The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: Dezza on March 02, 2007, 07:43:28 PM
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Since I set out four years ago with Sir Jorim its felt like I have not had a moment of rest. Between doing chores for Sir Jorim, like cleaning his armour, cleaning his saddle, taking care of his mount, studying about rofirein, learning to weild my heavy blade, weapon drills, cooking, cleaning, more study, oh and I cant forget the endless trekking across most of Mistone at Jorims beck and will.
Now finally after my four years in service as a squire I have been released by Sir Jorim to travel alone for a while to demonstrate that I can carry out the duties and responsibilities that Jorim has worked so hard to teach me over the last few years. If I can prove myself to him, to the Knights of the Wyrm and to Rofirein that I am capable of this then I can apply to be interred into that famous order.
Thus I set my feet on the path and pray each day that I can do what is expected of me. I don't want to let Sir Jorim down and most of all I don't want to let myself down. Also my parents, who believed so much in me that they let me go with the Knight.
So I guess now its up to me. Sir Jorim taught me a lot about the blade I carried and he explained that there is no other blade a Kngith would rather carry than the one that represents the heavy claws of the Great golden Dragon Rofirein. It is in his honour that they carry such a blade. It is not just a symbol of the knights but it represents the heavy burden of authority the Knights bear as well as being a powerful tool to deter those who would seek to go against the law. Sometimes when diplomacy fails or peoples wills falter it requires powerful symbols to restore order. The heavy blades carried by the Knights of the Wyrm is one of those symbols and one of those deterrants from disruptive behaviour. Although Sir Jorim did also explain to me they are very handy when evil threatens good people.
Thus I honour my blade, perhaps more than Sir Jorim intended but perhaps its just that I saw deeper into the reasons why we carry this type of blade as opposed to others including my mentor. I will master it and it will become my symbol. Through it I will bring order to those without it, defende those who cannot defend themselves and hopefully in some small way bring about restoring peace to those people without it.
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And so my journeys begin to gather momentum. The armourer in Port Hempstead finally completed my very own suit of plate armour. A heavy suit that should stand me in good steed for a little while anyhow. The armourer explained that being made of reinforced copper it would be prone to damage and that later down the track when I have more funds I could seek out master craftsmen to fashion a bronze or even iron plated armour.
I met my first dark elf yesterday. I had been told stories by Sir Jorim about them and I must admit I was a bit frightened at first. She did not threaten me however and even seemed afraid herself that I can stumbled across her in the forest near Hlint. We sort of regarded each other hesitantly at first and she could see I was ready to draw my blade at a moments notice. It was her that indicated she meant no harm. As it turns out she is a druid, I think her name was Yvalee or something like that. I found it hard to understand her thick accent. She did offer me safe passage through the forest ensuring that no animals brought me to harm. I actually think she was more concerned I would harm the animals more than anything else. After that she led me into the swamps where I could obtain an essance I was searching for. But she would only allow me to take one source of essence which was fine because thats all I needed. After that we parted ways, me to head to Fort Last and she drifted away into the forest once more.
Later that day I met yet another druid, this young man had a touch of wildness about him that the dark elf did not seem to evoke. Although he was well spoken and polite I sensed at times some of his idle comments make be begin to think that beneath the surface there was much left unanswered about his true beliefs. His name was Urhuk I think, I haven't really been that good with names today. We travelled for a short time together until I found I had other things to take care of and he parted from me near the forest near Hlint. Ironically the same one the other druid I had met earlier had entered. I wonder if its a druid haven or meeting place perhaps.
Today I was purchasing myself a fine cloak and met a man called Eghaas. A soflty spoken man who went about fully cloaked and hooded. He seemed harmless enough and tried to explain to myself and Sheridan who also showed up that he was a sorcerer. He tried to explain the difference between mages and sorcerers and different forms of magic, the weave and that sort of stuff. I have picked up bits and pieces here and there over the last few years as squire to Sir Jorim but I must admit as friendly as he was the intimate details of magic really don't mean anything to me. I tried to be polite but with Sheridan pushing me to show her the swamp I had been in the day prior I sort of rushed Eghaas. In the end it worked out as Eghaas decided to travel with us to Hlint anyway. He was pleasant company and someone I feel that in future could be a genuine friend. Sheridan is a bit the same, she is rough around the edges and sometimes a bit uncouth but she makes me laugh, she has no hidden agendas and she is as you see her. I like that in people. I spent some time later running through weapons drills with her. Her skills come easily to her it seems and she like I pick things up relatively quickly. I think we'll get along just fine.
I called into the temple of Rofirein in Fort Vehl as well and heard that Sir Jorim had been sent to Haven City with Protector Gratham so I left word that I had called in and a small donation as well.
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I stumbled across a woman in distress in Port Hempstead yesterday. A group of people had gathered to watch one of the guards throw a dark elf from the city that had been threatening to take people as slaves. This woman came up to them and asked or help to find her missing sons. She was most distraught but we heard what had happened, myself and a number of other concerned people decided to see what we could do to help her. The young men had taken some goods to Hlint but never arrived at their destination.
We set off on the overland road seeking information from people as we passed them by. In Fort Last Mage Dalton confirmed that the men had passed that way so we continued onwards. By the time we reached the outskirts of Hlint the party had all rushed ahead into the small palisade surrounded town. For some reason I lingered on the road and was rewarded with finding what I thought was evidence of a scuffle and tracks leading away from the road towards the goblin lair. Fearing the worst I quickly ran into Hlint to get help in properly identifying the tracks.
The party returned with me and sure enough the tracks lead upto the goblin lair entrance where sadly we found the first of the missing young men. His body broken and battered and left in the sun outside the lairs entrance. Fearing the worst for the other young man we determined to enter the lair and see if we could find him.
We battled our way through the viscious creatures who came at us with sword, teeth and nails. There were a number of viscious battles before we heard a man cry out and get fainter as the goblins carried him deeper into their caves. We had almost caught up to them when I was knocked out in a fight. When I came to the party was ready to move into a chamber where the goblins had decided to make their final stand.
We stepped into the area to face off with the goblins. They had Galron hostage and we lined up opposite ech other. Various threats and counter threats were made and Zergon a magic user with our group circled behind the goblins holding Galron while invisible to try and gain an advantage.
While the party negotiated I found that I was quite angry. That these goblins who have no regard for law or peace blatantly abduct and kill innnocents and here we were offering them bribes to release their prisoner. So I told them that they should pay compensation for their actions to the mother of the man they killed. Of course they laughed at me, the idea did seem a little silly but I felt that if they had to pay compensation each time they did something like that then they might think twice about doing it in future. The result was never going to be positive which just reinforced to me what Sir Jorim had told me over the last few years.
That there are both men and monsters in this world that have no regard for law, no regard for peoples common rights and its these that we must always strive to either bring to order or to drive away from those who would live in peace and propserity.
A battle ensued when we managed to wrest Galron away from his captors. The creatures had no intentions of letting us leave safely and harrased us all the way out of the cave system. I vowed to return and tend to the problem of their harrassment of passers by on the road but for now had to be content with rescuing Galron.
We helped Galron take his brother back to his mother who was obviously distraught. As some small means of compensation I made sure that the mother had some gold to help get her by until she could get over the worst of her grief. I hope it was enough.
If nothing else I leant a great deal from the mission. It clarified for me all that Sir Jorim had been telling me and it enabled me to fine tune some of the blade skills that Sheridan had showed me. Everything seems to be coming together.
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The world is suffering and the darkened skies constantly full of dark clouds is making most peoples moods dark bitter. I met several people yesterday in the tavern in Fort Wayfare after a man came in who had been attacked by gnolls and whose horse had fled into the forest. After hearing the tale I naturally agreed to aid the man for without his horse his very livelihood would suffer greatly. It was a spur of the moment decision but I could not have done anything else under the circumstances but offer too help. Sir Jorim taught me that all too well. As a knight of the Wyrm he must endeavour to aid those who do not have the means to aid themselves. So naturally I offered to help, as did many others who were present in the tavern.
It seemed to me that not all had fallen into the more common aspect of not caring about anyone but themselves. Unfortunately I changed my mind soon after when it was evident that some of those who volunteered only did so out of potential financial gain from the poor mans situation. I was suprised at one of those who came. A woman whose brazen clothes that left nothing to the imagination and her sharp tongue set her aside as a troublemaker. While I was willing to try to work with her to aid the man it wasn't long before she split from the group taking a few other like minded members with her. I must admit things went a lot smoothly after that except for one incident when the silent dwarf Gard who stayed with us decided to try and eliminate all the ogres on Mistone by himself.
Once I got him away from the ogres and we continued we helped a few people along the way and finally were led to the satyrs in the mountains west of Fort Wayfare. Here one of the satyrs had found the horse but would not return it untill we found his bow. This was very frustrating as not only did the other group arrive as well but the satyrs people harrassed us the entire time. If it wasnt the comments from the other group trying to bait us to some sort of action, the mean and spiteful words directed to one of group Sala by the sharp tongued temptress, then it was the arrows or axes of the satyrs we had to deal with.
I went back and confronted the Satyr about this dangerous and not very funny game of his but he was enjoying himself too much. We searched futiley while the other group turned to arguing amongst themselves it seemed until I remembered a lesson that Sir Jorim ahd once given me about problem solving. If you can't find a way forward then return to the beginning and begin anew. So thats what I did. I returned to the forests edge and low and behold found the bow in the hollowed out section in the base of one of the mighty trees. Without hesitation I returned it to the Satyr in order to end his silly little game and prevent anymore bloodshed.
Thank fully he kept his word and brought me the horse. By then Gard and Sala had found me and together we left the others in the forest.
Upon returning the horse I must admit it was with some small satisfaction that for our honesty the man gave myself, gard and Sala a little bonus that the others did not receive. It just shows that being mean and nasty just doesn't pay.
I am finding that I am truly enjoying my journeys and finding my way about Mistone. I have already made many friends and acquintances and look forward to more. My skills with the blade are improving and I am finding now that the practice weapon I have been using is becoming battered and marred. Its once keen edge worn to the point that even my whetstone won't bring it to a nice clean edge. I almost have enough funds to purchase a new one so I shall keep my eyes open.
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I was asked to settle a dispute between two merchants today for some reason. They had formed a partnership a few years ago but one was stealing money from the business so the other had demanded he leave. Alas the other man felt that he was due compensation being a partner and they were arguying loudly in the street of Haven city.
I approached them and asked their concerns to have them both yammering at me about the whole problem. I think because they saw the emblem on my shield being that of Rofirein they thought I could solve their dispute. I tried to tell them that I was but a squire but they were too busy yelling at each other to listen. So I asked them to show me their business. It was a small building that housed a number of women of various ages working hard at mending and making clothing.
