I voted for the last option; the world is cruel, after all. Although, it's a question that's very difficult to answer, and I'd say it would be Trals's death. He had a very hard time, although he hesitated. Usually, heroes like that become very great and wise. That's how it is, and as for the others: Godric – his time had come, like any old man. He himself often mentioned that he was old; he felt the last breath of air in the Dungeon of the Claw. A new generation came to replace him, but he was truly loyal and brave. Tieru knew too much and tried to understand too much. Perhaps he would have lived longer if not for Argail, but his death was justified. Alaron ultimately paid the price for just one wrong decision. Who knows how Askan's life might have unfolded to this day. Syrus was powerful, but as Markel said, he was just a "boastful" mage, which cannot be said about Zehir, although he was lazy. Nicholas is one of those young, heroic youths, the very best pawn, playing on emotions. Sooner or later, something like this would have happened to him, but not by Markel; it would have been the Overlord. Kurak, the liberator, didn't listen to Kujin; he hacked his way with an axe, but was it wise? Biara is that piece of evil that lives forever. Such beings cannot be defeated. The daughter of Urgash herself fell victim to the strongest human feeling – love, which is not surprising. Arantir did everything that was destined. It was cyclical and predictable; books are an evil thing. Tolgar, perhaps, he simply lost heart and could no longer do anything. But life doesn't forgive the weak. They all had to die, and we should thank the great Askh for those who remained.