The Battles Ahead

It seems that perhaps selfishness has gotten us into this predicament, and so much has happened. We chose to come here to find out what happened to some missing wizards, with the hope of finding some useful loot and items. When we arrived we were attacked by undead and some giant spiders. I had decided to lean into the holier aspects of my powers and drove a couple away with my holy symbol, while the others finished the rest off. We traversed the cave to find a corpse with some information, and then met a man dying of some sickness I had never seen before. He froze and shattered right in front of us. What he gave us is dangerous, but it leads me to believe that this winter has nothing to with Zheng. As disappointed as I am, I can't help but feel that I can still make a difference here. I feel my powers grow and I am getting stronger every day. I can't consider this a waste, especially since we may have found a lead to the source of this winter. This cult of dark elves are searching for it too and we have to be careful who we trust. It seems like this artifact is very powerful, as it must be to effect the entire continent as it has.
 
We have been fighting non-stop since we arrived here. There is no time to rest. I hope that we will-
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We were attacked. Armin was taken. I tried to get to him but my body was too weak to pierce the beasts armor. I became too reliant on these powers and now that they are depleted I am useless. I am such a fool! To wait for my recovery would likely mean his end. We have no time, we haven't seemed to have time since we entered this blasted underground.
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Is this what desperation breeds? I took something from this witch to give me my powers back, but I can't get over this feeling of guilt, like I am not faithful or that I am cheating what is fair. Part of me puts this aside to help my companions, but another can't stop feeling like I am failing in my faith, if that is what you can call this relationship with Zheng. Another battle is won, but the cost of working with this witch and he deal that she made with Bucky has me concerned. Did I unknowingly agree to something by taking that powder? I fear this witch and the upcoming battle. She said we are close so we have taken time to rest.