I carefully watched the men as they entered the building, one called Holis greeted most of the staff by name and stopped briefly every now and then to talk tot hem while the other man, Golnim seemed impatient and indifferent. He was in fact the one who had been stealing gold from the business. The problem was they they both wanted to keep the business.
I was a bit shocked when we got outside and they asked me what my decision was. I tried again to tell them I was but a squire but they demanded an answer from me. I thought about it for a while and said to Holis that he should keep the business. I felt that he had the best chance to tend tot he staff and see that the business would survive and prosper. Holis turned to Grolnim to gloat however I had not finished. I then told him that he should pay Grolnim one third of the worth of the business in true or monetary credits. This put both of them on the spot and reluctantly Holis agreed to the exchange. Grolnim seemed pleased as I dont think he was really interested in the business and I imagine that it had been quite a bit of money he had gleaned from the business over time, more than Holis realised so the offer of a third of the business's worth seemed like a good result for him too.
Afterwards I was thinking about it and wondered that merely the symbol of Rofirein could have such power. That one who carries the shield of the Golden Dragon even one as young and inexperienced as I could be looked to with confidence and belief that they can with clarity and wisdom make such judgements. With some trepidition I came to realise then that not only is my sword a symbol as Sir Jorim had told me but truly it was the symbol of rofirein, of all that he stood for as well as those who follow him that is what is the greatest power. I was truly humbled and moved on having realised that I am part of something greater and that I have grave responsibilities that I must bear when I stand behind this symbol. I always did like a challenge....
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Its a shame that many peole these days have lost so much confidence in themselves that those who are unscrupulous can cash in on such feelings. I talk about Postmaster Vale, a man who seems to be desperately lonely and yet everyone knows him and has helped him out over the years and so when it came time that he needed more help there was no shortage of hands. How such a man with such respect in the community could feel so out of touch and so alone is a shame. To the point where he was willing to go to any length to please the first woman that batted an eyelid at him. Poor man he was truly duped. I pray that he does not fall so far into despondency that he cannot escape.
In terms of my own training it goes well. I met with a dwarven priest yesterday called Gamron and the strange halfling Dogboy was there as well. We were heading off to deal with some bandits near Fort Vehl when a giant of a ..man I guess appeared. At first we werent sure whether he was friend or foe but as it turns out Gamron new him and sowe all set off together. I must say I was very pleased with how I went. My skills with the blade have excelled and the training sessions with Sheridan have really paid off. I was barely touched as I weaved my way through the bandits, the undead and the noxious ogres. The others on the other hand suffered many wounds and injuries. Luckily I had a eady store of potions for G'ork needed numerous ones after evey batle it seemed. I can say I walked away my head held high.
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My mission assured by Tagnar I gathered to me companions that I ahve found to be reliable in the past and together we delved into the caverns of the so called Red Light Goblins. It seems over the years that constant attacks from adventurers in retaliation for attacks by the goblins has honed their skills in combat to levels above any other ordinary clan of goblins.
We held firm and most of the time I took the brunt of the creatures attack holding them back with my shield and deft movements of my blade while my companions struck with distance weapons and Yvale in cheetah form snapped at their throats.
All in all we did well until we came to some sort of staging area for the goblins deep in the caverns. Here we came across a clan warlock whose magic slew he halfling Dogboy who was with us. Stunned it took us a moment before we finally took them down. Alas there was nothing we could do for the cheeky halfling. Also unlucky for us was that the Overlord must have heard us coming and had fled even deeper into the caverns. We progressed as far as we could but to no avail so we beat a hasty retreat and once outside vowed to return once more to avenge Dogboy and also try to capture the overlord as Tagnar requested.
All in all I was pleased with my progress and feel that my skills with the blade saw me do very well. Few creatures got past my guard.
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At last I feel that the path I have chosen to follow in my life is one that Rofirein deems appropriate. I remember Sir Jorim telling me one day that we each serve in our own way and that through service and attention to our duties and diligence in our adherance to the faith we will see the way that Rofirein asks us to each follow.
I saw a glimpse of my future the other day when I joined others who had gathered to investigate reports of a 'Dragon' terrorising farmers near Fort Vehl. Knowing some of the farmers personally having come from the district of course I volunteered to help. I was suprised to see so many people there and soon discovered that like any crisis some were genuine and others were simply opportunists.
After the farmers had made their presentation the party fell to bickering over who would get the most reward so I set off with some of the group to begin the search. Whether it was the thought that we might find something before them the rest of the party quickly joined us.
I find it intriguing that the Mistite priestess Muir something or other and her body guard the barbarian woman Karim who I regard as a formidable battle companion but who lacks any common sense which is in fact a dangerous combination, can actually do anything while scowling and arguing. Never have I met such a ill tempered and bitter woman as Muir. The fact that she constantly tries to goad me into drawing against her I find is simple proof of her instability and insecurity in herself. I mean...why a priestess of Mist who is obviously high up in the faith since she has a bodyguard assigned to her constantly, tries to pick a fight with a lowly squire such as myself simply boggles the mind. I can only assume that somehow she feels vindicated in whatever vapid thoughts go through her mind that she is furthering her cause. While sometimes I cannot bite my tongue at her barbs at least I know self restraint. Sir Jorim would often tell me of times when people would try me, seek to test my faith and my resolve and do so without mercy. I begin to see now what he is referring to and have made up my mind to not let myself be drawn into anything I would later regret.
The one thing I was proud of during the mission to seek the dragon was when the odd mage Alandric launched a ball of fire into a corridor and managed to arose the interest in us of a number of powerful creatures. A fierce battle erupted and many of my comrades fell around me one by one until there were only a few remaining. When it was done I looked about me at the senseless slaughter the creatures had carried out on my companions and marvelled at the fact that I had survived. Truly the wings of the Great Gold had enveloped me and kept me safe. Alas for the High protector Serissa and the noble paladin Geldar and others like them things were not so kind.
After we returned to Fort Vehl finally successful in our mission I was suprised once again as the Mistite Muir agreed to hand over the coin we had found to the farmers. To say I was shocked is an understatement and for a few moments I felt guilty that I had thought ill of her. Then she opened her mouth again and I wasnt guilty anymore. At least the farmers had a good result.
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Recently I retrieved from the bottom of my trusty backpack a scrap of parchment on which Sir Jorim had made me scribe the oath that the knights swear when they are granted the honour of becoming a knight of the Wyrm. Its a passage that I have in anticipation memorized so that its burnt into my brain in a way that only I can understand.
I see much of what Sir Jorim has taught me, what I have learnt from other knights when out traveling Mistone and we spend the evening camped around the fire telling stories of missions and discussing goals and acclamations. What I miss most is the camaraderie of likeminded people who live the type of life I yearn to be a part of.
I have made new friends now and others who would be traveling companions, this is in my own time to test and develop my skills and what I have learnt before I come back to announce my intention to become a knight of the wyrm.
I have discovered much traveling alone or with new companions that do not think or feel the same way as I do. Its disconcerting how many people do not think they way I do or do not hold to the same principles that I do. I am learning to come to terms with that in some way especially when I travel to some dangerous location with the intention of restoring order to the place. Many will join me purely for the joy of felling a foe or laying claim to the riches they had previously stolen from others. Its a vicious cycle and one which is perpetuated by the current dark nature of the world.
I dont know if I can ever make a difference, if I can ever change peoples minds, if I can ever bring order to the world as Rofirein asks us to do for the benefit of all..not just a few. But I will continue to try, I will do my part and I will do so forcefully if necessary. Sir Jorim saw his role as a keeper of the peace, a keeper of the law. I see it more than that. What good is the law if someone does not actively bring it to bear on those who would revile it. My sword will be the Dragons claw that tears those who would defile law and order , that would prey upon the weak and innocent of this world and they will break upon my shield and their remains spread to the four corners of the compass!
To date I have been finding my way, finding my feet, working hard to establish my place. I feel more confident now. I still have a lot to learn however as I discovered the other day. Joining a group hoping to aid the lord of Haven city we delved deep into the gnollish caverns. Apparently they had overcome and enslaved the ogres who used to live there.We fought hard and bravely. I was proud to say that the dragons wings truly kept me safe as I stood toe to toe with Knight of the Wyrm Unit Captain Gabrielle, my new friend Eghaas and other companions. We fought our way to the bottom and dealt a mortal blow to the gnolls. Alas brave Sallaron fell there and with the gnolls returning we were forced to flee leaving him there. Later he returned to us to our amazement and shortly after we discovered why. A drow had restored his life and demanded a boon from him. I felt that that was a reasonable request but I discovered to my surprise that many in the group reviled the drow and became angry and hostile towards her. The deep bitterness surprised me and when I questioned it Captain Gabrielle and Eghaas both rebuked me. I have only ever met two drow before and they were both amicable so I was truly surprised. I looked upon the drow with new eyes and by the end of the encounter had a glimpse of their treacherous and conniving ways. Suitably chastened I followed the group back to the surface where the captain explained a little to me about the ways of the drow. I had heard many stories but in reality my experiences had been limited and brief. I had nothing to offer in exchange but my apologies and word to be careful in any dealings with drow and in their case act with caution and reserve before trust.
I have found to that in my circle of companions I have a strange assortment. Sheridan, the tom boyish warrioress who to my way of thinking enjoys life without abandon. She takes home a new man every time I see her it seems and her tongue can be sharp and dirty. But she brooks no argument and enjoys life and I like her a lot. Then there is Arkolio, not overly handsome but his charming way of presenting himself makes him intriguing I guess. I must admit to having had thoughts of my own about him but for now they will remain hidden. I have heard too many stories of his conquests for now and I dont want to be seen as one of those, but he is intriguing. Then there is Alandric, a nice enough boy..er..man I guess. He can be charming as well but there is something odd about him, something I cant place my finger on. Its almost like there is something cold or creepy about him but he has given me no reason to doubt his intentions so for now he remains another who I would travel with. Mind you I am very wary when the dwarf Gard is with him. Gards silent, brooding often violent manner unnerves me somewhat. I have seen him bring a giant down with a single blow and walk onwards as if nothing had occurred. A hard soul has that one and I will remain wary of him for some time to come. How they came to be companions I do not know but I suspect there is something more there that I am not yet aware of.
Then there is Eghaas, truthful, dependable, reserved and seemingly shy. I have heard that many elves are like this and I do like his presence. Out of all my companions he seems to be a voice of reason where turmoil exists. Alas he wishes to bring reason and place his life in danger in negotiation before he will resort to violence. While I respect him for that I feel that he may be a bit disillusioned. The way society is a present a firmer hand is required in many ways to establish order.
Others come and go and I will write about them as they cross my path but for now. I focus once more on my skill with the blade, my outlook on life and my preparation for the initiations.
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I returned home today for the first time since Sir Jorim let me loose in Mistone to try and find my way before I return for the tests to become a knight in every sense. Nothing has given me such a profound look into how I have changed than this visit.
