Why was death not the end?

You're earliest memory you can recall was that of your death, in a warm bed surrounded by loved ones. under the blessings of a priest you peacefully closed your eyes for what you thought would be the last time. You awoke as if sliding from consciousness and into a dream. In the back of a covered wagon with a woman tending over you. She smiled as the torrent of pain took you into a fitful dream.
Over the next week this woman, Malfectra, who was earning passage with the caravan as a healer, told you the story of the escorts finding you broken and bloodied at the side of the road. With no belongings but the clothes on your back and barely clinging to life. She pled with the Caravan boss to spare you this dishonor of a death in the wilds, promising to only tend to you when none other needed care.
You'll arrive in the Lands of Somyardia, at the small village of Osdoninot, in four days if the crossing at Rolling Boulder River is of no issue. Malfectra says her sister works in the Tavern and will likely be able to continue your care if needed.