[Cerek the Barbaric]

Zachary follows the warrior for a short distance, but the turmoil of his thoughts seem to grow with each step rather than diminish. When he finally recovered from the Fog that had enshrouded his mind, he was certain there was a purpose for him here...and that it involved the paladin. But after his attempt to communicate was so savagely rebuffed, he is no longer sure that there is anything he can do for the man. There is no doubt that another force is at work in the warrior's mind. Zachary could sense it's presence, albeit just barely. And whatever the force was, it launched it's own mental assault on the cleric through the very link he had established. He was surprised at the strength and savagery of the attack and could not fend it off completely. Given the fact that this force is a constant presence in the warrior's mind, Zachary isn't sure there is anything in his power that can overcome it.

As he ponders these revelations, he feels the haunting feelings of hopelessness creeping into his thoughts again. It creeps into his thoughts slowly but steadily, like a snake slithering down into a rabbit's burrow. Zachary shakes off the effect by physically shaking his head and slapping himself in the face. The sting of the blow brings his mental awareness back to the forefront and manages to push the feelings of hopelessness back - for the time being.

For once in his life, Zachary is completely at a loss as to what he should do. He can't shake the feeling that this whole mission is becoming a lost cause. He doesn't have the slightest idea where the rest of the party members are, nor does he even really know where HE is..other than somewhere deep in the caverns.

Not knowing what else to do, he calls out in desparation to Odin. "Odin, All-Father, hear my cry. It is I, Zachary Thorrson, your favored cleric. I live only to serve you, All Father, but I am at a loss as to what to do. I need your guidance. I need your direction. Show me what path you would have me take, so that I may bring honor and glory to your name and the Halls of Valhalla. Guide my feet and direct my thoughts so that I may serve your purpose in the manner you see fit. I trust you, Odin, to watch over me and to lead me down the path you would have me to take. I will follow whatever path you choose, just tell me what I must do."

He was surprised at the volume of his own voice. The caverns echoed his plea and amplified his words as they bounced back and forth among the rocky walls. Zachary closed his eyes in concentration and focused his all his mental energy on listening for Odin's voice. His hand grasped his holy symbol in urgent desperation, but Zachary wasn't even aware that he did so. He waited for the echoes of his voice to die down so that he could hear the voice of his beloved deity.

Finally, the echoes died, and all was silence. Silence that seemed to last a very long time, until the very lack of sound became almost deafening. Then finally, faintly, he heard a reply....or at least thought he did. He asked again for Odin to guide him and to show him the path. Again, he felt the presence of the All-Father, but it was still very distant. He heard the words a little louder this time, but still couldn't understand them.

He dropped to one knee, his right hand still grasping his holy symbol, and his left hand holding tight to the shaft of hiw warhammer. Once more he pleaded for Odin to make his presence felt, and once more he felt the All-Father's spirit touch his own. This time, the connection was more tangible....and this time he heard Odin's instructions clearly.

"Come Home"

Zachary eyes flew open as he stared ahead into the darkness of the caverns. It was then that he realized there truly was nothing more he could do here. The warrior had apparantly made his choice and there was nothing Zachary could do to reverse the consequences of that decision. As for the rest of the party, Zachary sensed that he would never be able to find them in time...in time for what, he didn't know exactly. He just knew that his part here was done.

"Come Home"

How welcome and inviting those words seemed to him. Home...a place of comfort and contention so unlike the hopelessness that saturated the very walls of these godforsaken caverns.

"Come Home"

Yes, thought Zachary. It is time to go home. Thought became action and Zachary began casting a spell, a spell that would return him instantly to the comfort and safety of his private quarters at his temple. As he chanted the arcane syllables, the pervasive hopelessness finally fled, and he felt himself being transported across the planes, back to his home he had left so long ago (at least it seemed like a very long time since he had last seen his home).

Then the spell was complete and he stood inside his quarters at his temple. His bed was nearby - which was good thing - because a wave of exhaustion washed across his body. He managed to make it to the bed before surrendering to the fautige that suddenly flooded his body. His last thought for a long time was how soft his pillow felt. Then he slept.