Bab 419: Fear the Darkness

One might think, from my earlier writings, that I am immune to fear. I know better, have always known better. Normally, I'm better able to keep my fears under control.

But not then, not as the three of them headed directly into the madness and the Madness that was causing it. As they... willingly...

Pardon me. As they drew the taint into them, as a bloated leech might draw forth blood. Willingly casting aside control, composure, and all the other trappings of civilization. As Thuria's laughter drowned out all others.

It is to my shame that I scrabbled at the door. I didn't try to pick the lock. (That lock had fastened when the door closed, I now know.) I'm surprised I had the sanity to try turning the handle.

The only wise thing I did was try making my way away from the door, away from where they HAD to pass to get out. I'm not sure what I feared, but I knew it would happen if they came upon me trying to escape.