As I walked into the town it was as if people who I had known for my whole life didnt know me. My own friends looked at me suspiciously until they saw that it was me. People were hesitant to approach me at first. I mean..had I changed that much. My father explained to me later that te people were afraid, especially to see a warrior dressed in heavy armour carrying a large blade walking into the town. Immediately they feared the worst. The world is a dark place now and people live in fear.
It was as he had said but the next day after I spent the evening with my parents a strange thing occured. Peolpe from the village came to the farm, one by one or in pairs. They had heard that I was back, that I served Rofirein, and they remembered what it was like when the power of Rofirein gave them solace in their lives and made them feel safe. I felt pity for them that once they enjoyed living in a land when peace and harmony was brought about by honest guards, regular visits by priests of Rofirein and a strong belief in the law of the land. Now..with bandits more and more plaguing the farmers, creatures of the forests and all sorts of villianry occuring. Fort Vehl authorities care not. The rich fat merchants want the farmers lands for themselves. They no longer have anyone they can turn too. The law of Blackford castle is dictated through the authorities of nearby Fort Vehl. The Rofireinites are tied up trying to help those who come to the temple since the authorities demean and harrass them and any followers in town at every step. The Knights are spread thin across Mistone and beyond, the temple guards hard pressed protecting the priests and laypeople who go about the town to help those in need. it is a desperate situation.
These people who I had grown up with came to me to solve their small disputes, which to them in their lives were important. In shame I couldnot deny them even though i felt that it was not my position to do so. yet they came to be with such hope in their eyes that I could not turn them away. So I answered their questions and cases as fairly and evenly as I could and they for the most part went away pleased. I tried to call upon everything that Sir Jorim had told me about being fair, even handed, impartial and responsible. To say my parents were proud of me is an understatement.
For me it set my resolve. The world needed to be a better place. The church of Rofirein had to be the beacon it once was for hope for all the people of the world like those in my village. The oppressed, the downtrodden, the victimised. My blade would win that back...somehow!
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The time is coming. I find myself close to being ready to finally apply for entry into the Knights. To elevate my status above that of squire to Sir Jorim. My skills with the heavy blade weilded by the knights is already better than many I have sparred with in the past. It sits well in my hand and my mind can focus on its message; its presence to those who view me weilding it.
I see the look of expectation upon peoples faces as I walk through a place. The heavy blade in the form of the Dragons Claws weilded by the Knights, the shield with its highly recognised compass symbol held firmly on my arm. These are symbols of law and order that common people recognise, symbols that many secretly in their hearts would see more often.
I bring law and order, if that has to be by steel then so be it. The bandit groups in the Gloom woods have felt my ire. I will continue to restore order to that place by sword if necessary, until they finally abandon their claim on the land.
I begin to feel the power of my role, people seek me out to travel with them knowing the protection my presence affords them, the worth of my skills with the blade, the worth of my principles of balance and justice. Already my journeys have afforded me the ability to make sizable donations to the temple in Fort Vehl. Thus what was stolen from others is returned to good use amongst the poor citizens of Fort Vehl and in the advancement of law..and the provision of order.
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And so my prowess grows. I can see how the feeling of driving back forces of chaos, of bringing peace to a region, even if it is short lived can be such a high. I must admit my blade has been engaged in pacifying rogue bandit groups, in defending those threatened by forces of chaos and in bringing order to places constantly in fear of attacks from giants.
Alas as my sword arm tires still more arise from the dust of defeat to take the place of those who fell before them. It is a constant cycle and one which I swear I shall not end the fight against.
I find myself sought more and more to join groups who need protection from enemies who would seek to bring them undone or to do harm against those who cannot defend themselves. Is this what it means to become a knight? To live in the manner that Rofirein dictates? To restore law and order so that the common people can dwell in peace and prosperity under the protection of the law? If so then it is a task that I feel I am well suited to.
Some say I am overconfident and that will be my undoing. I do not believe so. I come from humble beginnings, the daughter of a farmer near Fort Vehl. My parents held high principles and my father always talks of the days before the war in Prantz when the Rofireinite priest and other servants of the temple were welcomed into the towns and cities around the world. The depth of the belief that these followers of the Great Gold advocated law on the behalf of those who could not act to protect themselves. That every man woman and child had the right to certain basic principles of law that the Rofireinites upheld to the letter.
This is the life I would choose for myself. To serve in the Knights. To be a visible symbol to people that the concept of law and order has not been lost to them. That there is someone to champion their rights.
And if words are not enough then i will have no hesitation to use force to establish law and order wherever it is required of me. This I swear.
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It is done. Finally I feel I have reached the stage when I have both the mental understanding and the skill to apply for initiation into the Knights. I met with Sir Jorim and he has agreed to sponsor my application. I have submitted my request and now I must wait to hear if my case can be heard.
I have found that as my skills have developed so has my maturity. I understand the responsibility if the position I hold in the eyes of many of those I pass every day. Those who want someone to make their life a little easier. To give them security in knowing that laws are there to protect them and that there are those who will defend those laws. This is what Sir Jorim meant when he said to me years ago that in defending the laws as accepted under the common law we are the advocates of the common people. Those who are most at risk from being exploited or dominated and not given the very rights the Rofireinites demand that they are entitled too.
Sir Jorim told me I should be able to stand proud. My Shield and my sword a symbol to people everywhere who see it that they are entitled to rights and that there are those willing to fight to defend those rights. They should also serve as a symbol to those who would seek to ignore those rights and laws that their days are numbered. That soon the law will come for them. The symbol of Rofirein should invoke fear in those who would seek anything other than a lawful society.
Thus with those thoughts in mind I await the answer to my application to the Knights.
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I begin my preparations. I went to visit my parents at their small farm and orchard. Things were going well. The extra coin I brought to them my father would not accept. So I gave it to mother who I knew would talk father around to using it when he got over his pride. Once again will I was at the farm many of the locals came to visit me. They ask for me to solve their little disputes or to offer encouraging words. I see no harm in it. Rare is the time these days that priests or representatives from the temple of Rofirein get out to these smaller villages. A fact I hope to try and change one day.
My regular donations will help but I also feel that if I can finally become a full knight and work hard to rise through the ranks then I can start to make my presence felt. My goal is to command my own division of Knights and actively engage in our mission. To provide safety for the priests and laypeople to travel to places that desperately need to touch of law and order. To take down those who oppose law. And to root out those who serve chaos. That is my goal and my mission.
It will not be easy. Of that I am sure. But I know the brotherhood that exists between the knights and I know how many of them chaff under the lack of direction and leadership from the Golden Voice. Perhaps it would be better if he finally passed. Perhaps a new Voice will rise to bring power back to the church, or perhaps the Golden Voice will recover and truly find his voice and provide the leadership the church desperately needs.
I am sure I will gather allies as I go. I know that Unit Captain Gabrielle will support me and guide me as well as Sir Jorim. Also Alandric who while a bit odd and aggressive at times seems to really know his arcane law. Arkolio, while his loyalties are questionable at times and his romantic pursuits are well documented I can't help but feel some connection to him, or is it attraction. I am not quite sure yet. Sheridan, when I can drag her out of the taverns or away from her many men will be a valuable ally in battle. She seems to fear nothing. Eghaas also, the kind hearted voice of reason who also has knowledge of the arcane. All these and others I am sure will aid me in my cause. I will make a difference. One way or another, by word or by force if necessary. Sometimes the sword is required to be used to establish law and order rather than just standing for the protection of law and order.
-
I have to write of this. I felt a whole spread of emotions today and ended up so much I did not know before that I cannot even begin to write down everything I learnt, felt or thought.
It all started when I just went to tell Eldarwen about the man we arrested the other day. She had been a part of it at the start but was drawn away by other duties. I felt foolish not being aware of the rank she holds within the Lucindite faith until someone told me. No wonder she gets called away to other duties all the time.
She was talking with several others whom I did not recognise and I did not want to disturb her but she called me over. I was glad she did. I learnt that I have much to learn. There was a woman there who professed to have lost her faith in Rofirein, Mylindra. There was much debate on the nature of the worship of Rofirein and of carrying out of the law, in what manner and to what end. Much of the training, coaching and lessons I had received in the faith were tested and pulled every which way by the discussion that was waged.
I fear that I made myself look a fool in the eyes of some of those there. Mylindra may have been right to say I was just a silly little girl. Certainly some of my comments were childish I am ashamed to admit. But she made me made at first and I got defensive. When I am like that I can be a bit...testy. Sir Jorim told me that was my weakness. I guess I will learn with maturity.
The epiphany of the entire encounter was when Eldarwen revealed that she had met and been judged by Rofirein. Both Mylindra and I were stunned at that revelation and wanted to know more. I look upon her in such a new light and can understand why she holds the position she does. I felt so inadequate but I just could not draw myself away.
Then after they had left one remained who turned out to be Unit Captain Jennara and Heart of the Dragon. I must admit I almost fainted for I had not recognised her and acted like such a dolt in front of everyone.
She was wonderful however, and understanding. She explained to me a bit more about her goals and listened as I told her of mine. Ever more now am I eager to become a Knight like her and serve the Great Gold.
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Life goes on they say. I spent time with Ark again. These casual affairs will be all they ever be I think. He is nice and sweet but I know he is the sort of guy that gets bored easily. I realise I am just probably a passing fancy and yet I cannot help it. I guess I am like a moth to the flame. Perhaps its his sense of roguishness that attracts me to him, his sense of freedom or having no restraints. Something I could not nor ever would, I dont think embrace.
So I enjoy what I have now for however long it lasts. I place no obligations on him and he asks none from me. In time that may change and I think then will be when I know for sure he has moved on. A this stage I think its more a physical attraction more than anything and I dont think it would work beyond that.
In other parts of my life I still await the letter from Sir Breten Parth to tell me to attend the initiations. I pray that it comes soon. I saw Captain Jennara again the other day and once again was awed by her humble and quiet confidence. She exudes command and direction without so much as talking above a whisper.
I read the notices also in the temple about the changes in Prantz. I wonder, if I pass the initiations if I will be posted to Fort Vehl or sent to the new Cathedral and chapter to be built on Corsain island. I am glad there is finally a resolution in prantz and that General Broegar has finally given authority of the law over to the Rofireinites as is right and proper.
I think he will find that people will accept him more readily since he has done that and people know that the Rofireinites are handling the laws now in Prantz. This is an important development in the life of the Rofireinites.
There is a new direction now and new focus that can lead us forward.
Meanwhile I have not been idle, there is a threat building in the Brech mountains with some creatures that appear most frightening. Some companions and I managed to trap one of the creatures in a deep cavern but were forced to withdraw when more of the creatures arrived.
