"Griffin, have you ever smelled something and suddenly found yourself back in a memory?"
"Yes. Usually, they're memories from my youth."
"What do those memories make you feel?"
The Soulfire in Griffin's eye sockets flickered. "Happiness, and... pain."
"It sounds like your childhood wasn't a happy one."
The Skeleton King spoke slowly, like an ancient sage. "The mind and soul aren't the only vessels for emotion. Memories can carry it too. Even without flesh and blood, they can make someone laugh or cry... Life is a wondrous thing."
"But that's different from the Liches described in the records."
"Because memories fade too. Even the deepest emotions and the most unforgettable memories lose their color with time." The Skeleton King sounded wistful, as though recalling his own past. "If it's troubling you, go and see for yourself."
"Thank you."
Griffin did not refuse. He put on his cloak and left the Skeleton King's Alchemy Room.
After leaving the Mage Tower, he headed straight for the hospital. The first group of wounded Blackwatch soldiers rescued from the North was being treated there.
The source of his unease was inside. But the hospital entrance was bustling: Annan had arrived with his Guards to visit the Wounded.
As Annan climbed the steps, he seemed to notice something. He turned toward the cloaked figure watching the entrance and, after a moment's hesitation, asked, "Griffin?"
"Lord Annan." Griffin lowered his head.
"What are you doing here?"
"Lord Annan, I've come to visit an old friend."
Annan was surprised. "An old friend... You know someone in Blackwatch?"
"Yes. One of the Wounded is a good friend from my childhood."
If Griffin was lying, why had he come to make contact with Blackwatch? And if he was telling the truth... what kind of friend could compel even a