A Dream of Discovery

Oshar enjoyed the feeling of the sand between his toes. It was warm, still clinging on to the last vestiges of the days heat.

"You have returned." Elizabeth sat nearby nursing her child.

"He has grown." Oshar noted. The boy seems to have aged months since last he saw him. A toddler now, though still fed from the breast.

"He grows strong." Elizabeth replied absently as she peered off into the near distance.

A man stood there with his back to them; his hands clasped behind him.

"I know that man." Elizabeth gave Oshar a questioning look, "Another victim?"

"He is chosen, as was the child."

"Lucky him." her reply was tinged with bitterness. Oshar ignored her and walked toward Nicolaus Caglistro.

"I suppose that I should be angry." Nicolaus spoke without turning. "I should hate you."

"You do not?" Oshar walked to stand alongside the black clad Apothecary.

"No..." Nicolaus gave a heavy sigh, "No Oshar, I find myself indifferent to you."

"Oh." Oshar could not help but hide his disappointment and it drew a laugh from Nicolaus.

"You are not important Oshar Ka'hreth. You are a pawn, a tool for greater minds to use. I see this clearly and I wonder at how you do not?"

"I live to obey..." Oshar began but Nicolaus cut him off,

"Oh spare me your piety. You are a killer and a fool."

"...and you are dead." Oshar spat and cursed himself for such a dismal retort.

"We all die Oshar, and personally I am finding it to be a fascinating experience. You should try it."

Oshar woke cursing his own foolishness as he set about his preparations for the day. Perhaps he was a fool... perhaps.