Luckily we discovered an ally in a strange creature that obviously could not speka our language. We worked out from it that the best way to destroy the creatures was with sunlight and heal spells. We have yet to test this theory out and hope to gather strong allies soon to engage the creatures.
I reported the matter to High Justicier Reus at the temple in Fort Vehl and to Unit Captain Jennara and will continue to keep them updated.
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I feel as if I have been gutted. Am I really that naive? Mylindra said I was and I denied it. Now...I find that perhaps she may have been right. For the first time in ages I doubt my ability to make decisions.
Alandric, how could I have been so blind. It makes a kind of twisted sense now. He openly said he stood with that woman, Chanda. The woman that Eldarwen says is a Corathite. Corathite! I can't believe it. It is always whispered about that they are in our midsts, working their evil ways but I never believed I would find one, and one so close. To think I even considered... I cant think of that now. I need to think of my future course of action.
The others there were just as shocked as I was to hear the revelation about the woman Chanda from Eldarwen. It was not hard to put two and two together and work out that Alandric and the dark elf Daralith were with her. That was made plainly obvious throughout the mission. The parts I was there for anyway.
I cant believe I was the only one willing to go forward and aid the people without thought of reward and I was the first to fall. I saw Eldarwen struggling with several massive leeches and rushed to aid her. Perhaps she thought I was fully capable of handling them alone. Of that I am not sure. But I remember hearing a shout for help and she rushed off leaving the giant creatures alone with me. The last thing I remember was the giant lampreys jagged teeth as one of the massive creatures latched onto my arm having torn my shield from my grasp. I dont remember anything after that until I came too, near the docks where Eldarwen had called me back to life. I remember seeing the man Rain there as well. I dont remember who else was there.
Now I have a quandary. Do I reveal Alandric to the authorities in fort Vehl or just report about Chanda and Daralith and confront Alandric about it seperately? He has aided me and never been untoward to me before.
Although I have said it before that there was something just not quite right about him. I need to listen to my gut instincts more and stop trying to over analyse things. No, what I must do is report the entire incident to the authorities. If he is in league with Chanda and Corath then he must be brought to justice.
But I must be careful. I am but a lowly squire and if I were to go missing who would even care. I imagine that the corathites would have no compunction in making me disappear. I must consider my move, and when ready move swiftly and ensure I have suitable support.
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At last, the fated document has arrived. I have been invited to attend the initiations into the Knights of the Wyrm. Suddenly I seem nervous but strangely confident. I believe in what the Knights stand for, I believe in what they are trying to do. I see the results in Prantz as a positive result even if it means the Prantz chapter of the Knights has to move to Corsain. I am doing my best to raise funds for the new temple and giving every time I can.
I have not seen anymore of Alandric, I think after he was denounced he has gone into hiding or else left Mistone, so to with Chanda. Daralith however continues to show his face much to my chagrin. I have reported him to both the Port Hempstead authorities and the temple in Fort Vehl. Moreg didnt seem all that interested but then Moreg does not seem interested in anything unless there is some gain for him. Unfortunately Daralith only seems to make himself visible when it is deemed the most likely to annoy me. I think he is trying to lure me into a confrontation. I will not engage him unless he engages me first. Nor will I seek to arrest him until I have the full authority of the Knights of the Wyrm behind me. So at this stage I must try and bite my tongue at his foolish snide remarks.
I feel I am well and truly ready for the Knights. I have trained hard on my weapons skills until my blade has become an extension of my body. I try to evince the skills and qualities of the knights. I am ready.
I have several allies now too that I respect. Virtue who seems to be interested in pursuing an interest in Rofirein. I have encouraged that and tried to tell him about Rofirein. At this time he seems to be getting it, only time will tell. He has taken to carrying a shield with Rofirein's symbol on it which concerned me at first. Carrying such a symbol comes with certain reponsibilities. I will keep an eye on him however and try to ensure he upholds the good name of the Rofireinites symbol.
Lucas the Aragenite arcanist has recently come on the scene. Apparantly he is a friend of Virtues and a handy one at that. In some ways he reminds me of Alandric but Lucas does not have Alandrics youthful arrogance and seems more affable that what Alandric was. When I look back at it now Alandric was a bit obnoxious and false in his attitudes but Lucas seems quite nice.
My brothers in arms Jacrum and Gothim are another two who I really enjoy travelling with. They and the dwarven warrior woman Hilda. Their gruff no nonsense approach to things appeals to me. They have a job to do and they get on with it. I have to admire their dedication to their mining. I think given half the chance they would just keep mining until they died. In quelling any giant threat they are the ones I would choose to have at my side anyday.
Then there is Dogboy, the strange little halfing that has attached himself to me recently. A terrible cheek and well and truly a rogue in every sense I find him to be very amusing and he seems to know everyone.
Of Ark I just dont know. We spent some good times together but he disappears for months at a time without so much of a word then returns and expects me to have waited for him as if nothing had happened. I must say its a very casual relationship at this stage. I dont ever see it going anywhere but he is fun and well, he not all that bad of a lover. So I guess until something else comes along...we'll see. I am sure while he is away he is messing around but as we have not commited in any way to each other I guess for now I don't think about it.
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People never cease to amaze me. In just a week I have had two confrontations with Muir the priestess of the Mistite temple in Leringard. The first was fiery until Muir threw me for six by saying that she had my best interests at heart in her questioning my relationship with Ark. I must admit I was flabbergasted and had no idea how to respond. At first I thought she was trying to manipulate me and my thoughts but I quickly realised she meant what she said.
Then just before I was to be called into the Temple to Rofirein in Fort Vehl Muir showed up again and wished me luck of all things. Once again she suprised me and as the ceremony was running a bit behind I ended up discussing the nature of chaos of all things with Muir and Unit Captain Jennara. What an odd world this place can be sometimes.
The intiations went well I think and now I have to wait while the Principium goes through my life and determines if I am acceptable in principle of becoming a Knight. I pray that it will be so.
I was honoured to have Captain Jennara the Heart of the Dragon stand with me as I underwent the trials. ONe man before me decided at the last minute he was not ready and withdraw. This left me a bit nervous that perhaps I was not ready either but having Captain Jennara there was comforting and I took strength from her quiet wisdom.
Captain Jennara! I should be saying Commander Jennara. Sir Breten Parth rewarded here with a new commission on the day. Section Commander Jennara for her efforts and continuous service to the code and tenants of the Knights of the Wyrm. I am proud to serve with her.
Now I wait, wait and see what will become of my tests.
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As I await the result of my initiations I have not been idle. I went with my brother Gothim, a mage of some skill Godim, a priestess Valaria into the dreaded realm of firesteep to extract adamantium for my new blade I have commissioned. The journey was full of danger and excitement and the battles challenged every inch of my skills.
I am proud to say we all returned unscathed, there were a few touch and go moments but we steadfastly refused to submit to the ferocious kobolds and finally won the day returning with a heady supply of cobalt and adamantium.
My skills improve on a daily basis and I am confident that I can envisage the qualities that make up a good Knight and follower of Rofirein. more and more I feel ready and able in myself to take this challenge. I dont know hwo to fail, I dont know how to give up. I will pursue my goal of bringing law and order to every place that I can in order to protect those basic rights every person is entitled too.
My next step, and I pray Rofirein looks favourably upon my application to the Knights, is to move forward and heighten the awareness of what Rofirein promises everyone and then to see that proportional justice is brought to all.
A heady goal as someone named it and I have to agree the task is daunting in this day and age but someone has to stand forth and provide an example and I will do so by force if need be.
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Under the Sea! Next time someone comes and asks me to journey under the sea I might just have to decline' especially if they are determined to renege on their contract at the end after peoples lives were lost.
On thing I could not help chuckling about even though Muir and I are on reasonable terms is how from the start Muir was spouting her importance in the eyes of Mist and all that propaganda she always comes out with. We must appease Mist, we must be nice to Mist etc etc. I know it's beneath me but I could hardly resist pointing out to her that if Mist was unhappy with anyone, it was with her since that great shark that emerged from one of the wrecks took a chunk out of her first. Mind you most likely she will claim it as a sign of being challenged by Mist, it makes sense in a chaotic sort of a way.
I think when it comes down to it I prefer to trust in a strong shield and a trusty blade. I have faith that Rofirein will look upon me but what I do in life determines my future and I don't think Rofirein's interested in the day to day details of my life. Those are mine to deal with. As long as my heart is true and I see the bigger picture of bringing law and order to people so that they can enjoy the basic rights that any individual should be entitled too then I am doing my duty.
I prefer to put my trust in the here and now, in my actions and deeds and in physical forces rather than some airy fairy goddess that you have equal chance one minute to the next of either being eaten by a shark or blessed with some divine inheritance.
Sometimes its hard to follow Rofirein. As an example after the argument with the crooked man who contracted us to go under the sea with him, Mardini. Hardragh, Muirs, something or other made a flippant remark about Vorax that inflamed my dwarven brothers. I had to intervene before they went toe to toe on the docks right before the temple of Rofirein. I could not believe it. I made sure they took it to the arena when it was obvious they could not sort out their differences peaceably. What followed after was a complete debacle. So much so that I don't even want to put it in writing here. Needless to say I walked out of there thoroughly disgusted in everyone who took part. I am going to have to have a very serious talking to my dwarven allies about the entire incident.
One piece of good news however I received notice that I have been recalled to the temple after the initiations into the Knights. I pray its good news, I need it after the last week that I have had!
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My first few weeks as a full knight have been exceptionally busy. Apart from inspections and drills and paperwork I have finally been given leave to step forth from the temple and continue the Knights mission. Several missions have already come forward which have required my attention and been completed with excellent results.
I have taken to exploring Dreger more in order to determine for myself the extend of the lawlessness which has plagued the lands since the wars against Blood. What I have found has appalled me, the chaotic humanoids have spread across many regions of the lands, people are plagued by attacks from these on a regular basis and it is getting more and more dangerous to travel anywhere.
I will need to catch up with Section Commander Jennara and discuss the issues with her in depth as well as discuss the method of collecting monies for the new cathedral to be built on Corsain. The interest this is generating is starting to build and we need to coordinate the collection of funds.
My primary goal for the moment is to be diligent in my duties and aid the Section Commander as much as possible in her mission.
On a personal note Unit Captain Gabbrielle has offered me a room at her house which I am seriously considering taking up. I know Ark is too much of a free spirit to try and pin down and I guess thats part of what I love about him. In many ways I dont think I am ready for any sort of emotional commitment eather. I have my work and he likes to play and as long as we are happy having our little rendezvous every now and then its pretty harmless. He is sweet and generous and a complete rascal but I think its his puppy dog nature that I like the most.
