At first, all I knew was a rising sense of unease. I did not fear the dark, but the [i]nothingness[/i] was like no other terror - perhaps because, right now, I had nothing to compare it to. I needed something to hold onto, some concept to keep me grounded, and just before the unsettled feeling in my gut threatened to tip me into total panic...

I could feel my shield weighing on my arm - comforting, solid, heavy. This was one thing I knew well. This was one thing to cling to.

Silence reigned. I began to fear that my shield might not be enough - and then a voice, distant like it might be uttered through a veil, gave me something else.

[i]Ah, purpose is a wonderful thing.[/i]

When I zeroed in on the call, I could [i]feel[/i] more than hear where it was coming from, and my path lit up like a beacon. The way was clear. What else mattered but to follow?

And so I moved on.