“I worked hard and gradually rebuilt my life. When I was thirty-one, I married again, and my new wife and I would go on to have three children. I was no longer a pitiful wretch, and Laeniel had other people to help, so he and I drifted apart. I never forgot him, though, and even when I was busy with family responsibilities, I made time to do charitable things for the community as a way of following in his footsteps. I was determined to serve my fellow man as best I could. It was a matter of honor, a way of repaying the Breeder for giving me a friend when I needed one the most. I invested in local businesses and gave them loans on very favorable terms. Here and there, whenever I could, I'd volunteer my time and labor for some worthwhile project or other. I actually earned the respect of my