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Work, Work, Work... My duties require me to be everywhere at once it sometimes seems. Whether it be quelling the bandits of the Falls forest, leading adventurers to deal with the raging bugbear hordes of bear island, chasing phantom hatred inciting poster people, rescuing trapped people from the red Light Caverns, investigating dragon attacks on Fort Vehl, dealing with lizardman hordes for the Captain of Hlint, dealing with gnollish hordes for the Lord of Haven and on, and on.
Truly the world is slowly going mad. We need more of us to drag it back from the brink of absolute despair. Now with the talk of dragons unsettling people there is another worry. Although Captain Gabbrielle did tell me there was. She admitted that Umbra Tarradon Duvall had once conferred to her that there were good dragons once again in the world. they were being nurtutred and raised in secret. I dont know how he knew but it was one of the last things he confided in Gabrielle before moving to Corsain. I pray and hope its true. We are going to need allies if it comes down to the dragonkind wanting this world back.
I do what I can, as i can. Every day I gather move and more true, everything I can for the new hope for the rofireinites in Corsain. Its all I can do for now, that and be a presence for law and order.
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Constantly I find my faith challenged, the troubles seem so great, they pile up before me and I have to wade through them. Somehow I have to keep finding the strength to battle on, to push forward and still believe that what I am doing can make a difference in the world. Threats grow from every angle, I am constantly sent out on missions, my sword has become known now and often I am asked to aid in missions; some mundane, others with high danger.
Everywhere I go I try to leave some marker, some small sign that someone who believes in Rofirein has made a difference to someones lives, that someone cares, that there is still hope. Sometimes I feel so alone in this.
People keep asking me if I am a Paladin. A noble knight who is steeped in the lore and wisdom of the great Dragon. I tell them no, I am not. I do not see the world through those eyes. I see chaos and I see fear amongst the common people in the world and I feel anger that they cannot live in peace. That they cannot trust that they will be given fair treatment, that someone cares for them too. I would bring law and order to people at the point of a sword if necessary. I can't see a paladin doing that. I dont strive for the greater good for I find that an impossible ideal to accomplish, but for balance, balance so that proper law and order can be established.
I fell in battle to undead the other day, it was the first time I had tasted defeat in such a dramatic way. I was asked to aid a priest trying to eliminate the undead that dwelt there. I knew the undead to be a menace to those travelling near the mountains so I agreed. At first it was easy, like cutting through butter. But then the cursed undead mummies surrounded us, there must have been at least a score of them, under so many we were both dragged down. As they piled on top of us, their claws and teeth rending at us I felt fear upon me like I had never felt before. My last remnant of memory was a shearing sensation upon my soul. Its a memory I shall not forget easily.
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I read back over some of my entries and I see a recurrant theme. One that becomes stronger and stronger the more time I spend wandering the world. My skills with the blade is becoming more well known, I feel I have served the principles of the Dragon well, I uphold the duties of a person in my position, a Knight of the Wyrm and yet still, still I find I struggle to make a difference.
I hear people say behind my back 'let her fight but don't talk to her all she cares about is law and order' it angers me and I know at this point in time that is my greatest weakness. I am passionate in my service to the Great Dragon and I AM NOT A PALADIN! I have said that till I am blue in the face and yet still people call me that. I do not strive for the GREATER GOOD! I believe that is an impossible ambition. I strive for BALANCE! When balance is achieved then the principles of order adjudicated by laws can be established.
I was asked the other day by a Druid why I fight against creatures like orcs and giants or gnolls when they have an equal right to live as anyone else.. I responded by telling them that those creatures are chaotic in nature, they do not care for human endeavours, it is those creatures that prey on human settlements, travellers, families and farms. I do not go into the mountains to destroy peaceful tribes, I deal with the ones that have shown a propensity for destruction, a tendency to war against law and order.
I have said it before, and i will say it again. I will bring LAW and ORDER to these regions so that common farmers, families, travellers and so on can feel safe knowing that their lives and livelihoods are protected and I will do it by the blade if necessary! Balance will be achieved when the non human tribes, bandits, evil faiths and warped individuals are brought to heel and shown that there is nothing else but adherance to the law and establishment of order through proportional justice.
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I saw Lucas again the other day after a long absence, he explained that he had been in Vanavar researching things for the Aragenites. What, he did not say, but his powers have grown and I found as we travelled together that at times when the blood was thickest it seemed he was enjoying himself, something that I did not consider until later on.
He has changed since last we travelled together I hope that he does not become so distant that he cannot connect with common human thought. I might have a word to him next time I see him.
Those I trust most are my dwarven allies of Vorax, Hilda, Jacrum, Kuguar and Grohin. While the language barrier proves to be a problem I am endeavouring to get my tongue around it with their help.
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My skills go from strength to strength. If I am not drilling with my blade then I am out in the field carrying the message of the Dragon to those who would rail against law and order and to bring hope to those who would live in a world of peace and harmony established through laws and order. It is an endless task sometimes I feel but one I will not shirk.
I was so excited the other day, Ark, bless his wayward heart, presented me with a gift. A gleaming suit of armour he had commissioned to be made months before and was finally ready. It was magnificent and when I compared it to my old set, I finally saw the toll that my life had exacted upon it. I was glad in a way, I do not sit the Mistone Barracks idly waiting to be sent on some mission, I get out there, I want the entire world to know what Rofirein stands for, what he wants for them. I know it wont happen overnight but eventually I hope people will rally to the cause and see the benefits of a strong and consistant force for law and order in the world.
I have been doing some research and have discovered that the history of the Knights has been troubled and turbulant. There have been people however who believed in them and what they could achieve. I hold these poeple as my mentors. Sir Drais immediately springs to mind. A champion for Rofirein, his original allies and friends were the first to be called to be Knights of the Wyrm and their deeds and stories are legendary within the order. After reading about them I feel proud to serve the Knights.
I have tried several times to ask my superiors for more direction, more support in certain endeavours. I am sure High Justicier Reus is tired of me, so too Sir Breten Parth on receiving my missives. I will not apologise for my passion and strength in wanting to carry forth the name of Rofirein and the power common people can be given over chaos and those who would prey upon them. Children should be allowed to grow up in innocence and not have it torn from them when their families farms, houses or villages are attacked by bandits or raiders or worse, slavers. People have a right to live and grow in peace and harmony with each other. To that end it is imperative that laws and order be brought to bare.
My blade and my shield are my symbols, the people will see them and they will see the Strength and protection the Great Dragon offers.
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Trouble. Thats the only word for it. I am in deep deep deep trouble. I pray that Rofirein see's my plight and can give me some glimmer of a way out of this mess.
Alandric, the man I denounced as in league with Chanda the Corathite found me the other day and begged a moment of time to explain to me his case. I regret now that I gave him the time and didn't just arrest him and take him to the authorities.
What he has told me has chilled me to my core. Some time ago when on a mission with the high ranked Lucindite as well as others and before I first became aware of who Chanda really was, I fell in battle. Before my comrades came aid me Chanda and Daralith with Alandric watching took some of my blood and samples of the hair. I was none the wiser and in no position to argue against it. Alandric revealed this to me and his sense of regret in being part of that incident. Alandric has told me that in his goal to become a renowed physician he tried to cut corners to seek remedies by observing those who had no ethical considerations in experimenting on people.
While I disagree vehemently with his methods I could see why he had done it, sometimes these things can be found quicker if you are prepared to act without rules and guidelines. My argument is for what purpose. A few more people might be saved but at what cost to our humanity. I did not like what I was hearing from him in trying to justify his case but what I heard next was shattering.
He had witnessed Chanda use the blood samples she had collected from others in henious experiments and revealed to me that her intention for my own blood was to create a replica of myself that would be the complete antithesis of everything I believe in. He had already seen it done to some degree with others. The procedure was not perfect, far from it, but the potential was there.
When he finished explaining all this to me begged for me to give him more time to find a cure for the disease that afflicted his body and in return he would aid me in recovering that which was taken from me. Then once that is achieved he would gladly go with me into custody.
Never have I anguished over such a decision before. In the end I made him swear that he would fulfil his pledge to come with me to the authorities once his diseases was cleansed and once he had retrieved my blood and hari from the evil Chanda.
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I have put the call out for more to join the faith. To call those who ever considered entering into active service for the great Dragon but never had the guts to do it. I have challenged them now to come forth.
My goal, to bring new blood into the orders, to strengthen and replenish our numbers for the war thats coming. I see a war against chaos and a war against despair brewing on the horizon. We will be ready for it.
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A mission gone wrong and a new direction:
http://forums.layonara.com/rofirein/143682-notice-about-dragons.html
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A captive, never in my live have I been a captive and yet I found myself held against my will. Suprisingly I felt no fear, no concern for my own life. Instead I felt anger, anger that this could happen to someone, anyone, in this world, I was angry that such people existed as to extoll misery on their fellow human beings. Surely this is what Rofirein abhors and urges us to fight against. It reminds me of a story I heard from Captain Gabrielle a long time ago. I didn't understand it fully at the time but I think during my term of captivity I came to realise its truth.
The story she told me came apparantly from the Umbra of the Knights of the Worm, Unit Captain Tarradon Duvall a man who had done so much for the faith of Rofirein and was a driving force for the good faction amongst the faithful.
It was a story of when our beloved Rofirein would walk in human form upon the world, a form he found appealing. His travel took him to a village where all its inhabitants had been murdered by the enemy, the agents of Pyrtechon. It was here he wept for the people and his tears touched his white garments. In his pain at what had occured he raised them once more to life and bestowed upon their leader his garment without realising the power his tears had infused into it. These people became his chosen and it was from the last of these people that the first of the faith began from.
Those who were raised to live by laws that saw them live in peace and harmony left the world of man except for one who saw the faith flourish.
I have seen villages where people live in peace with each other, they look after each other and their rules both written and un written are known by all. They are happy. Then comes those of chaos who stalk these people, sow discord and disharmony and destroy them and what they had achieved.
In captivity I came to realise my enemy.
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I have started to call in some favours and organise for my impending trip to the city of Arnax on Belinara. I must admit to some trepidition about what we are about to embark on. Already I have approached several allies whom I can trust in to join me. There are some others I am considering asking and who could be potentially beneficial for what we are trying to achieve. One of those people is Alandric. I know I can only suffer his arrogance and gloating in small doses but I know also that he holds me to ransom through that which the Corathites hold that belongs to me. He swears to me he no longer is affiliated with them and I pray that is true..and yet..in this mission those previous contacts he once held may come in useful in avoiding certain troubles while we investigte in Arnax. I really don't want anything to do with him but on the other hand can I afford to not take a useful tool? I try to consider what Rofirein would have me do in this instance and I come up blank. I really dont know. Eldarwen once told me a story of some of the sacrifices Rofirein has made in the past even for some of the evil gods and I wodner if he will see what I am doing as something akin to that. I pray that it is so.
