Ten souls, Sethos. It's a simple choice, really. You long for vengeance. I am offering it to you, however refuse me and find yourself eternally damned while your enemy reaps the rewards of your defeat. Even now he rapes the world of its innocence . . . something you would be able to end if you weren't so craven to let go of your virtue. So I ask you now and for the last time - do I have your agreement or don't I?
*****
The mist parted away revealing a cobalt blue sky overhead. Sethos stood upon a rocky crag jutting out from the side of a mountain, where he did not know. It was hot. It was cold. It was day. It was night. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Everything and nothing. But what it was not was oblivion. The music of freedom played its sweet melody in the air round him, vengeance an undeniable attainment awaiting his design. He would ask no questions about his existence for instinct told him he
was the answer to them all.
"It's an ancient weapon forged of mythos and magic - a tool of darkness, an instrument of death." Sama'el placed the bow in Sethos' hand, watching closely as he wrapped his fingers over the ancient obsidian. He was a beginner without skill, without knowledge and no one to train him, yet there was no hesitation in his grasp, no hint of fear. His thirst for revenge paired perfectly with the bow's hunger.
"Possessing a voracious appetite, your new weapon unleashes a tempestuous fury that empowers its owner to strike at the heart, reaving the victim's soul." Sama'el smiled with sardonic secrecy. "But hold this warning well - should you not keep it fed it will force you to kill indiscriminately until its hunger is satisfied."
He would disclose nothing more. If Sethos knew all, he would doubtless regret his decision, preferring oblivion over what lay in store. Freedom of choice remained his only until the bow became bonded. Once that was accomplished there would be no turning back and, now that he held the weapon in his hand, it was imperative the feeding began. The more the bow was used, the faster it would evolve and the stronger it would become, bringing them ever closer together.
"I am about to return you to the world. Kill the first five mortals you come upon. Whether warriors, women or children, whine to me not about virtue. You've made a commitment Soul Reaver!
*to continue*