An Eastern Promise

A wooden token receives a vow and gains a carved mark. He kills for others, returns talismans, guards cities, and establishes laws, until his actions betray his heart and his faithfulness turns against his beliefs. His life has reached the River of the Abyss. Should he still keep his promise? “It weighs more than the Nine Tripods and Five Sacred Peaks. I’d give my life for it, too.” So says the one who keeps his vow.