For now I plan and prepare and call upon allies to get ready for this journey. I will ask Ark but I think things between us are becoming strained. He is away for long periods at a time or I am away. And I find he flirts and carries on even in front of my face now...I think I always knew it was but a fleeting fancy and Ark could never be tied down. I guess i should be happy we have had the last few years together..and yet we were not truly together. maybe thats why it lasted so long we placed no restraints on each other and left each other free to pursue our own lives. I think the gap has finally grown too distant. We have become friends with an occassional romantic crusade, but nothing more than that.
But now its time to focus on work, I have approval from High Justicer Gareth Lemont. I have the funds, I have the people, I have most of the equipment prepared. My biggest problem is what do I do with the dragon if I do manage to find it...or even worse what about those who took it...
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Our most hated enemy, the Great Dragon Fisterion has called for people to attend him to hear his words. While this does not sit well with me and the meeting has been called for by those who are our most ancient and bitterest rivals I will go.
I know in the past that others who served Rofirein have met with and indeed formed an alliance with this terrible beast through necessity. It is this reason and this reason only that I go with others to hear his words.
-
So much has happened in such short time..Its hard to know where to start. Things are moving in the world it seems of late. Things of great importance which I feel I am merely part of the periphery of.
It began with the meeting with the emissaries of the enemy Pyrtechon, then slaying of a poisoned green dragon, the defence of the dragon Snowtooth and killing of those responsible for trying to capture him. Then the meeting with Milara, the journey to an ancient Rofirein temple, a journey to Arnax, a betrayal at the hands of one I knew, the attempted reclaimation of a fallen dragon. So many things, so little time.
All that I know I have forwarded onto the church authorities and to my superiors as well.
Currently in my care I have the following items:
A tooth from the slain corrupted green dragon, claimed when defending Snowtooth.
The film that covered the dragons eyes and some of the residue found on its skin at the time.
Also I have a vial of the poison use in the corruption of these mighty creatures.
I have been told to take them to the Aza'ttans, but told to do so with extreme caution.
Which path do I take from here, who can I trust? I don't know truly. Hopefully Rofirein may show me the way.
I have fought now at Warlord Varka's side, an honour in itself. I tried my dwarven language skills on him which cause no end of amusement amongst my friends. Hilda, Jacrum, Varka, Grohin they all found it quite funny. Still I persist, with Hilda's help and my brother Jacrum whenever I can tie him down to one spot or when he is mining. Thats always a good time.
So much to do, always so much to do!
-
*A figure dressed in heavy, well worn but carefully tended full plate slipped carefully from atop her powerful black stallion. A helmet adorned with representations of dragon wings under one arm, a sheathed blade of large proportions the hilt carefully constructed in the style of the Knights of the Wyrm. She adjusted the dark blue cloak so that her sword hilt was exposed, a habit formed of a many battles and much training.
Slowly she looked around the area, a hundred paces to her left sat a small but neat farmhouse, the light from inside twinking from its several windows in the late dusk while smoke drifted lazily from the small stone chimney at its southern face. The area around her was littered with farming implements, the family cart, a water cart as well, but all was in its place, neat and orderly. To her left stood a large willow tree, one of several that graced the edges of a small brook which chattered its way past where she stood.
Still a young woman Sasha regarded the tree and the stream through eyes that had seen much in her short life. Her mood was melancholy, she had been doing her best to do what she felt was important but it never seemed enough and the feeling that she was alone seemed to be very great at the moment. So she had come back home to visit her parents, to stand where it all began when Sir Jorim had taken her under his wing and into his care as a squire.
She needed to remember where she began, the idealistic thoughts she had had. Why was she doing this? Why did she persist?
As she stood there remembering the past she let tears flow down her cheeks as she released the frustration and sadness that she had held in check for the last few years. Things still clouded her life, the Corathite priestess still held a lock of her hair and a vial of her blood, Alandric had duped her for the few years he had know her, and Ark...well they had drifted apart in the last year as Ark became more and more distant, there was no future there for her, they were friends now more than anything.
She wondered too about what it was that the church expected from her and ultimately whether she was acting how Rofirein expected her to act.
Sure footsteps and a deep but gentle voice interrupted her musings as her father walked up behind her. Hression, her horse, snorted once then returned to munching on the sweet grass near the waters edge. Hurriedly she dried her eyes before turning to meet her father.
"This might help," he smiled and handed her a freshly pressed handkerchief which she took with a twisted half sad, half pleased smile. Then it dissolved and she was a young girl again crying on her fathers shoulder, letting out all the pent up pain and hurt while he held her in his arms patting her comfortingly on her back.
"Rough few months Sasha?" he finally asked after several moments. Words were mumbled into his shoulder and he laughed softly. Arm still around her shoulder he led her towards the house.
"Come on girl all you need is a nice hot bath and some of your mothers home made soup."
-
Much has come to me of late, pieces of information like parts of a puzzle float around in my head. I received a letter from Storold which indicates he is feeling the same and wants to talk with me. So far I have not been able to find him...but I continue to seek him out. There are things that need to be solved.
Recently I aided Commander Jennara in locating and protecting a deposit of museum treasures from Prantz. It seems they related to dragonography. I made sure the Commander got all the paperwork we could find before we sealed the place once more and went to inform the temple authorities in Fort Vehl. The Commander was going to head back there as soon as possible. I however was posted to other duties.
There seems to be some sort of link to an ancient Rofireinite kingdom that the Commander and I, along with others travelled to some time ago that is related to the current activities of the dragon stealing cultists. I dont have enough information as yet to make the connection, and where does Milara and his goals fit into all this...and Fisterion...all the players are coming to bear and I fear we might be the meat in the sandwich, as my father used to say.
Sure enough if those dragons able to go to war against the corrupted dragons do so the results could be disastrous for people. I know that Rofirein has always stood forth as the guardian. Will he defend us if it comes to that..or will it be left to people such as Commander Jennara, the Holy Voice, and other heirarchy? I know I will stand to protect the people and to protect law and order before chaos in whatever capacity I am called upon to do so.
For now I continue my training, continue my service to the Church and to the Knights as is my duty. I have really focused on learning dwarven over the last few months and I feel I have come along way of late. Once I got my tongue around the rr's and k's its becoming easier. I might just suprise Jacrum next time I see him.
Arks been around a bit more lately, he still has moments where he sits staring into space as if he is deep in thought about things. But when I ask he shrugs me off in that annoying way of his and wont talk about anything but himself. I told him the other day that my father told me I should find a nice man and get married, raise some kids and the like. I have never seen Ark go so pale so quickly. I guess that tells me I could never expect that from him, but then I have always known that. I just dont know how to tell Ark; not that I have met anyone else, my work is too great at present to settle down. Maybe after the problems with the dragons are sorted out...maye then.. time will tell.
-
I have just filed another report at the temple. I am hoping the bits and pieces of information I am supplying dont just end up in a pile on someones desk. Sooner or later they need to start taking this seriously. I know the Commander does its just hard meeting up with her. We each have our duties and they seem to more often or not have us being sent to different regions.
I have however spoken to Argali for us to get together and exchange information. It seems she has been busy herself, the more information we can put together the closer we can get to looking for a solution. Besides it will give me a chance to further test my knowledge of dwarven. Argali and Hilda have been really helpful, Jacrum has too.
*Gently she picks up a small bottle filled with a dark swirling substance then places it down next to a large dragon tooth and another jar filled with a clear liquid and two skeins of a milky white substance.*
I still have yet to take these things to the Azattans in Audiria or the Aeridinite temple in North Point where the Commander told me to take them. It goes against the grain for me to do that since we don't get on well with the Azattans and why would they care about helping a rofireinite. But I guess sooner or later I am going to have to do it. I need to speak to Storold first.
-
I finally met with Storold, alas the information at present seems to be heading in one direction with people I meet. I handed him copies of everything I had to date as I have done with others. The only person who seems even remotely interested in sharing any sort of information is Argali.
I worry that people are taking ownership of information rather than sharing it around. I strongly believe that if people began to share it around others will begin to see just how bad things are in the world in regard to the Dragon Stealers. Hence why I have finally made my decision.
It was while I was learning dwarven with Hilda and we got onto talking about the report I had received from my superiors at the temple. At first I believed they were admonishing me for not getting enough information and I felt terrible. All the pain and sacrifice we went through just to gain the information and insights that we did seemed to be worth nothing. But then I thought about it and could see that they were right to some degree. I had left a trail of unanswered questions. Not through want of trying mind you.
So I talked to Hilda about the plan to go to Phal and she read the letter to me from command and pointed out that they had not ordered me not to go to Phal. I got to thinking about this and one thing Sir Jorim always drummed into me was that if the orders were not specific you go by your gut instinct and do what needs to be done to protect the sanctity of the Knights and the Gold.
So..with that in mind I will investigate the unfinished leads...but after I return from Phal. Thats the most positive lead I have had to date. Since Commander Jennara has not yet got a working antidote I cannot seek out the dragon we sought last time and the other leads are almost certainly at a dead end for the moment.
So in Hilda's words 'kala kur kur' its time to go.
-
Finally I've taken leave to pursue the information I received about Phal. I was a little frightened by the prospect of travelling there but thankfully, having mentioned it to a few close comrades it now appears that we will all go together. I could not be happier. Everyone working together to try and crack this mystery and to bring these people to heel. if we dont manage to do so I fear that we may soon find ourselves in dire straights.
The only problem i have now is I was trying to contact Lady Thea through Angela. However Angela informs me they are not there which is of great concern. I shall ahve to try and contact Alliena or jacchri regarding that matter. It may be that they decided at the last minute to send them somewhere else.
I understand that my superiors may look at this action questionably however I stand firm in the knowledge that I was not ordered not to follow these leads and since I am on leave I am using my own time to pursue this. Thankfully I will have staunch and able comrades to share the journey with.
There is also reason now to actively seek out and bring Gork in for questioning on the counts of theft and also now murder. I shall have to try and locate him when he is in a kingdom that respects law and order and who will aid me in the arrest. In the same vein I have a few questions for Arkolio about the matter as well that I would be interested in seeing answered. im sure he wouldn't have anything to do with it but I swore I would investigate it for Brian.
On a final note my progress in learning the dwarven tongue is coming along. Jacrums been really busy so I have been plying Hilda and Argali to help me. Its finally starting to pay off.
The only other thing of note to date was recent trip to bring back some acolytes who thought they were too big for their own boots and were going to take on some pirates. The High protector Serissa and myself caught up to them and sent them back to the temple to continue their training. It was then the High proteector suggested we finalise the investigation. Since we had some allies there we all boarded some merchant ships chartered by the young initiates and set out to find the pirates. This was from Audiria.
The events that followed are concerning and worth following up. Our ships hull was breached by a massive sea lobster, this thing was almost as big as the ship itself. Then we were attacked by a number of vessels filled with pirates. These were no common pirates, they were well equipped and well organised and seemed to be in control of the creature somehow. We succeeded in capturing one of the vessels and finding some documentation on board before it sunk. The rest were driven off.
