Redemption
Author's Note: Originally published on September 24, 2008
I knew what I had to do.
I knew the sacrifice I needed to make to strike this blow.
Compassion was not a sign of weakness, as I had been taught in my youth. It allowed me to discover a secret.
I remembered my past and my mind focused on my brother. He was brilliant and devastatingly handsome, but he always took the time to look after me. I strove to make him proud of me, until he chose his path. I scorned him, and he in turn mocked my naive stupidity. My anger clouded the small hint of doubt that had settled deep in my gut.
I became obsessed with the limitless power the Dark Lord had promised and the glory which would be reaped upon my family.
I had devoured the venom he and his followers spewed. I was seduced by it.
Succumbing to this desire changed me.
I was disgusted with what I had become and with the acts I had performed in his name. It sickened me.
The pain I inflicted and the screams of terror reverberated in my waking mind. I could not escape the burden of remorse which plagued me.
I knew there was only one way out. I sought to exploit his secret, just as I had been taught in my youth.
I wanted someone to know who had done it, who had made him vulnerable.
I grabbed a scrap of parchment and began crafting the note that would help bring about his destruction.
I carefully wrote the words that would serve as my final thoughts in this life.
I signed it with a flourish.
"R.A.B"
I could feel the heavy burden of guilt lifting from my shoulders.
I hope I have redeemed myself. I hope I have made my brother proud.