(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

"If you brought others, then they were cast from you when you arrived - it is
the nature of this place to divide living things... then kill them." She looked
distraught, and glanced back to the mass of black spires. She had known its
horrors well. "The Fortress is a thing of many miles - finding your friends
here will be difficult."
I shook my head, "I have to find them. There is no choice in the matter."
"Very well, my Love... if you intend to go on, you must know this - past the
entrance to the Fortress is a great antechamber with countless shadows.
You must move swiftly and not let them gather about you, or you shall
surely be slain!"
"One thing more..." Deionarra paused, as if trying to catch a fleeting
memory. "Within... within the chamber are great clocks..." Her voice
became steadier, more certain. "Clocks which you spoke of once as having
been the key to you escaping that chamber... when you were trapped there
once before." She looked at me. "I know I cannot stay you from your course,
my Love -- I shall watch for you, and help you if I can."
I lifted my hand, with the silver wedding ring around my finger, "I brought
your ring, Deionarra. I found your legacy to me."
"The ring still holds a part of me within it, my Love. When you carry it, you
carry my heart with you." She closed her eyes, and a sudden warmth passed
through me. The ring flickered and grew hot as her ghostly hand closed
around mine. There was no pain, but instead the searing intensity that still
burned in her breast. So alone... so sad... I could never have thought she still
felt this way. Deionarra opened her eyes, then smiled. "I knew you would
return to me with it in your keeping. Carry it now with my blessing, and keep
it close to your heart. Through it, I will defend you."
"You have my thanks, Deionarra. I must go now."
I couldn't leave my friends to the shadows, and with that determination I
walked the long, lonely causeway that led to my end. The whispers and
sorrows that composed this place had no more power over me.
My hand slipped into my belt pouch, fingers sliding along the edge of that
blade.
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