It seems they were ordered to sink merchant vessels travelling between Audiria and Belinara for some reason and to avoid confrontations with the Sederan navy. For what purpose we are not sure but there is more here than meets the eye and will require further investigation.
-
I picked up this journal yesterday and realised how far behind I am. Where does the time go! Mind you I dont think Ive stopped travelling long enough to sit down and write something for some time now.
To complete the entry I started on our trip to Phal would almost take another diary. Needless to say I am convinced that Phal resides in the hands of the Dragon Stealers. They have a so called pet Dragon which is called Bastion and is as corrupt as the other ones we have seen. The problem is that somehow the dragon stealers are able to control these ones. Something they do or use gives them control over them.
Further to this however was the follow up myself and others did regarding the pirates attacking Sederan merchant ships. This turned out to be a hair raising mission. We located the lair of the hired 'pirates' but as we prepared to lay seige to them a corrupt dragon swooped down from the skies and obliterated them. The remaining Sederan navy commanders called it a victory. I called it confusing. That is until a few days later I heard that Sedera had signed a trade deal with the Kuhl kingdom where Phal lies. In my heart I know that this so called trade deal is some sort of submission to the threat of a dragon attak on Sedera. Proving it however will take a lot more doing. The world has become fragmented, each ruler only interested in what happens within their own borders, no one wants to look outside that. If people don't start doing so the Dragon Stealers will topple each kingdom one by one until there won't be enough left to band together to withstand them.
For now I do what I can. I have requested an audience at Spellguard to look into the problem of how the dragons are being located by the Dragon Stealers, so far it has not been answered.
Something unexpected has happened however. High Justicier Reus and Sir Breten Parth summoned me to the temple in Fort Vehl to report personally on the details of my mission to Phal. I felt nervous as first because Captain Gabrielle was also in attendance. We spoke briefly together with the High justicier while waiting for Sir Breten to arrive. While we were doing so several young temple Guardian trainees broke protocal and entered the temple cutting into our conversation. The High Justicier was not impressed until he learnt why they had done so.
No one knows much about how or why the taint exists in the crypts in Vehl. Repeated attempts to sanctify the site over the years have all failed, and so the Rofireinites keep a close eye on it and keep the numbers of undead to a minimum. The young Guardian trainees reported that while training in their they came under attack from much more powerful undead than any of them had ever seen in there and that the young acolytes they were protecting felt a dreadful presence there.
Being the senior officer present Captain Gabrielle ordered me to go and investigate the crypts while she mustered up some knights to follow after. The High Justicer promised to summon three or four serving clerics to join the knights.
As I left the temple with the Guardian trainees I noticed my friend Tori in the crowd. I called her over and after explaining what was happening she agreed immediately to come with me. All set we entered the crypts.
Tori explained to me that there was indeed some alteration to the taint within the crypts and also some other stuff I didnt really pay much attention to to be truthful. There were undead for sure, the common ones that inhabit the place but there were also other ones, larger, more powerful and carrying heavy weapons. It was a standard hunt and destroy mission. We located the pockets of undead and eliminated them cutting and blasting our way to the lower levels where Tori insisted she felt the emanations from.
There were several encounters where it was touch and go and only the combined resources of sword and divine power could overcome the undead.
Deeper and deeper we delved the more the undead tried to stop us as if driven by some as yet unseen force. Finally breaking through into the lair of the resurfacing horror we found another in its place. Somehow the resurfacing horror had been laid in stasis unable to rise and a new creature stood in the place. Tall and dark haired with pale white skin, the man, I call it that for it resembled one was setting up a number of oddly glowing devices.
Each one vibrated in a different tone than the one next to it and from these things the undead taint from the place was being augmented creating much more powerful undead as each new device was placed.
Tori pointed out to me briefly that the creature was a powerful vampire but I had little time to react as the creature swept towards us with lightning speed. As it did so it drew forth a large dark steeled blade and it was then I noted the heavy armour it wore, overlapping sections of cobalt and the huge shield. No symbols indentified it, no colours adorned it except for the dark blue steel of the armour, the black of the blade and the white of its skin.
The battle that followed tested my every skill with the blade, the creature attacked with the speed, ferocity and strength that only the undead can. Tori did what she could to keep me vertical during the battle but apart from that she had little that could affect the creature, and so it came down to steel verses steel. I dont remember much of the battle nor how long it raged for but when it was over the creature lay at my feet and in a final act Tori lay holy water then cleansing divine fire over its corpse to end it completely. it was only then the devices began to disintigrate and the resurfacing guardian begin to arise once more.
Returning through the dark corridors we encountered Sir Breten some knights and clerics all ready to aid. Tori and I must have looked a sorry sight as Sir Breten immediately ordered them to tend to us and help us from the crypts.
It was not till later that I learnt that Sir Bretens sweep of the crypts had confirmed that the threat was over. At the subsequent, delayed meeting about Phal I was shocked when Sir Breten announced that in light of my past and present actions in the service of Rofirein and the Knights of the Wyrm that he was promoting me to Unit Captain.
I spent that night with my family on the farm. My father actually had tears in his eyes when I told him, he was so proud of me, and my mother she sent some of the famr workers into the town to tell everyone to come out to th farm for an impromptu get together. I think just about the whole village were there, all my old friends, everyone. If ever I felt alone or lost in the world I always know I can come home.
The only uncomfortable part was when my father asked me when I was getting married. I couldnt tell him that Ark would never agree to anything like that or that while I held a deep affection for Ark I couldnt call it true love, nor that I knew that Ark could never be faithful. So I just smiled and waved my hand around a bit and just said I was still waiting for the right one or something to that effect. It was pretty uncomfortable but the rest of the night was great..and very humbling.
I have now returned to work in my new position, which fits like a comfortable gauntlet, with renewed vigour and a freshness I havent felt for some time.
-
I almost laughed at the irony of my last entry. How eager, how full of spirit I was just a short time ago. So long a journey and so quick a fall. Is that what I am now, a fallen. I have read stories of those in the past who have fallen from grace and now I find myself among them. I cannot walk the streets of Vehl anymore without sneers and laughter behind my back.
I cannot stand to look at myself in the mirror for everytime I do I see the mark. Cut into my flesh when I had no power to resist. Where was Rofirein then, where was he when we stood before the ancient enemy, where was he when his claws burned into my flesh. Where is he now....
If he exists I have not seem it. if he exists then he allows these things to go on and does nothing. Prantz, the ancient enemy, the corruption of dragons, the death of innocents. What did I fight for? I no longer see clearly. Then there are the dreams. Terrible dreams that awaken me at night, and it burns, it burns so badly. I want it to end, I can't see clearly my way anymore, my vision is clouded by the need for vengeance and the need to punish those who have destroyed my life.
I cannot serve Rofirein anymore and do what I know needs to be done. I must take vengeance and punishment into my own hands. I will bring down the Dragon Stealers, I will do unto them what they have done to me. An eye for an eye I will take. My life is ruined, everything I wanted to be is ruined, I can no longer serve the Great Dragon...Great Dragon...thats almost humorous.
I am no longer his instrument, how can I be, the life I had and wanted is lost to me. Now those who did this will pay. It is time now, time for vengeance.
-
*rough sketches are now spread chaotically over the edges of her pages, sketches of fire and claws and an odd symbol dressed in flames*
I have always had trouble with anger..now I find it rises more and more quickly to the surface. Frustration gives way to anger more frequently. I stood within earshot of Daralith not long ago and it was all I could do to stop myself from drawing my sword and cutting his vapid head from his shoulders. The worst thing is...at the time I could think of nothing that could have given me greater pleasure. Am I losing myself? Has despair brought me so low? I have these dreams now...burning....watching..
My sword lives as a part of me, it tasted the blood of the Drachs and of those who serve the Dragon Stealers recently...euphoria..finally I could act..I could seek vengeance against those who have taken my life from me. Vengeance..a dish best served cold..but my rage and my anger burns within me..I try to control it...control...can I?
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Several steps closer....saviours of Tulam we have become. Now..an audience with the Queen....the enemy are making inroads and securing pieces in their advance..now we begin to lay ours. Finally there is a chance we can mount a counter attack at some point in the future.
Oddly the taste for battle burns strong, finally to taste the blood of the enemy pushes me onwards. I despair sometimes that it is his influence through his mark....but...maybe, it was always in me. I never really heard the voice of Rofirein, I never heard his message truly, I served the idea, the cause; sword, shield, honour, ideal, Justice. What the world saw and preceived was all to me I would make them respect the Dragon, by the sword if necessary. Was that wrong? If my present condition is any indication...I was...I dont know now...all i know is the burning desire to bring down the Dragon Stealers that sits heavy in my heart.
That idea is gone from me now...I am alone in the dark places where only fire and revenge dwell. I wait..I hone the edge of my sword. I practice with the new sword, it was specially made to defeat dragons, and I wait. Wait for my chance of revenge, my chance of bringing down those that destroyed everything in my life I held dear...everything. Justice........
-
*On yet another page after several pages of scrawl and badly drawn caricatures of dragons, drachs and other weird things a list is entered including several scratchings out and re-writing of additional numbers. The heading over the list reads...Kuhl*
180 platinum helmets
30 Adamantium helmets
44 adamantium daggers
100 iron daggers
45 adamantium daggers
40 iron short swords
40 iron longswords
15 iron bastard swords
8 suits of bronze half plate
30 iron chain shirts
12 Iron Chain mail
12 suits of iron full plate
24 platinum chain shirts
18 suits of platinum chain mail
8 suits of platinum full plate
20 suits of Ancient Dire bear armour
485,000 trues
-
The General and the Queen are both saved but the situation has become far more serious than ever imagined. We lost Kuhl...there is nothing else to say, it was our fault, we knew what was needed and yet we failed to act in time and now we pay the penalty.
I cannot believe that so many stood there proclaiming their solidarity to save the Queen but then when challenged to support her afterwards there was a resounding silence. Only Sala, my old friend was willing to pledge to aid the Queen and her people. I felt ashamed, embarrased that I was with those people in that moment. Sallaron would have too...he knew the score, what was required, he was the only one not to return, he sacrificed himself to see the Queen to safety and what did he get in return. They all stood there like mutes when asked to step up to the plate.
I will fight on...but I cannot do it alone..with Sallaron gone..who do I trust? Where do I go? My mind is in turmoil. The only time I am at peace is when I practice with my sword or am in battle. There I can be me, there is no time for second thoughts, for doubt, for fear, there is only action, reaction, precision.....perfection.
I am what I am, Lord Alexander called me a knight, I was....once....now I am merely a warrior, I am a warrior of Justice and Order and somehow....somehow...I shall make it so...the Dragon Cult..shall be brought to heel...or die.
