Vagile clenched his fist in frustration. "I did. I'm not denying that, but I had falsely believed I would be in control. Throughout most of my life I have made my own rules and followed my own path. I once had trust in people, things, and even gods, but they all let me down in the end. I believed that trust would always lead to betrayal and so distanced myself from others. I guess it really came down to the pain I felt deep down. I was fearful of feeling it again. Over the years I trained my mind and body. The bruises and cuts I endured from battle eventually healed . . . but the pain in my heart . . ." Vagile moved his hand to where his heart was and clenched his chest.<br/>"My heart has grown hardened and cold, but the pain still remains. It's a wound that cuts deeper than any sword and it leaves a scar that can only be felt and not seen." Vagile paused.<br/>"To put my life in the hands of another is something truly alien to me. But perhaps by trusting once more the pain in my heart will . . ."<br/>Vagile bent his head low and stared at the ground.<br/>Do it. Do it now! Get it over with before I regret it!"