He appears to be trying to speak, but his voice is too weak. He reaches out toward my book, but loses consciousness before making contact.
I return him to his back and continue my work.
He mentioned a curse before, when we had escaped through the sewers. I don't mean to be credulous toward mysterious voices. It is only that what that voice said about its True God accords with what I believe the One True God would wish for this curse.
This curse has enslaved a people and forced them to act immorally against their will. Worse, it has reduced them to being defined by the curse. Even if, or when, the curse has been lifted, they will still be regarded with suspicion and hatred for acts forced upon them.
The rightful blame for everything lies with whoever is responsible for laying this curse.
I transcribe enough to call it a day. It's difficult to tell time in here. I claim a cot and rest.
* * *
A picturesque sky usurps the darkness that should fill a dreamless sleep. I am in that place again. "Beware the one in your dreams," I recall.
"First the demons, then the Cursed, now the Order. You really are meeting everyone!" The glowing figure opines.
"I'm on the run. I was almost fully inside the trap before I learned of it. Why didn't you warn me?"
"I was going to warn you once you'd slept, on account of who was behind it." It seems to imply that it will only do so for threats related to other entities of its kind.
"I was in her city the entire time. I didn't notice until the last moment! I had been staring at her the entire time without knowing! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Many cities are aligned with some entity or other. It can be a mortal hero, a high spirit--"
"--or a god. I thought you weren't supposed to call yourselves that. Where is your city?"
"You've gotten closer to it than you realize."
* * *
I awaken with a thought in mind: there is much that it is hiding. I never had reason to believe it to be an ally, but it did much to present itself as a friend.
Maybe I am merely the enemy of its enemy.