform himself in the eyes of his comrades from the Raam Corso who, in fleeing from his father's estate, needed to be rescued from a lowly pack of wolves, to the man who would one day lead them as King.
"I must re-double my efforts to understand them as individuals and work to form consensus. Lying here like a petulant child feeling sorry for myself does nothing."
"By the Gods" thought Raam. He had heard those words before....from his father.
Once again he strained his eyes shut and felt the sting of humility burn hotter than the ache of his exhaustion.
Ever since his encounter with the presence in his trance, he allowed his eyes to close reluctantly. Every time he grimaced in apprehension of being drawn into that smoke filled void to be greeted with that great yellow eye looming over him. Studying him. How did it know him, his thoughts, his past? Raam had suspicions but shuttered and pushed the thoughts down into the abyss.
He must sleep and prepare himself for the day ahead tomorrow. There was much work at hand with the construction of the castle. New settlers arrived by the day. Not only settlers but vultures who would covet what they were beginning to create.
His mind turned to the voice of the yellow eye and Raam slowly nodded in silent agreement...he must remain vigilant.
