who would never abandon them, he felt himself being urged inexorably into the dark emptiness of night. All that remained was the cold promise of a life alone, a life on the edge of the world, the life of an outcast.

He looked back towards the direction of his home. Much as he hated it, there was no other option, no better choice. There was no reason to stay, no promise of salvation, no hope of redemption, no comfort to be known, no solace to be sought; and at last the way forward was undeniably and unalterably clear.

 

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