-
*the page is marked as if tears have fallen upon its coarse form and then dried, in some cases the ink is marked as if the tears were tried to be brushed from the page*
Why is it that no matter what I do...I fall short. Everything I attempt...is not enough. The farthest I go..is not far enough. I try to follow my heart and yet its obvious I am not listening hard enough. I try to think thinks through....but it seems I have not thought enough. This is how I feel.
All I have thought about since my fall from grace is to be rid of this cursed mark once and for all and now after such sacrifice, such heartache, such...hard....work....it still is burning on my chest, eating its way into my soul. How much is enough. How much blood needs to be spilled, how much of my life needs to be sucked out of me!
In the attack recently to reclaim the Tear for the ancient enemy I called upon his power. Others resisted the call, Argali, strong and brave..she resisted. I didn't, I couldn't, anger had consumed me, unnatural anger, to have come so far and be so close to our goal, so close to the chance to remove this taint once and for all! Only once its gone can I even begin to ask Rofirein for his forgiveness. We could not go on without someone making the sacrifice to call upon his allies to aid us. We were damned if we did and damned if we didn't.
Now....now.....allies becomes enemies, we fight each other, I find there are fewer and fewer people I can trust. Where is the order that once prevailed...where are the laws that once people adhered to...things I fought for in those years of service to Rofirein. Things I still fight for now without his blessing. Can I feel anymore lost than I do at this moment? How much more must I give before I can chose to live my life the way I wish to, how long before I can turn and ask Rofirein to forgive me and put myself at his mercy.
I cannot go before him until I am rid of this taint. I know people do not love me for handing the Tear back to Fisterion, but there could be no other choice. It was a decision made not even in consideration of myself. If Shadrixkayl obtained both Tears no one would be safe in this world. With Fisterion and Shadrixkayl both with Tears the balance is restored. The human cities across Mistone and Alindor are safe from further attacks for now and its one less demon we have to worry about in this war.
I fear I tread in a wilderness with the light that is Rofirein and my true self being crushed smaller and smaller with each failure or each time I reach out and fall short. Even in this last mission it was Sallaron and I at the end who saw clearly what had to be done and even that was snatched from us for nothing. People stood by and watched as Abiorn struck us both down with hardly a care. How do people fall so far that they murder without a second thought. And Steel....I have no words I can write that describe the disappointment and hurt over what he did and what he condoned to be done to us. Trust is a commodity these days of which I find I am having less and less.
-
And out of darkness and chaos a light appears, an offer of hope, an extended olive branch that I cannot but reach for and grasp onto with all my might.
Free, for the first time in years since the ancient enemy bound me to him against my will. Free, since I allowed the group I was with to cajole me into accepting the taint of the Shadow. Free, finally...to rebuild what little of a life I have.
Now that my mind and thoughts are my own truly I have a new direction. Argali and I have come up with a plan...a plan which we now seek to put into action. But it requires knowledge, knowledge that we must seek from those still alive who participated in the Bloodwars.
-
At last...my heart soars...in the last months I have finally removed the taint cast upon me by the Ancient Enemy and the Deepening Dark. A momumental undertaking in itself. Now...as i find my way again with free will a servant of Fisterion comes to me once more, a Wyrm bonded much like we were, but powerful beyond measure, a master swordsman of the like I have not witnessed before. He offered me a place in Fisterions service, he offered me the finest sword I have ever laid eyes upon to weild in the name of Fisterion. I had only to accept his offer.
So many have told me how easy it is to succumb, how easy it is to just accept whats given, grasp power when its offered. Yet that was not how I was raised, all that I am I owe to my father, my mother and to Sir Jorim and...to Rofirein.
I believed my life to be ruined when the Ancient Enemy took me as one of his forcibly. But I rejected the offer, I saw in the reflection of that blade who i truly was, who i had always been, who I will always be...there is only one Great Gold, only one Dragon who will stand up for the people of this world and therefore I stand with him, and I stand with those who serve him.
After that moment of realisation, of true self identity, for the first time in years I stepped foot within the temple of Fort Vehl, a simple person coming to morning prayers. To say the feeling of being home once more was overwhelming and as I prayed with head bowed I wept tears, for what was, what is and what is to come. But I left there....with a new purpose, an uplifting of my heart I had not felt for many years.
I serve Rofirein, I serve the principles he calls us to honour, I serve the people of this world who want to live with order around them, who want peace and prosperity for themselves, just a small piece that they too can call their own.
In the eyes of my god I am now given a second chance, in the eyes of the Faith I must still earn much...but for now..with a joyful heart I can once again focus on the task at hand. Dealing with the Dragon Stealers!
-
*Sasha sits at the desk in her training room at home, sweat stands out on her body from the set of combat manouvers she had just completed. Complicated and elaborate training moves to keep her sword skills at their highest level. Morning and evening she drills relentlesly, sometimes in full armour, other times in light clothes as she had just done. She dabs at her forehead with a light towel that she had drapped over her broad muscular shoulders. For a moment she examined her arms out before her, slender yet hard and muscled with numerous scars from past battles. They were an extension of her body and almost seemed unnatural to her without her large blade and shield held firmly by her hands.She wiped the sweat from her flat, hard stomach then dumped the towel on a nearby combat dummy and picked up a quill to write.*
For now, I settle, I gather information, I train and prepare for the coming battle. I plan to be there to stop them, wherever, whenever they choose to strike. I dedicate any spare time I have now to ensuring I am at the peak of physical fitness, that my blade is merely an extension of thought and mind. When I am in battle I am only one when my blade and I are in unison. There can be nothing else beyond the pure thought of mind. I am the blade, the blade is me, I am the mithril, the mithril is me, I am the cutting edge, the cutting edge is me, I am part of the lines of symmetry, the lines of symmetry are me, I am balance, balance is me, I am poise and poise is me, I am a martial force with full purpose and resolve, the martial force of purpose and resolve is me.
I know my weaknesses, I know my strengths, I must take to the enemy with my strengths.
-
It seems people do not take easily to the new me. My sense of duty and purpose, my sense of justice makes people feel uncomfortable. My mother often says that the truth hurts. While I have not seen my family for far too long...since my fall to be truthful they have appeared in my thoughts of late. I know I should go back to see them, especially now since the enemy seem to have forces moving through Mistone but each time I book the ticket to travel there I falter. I don't know what it is, perhaps it is that I can handle being judged by anyone on this earth...but my own parents. Until I can face that then I will not make that journey.
I have heard that some have organised to meet with Xora but so far I have not heard if I can travel with them, Steel has taken up his own agenda, I hear nothing from Jennar anymore which I can understand, in her eyes I must still seem disgraced. Storold no longer communicates, everything he is doing has become highly secretive, Sallaron has all but disappeared and while he denies it, his continued link to the Ancient Enemy has changed him I fear. Even Argali to some extent has gone her own way. Rarely do I see Ark anymore and when I do he's decided he can take decisions over life and death into his own hands. So what do I do.
I do all that I can do. I train, I watch, I wait. I push myself to the limits of physical exertion to be the perfect warrior. I have seen and I have fought those in the Deep who spend hundreds of years to perfect the use of a weapon. I don't have that long...I only have a human lifetime.
I may have restored my faith in Rofirein but I fear I still have a far greater task ahead of me to restore faith in the eyes of my peers within the church. I feel their eyes on me every time I enter the temple in Vehl. I know they whisper behind my back and point but I don't care anymore. I am there for Rofirein.
-
*Sasha stood over the dwarven smith as he laboured at his work, the heat in the forge is intense and the sounds of metal ringing on metal, the hisses of boiling water from the other forgers created a cacophany of sound around the glowing orange light created by heated metal.
"Deh metal beh ready nauw iffn yea 'ave dey words roight."
Sasha nodded at the burly figure and took from her pocket an old crumpled piece of parchment, kept long and in secret, a gift from Gabby so long ago, gifted to her in turn by a great man and gifted to him by an even greater one. Over the din she read the words, poorly if she knew the truth but she did so anyway.
"Wha' are yea daft? Dat nay beh makin any sense loike." The dwarf grumped up at her.
Sasha regarded the engraver closely, his matted beard and bespectacled face, dull orange reflecting off the metal rims.
"Just do it, it does mean something, something that has been lost for a long time."
The dwarf shrugged broad but stooped shoulders and turned back to the gleaming sword that lay across his lap. Nearby a heated fine tipped forge iron and a glowing crucible of heated silver rested ready for the final etching.
The dwarf rubbed a thickened dirty thumb across his check, shrugged once and got to work over the blade of a large sword that rarely left the hand of the warrioress that stood over him watching each step of the process with intensity.
When it was finally done he breathed over the inlay then stood and quenched the blade in a deep vat of water before handing it awkwardly, hilt first back to her.
Sasha gripped it reverently and admired the inlaid inscription in the blade.
"Khuiedr Tyhuekyra" she whispered softly to herself.
"Wha's dat?" quipped the dwarf with a hand cupped around one ear.
"Nevermind," Sasha replied, "it's perfect. You've done well Master Engraver. Thank you." She dropped a heavy pouch on the table next to the dwarf. He picked it up and judged the weight with a pleasant suprise before ambling off to his next customer.
With a long hiss the blade slid smoothly into the sheath by her side and Sasha strode from the smithy, determination in every step.
-
And thus another chapter of my life has ended. Ark has gone and got married. I don't know really how to explain how I feel about that. For years we have been together and yet we have been apart. Not really a couple, me involved in my work and him involved in himself. I don't hold it against him, in fact its almost a relief in some ways. I knew that nothing could really ever come of our relationship. I call it a relationship but I'm not sure what it really was. Yet, somewhere inside a part of me laments at the loss, have I lost a chance? My head tells me no, its the best thing for all of us. My heart I guess finally realises the truth and while I am sure we will remain friends I feel I have lost some part of me, a part that perhaps I kidded myself that ever was and yet it was a large part of me. I am sure that doesn't make that much sense if anyone read this but it does to me, in a way.
I should thank him really. Now I am free to pursue my own path, the uncertainty of whatever it was we had has been removed, yet the removal of it leaves me feeling....odd, empty? No, I dont think that's the feeling, I guess it's more like something I've lost that I never really realised how much I cared about. Perhaps, in some way, this is a sign from Rofirein, a clearing of the path so that I can focus on tasks at hand.
The road ahead is fraught with controversy. I stand to embark on a mission to reclaim that which I have lost, to clear my name and step back into the role I know I was born for. The Knights of the Wyrm.
-
Am I cursed to constantly strive and yet not achieve? or am I simply going against the ebb and flow of the life that Rofirein wants me to pursue?
Not even a week after I sent in my application for a hearing for a chance to be once again reinstated into the Knights of the Wyrm and I am sent a 'care' package containing items stolen from the Kingdom of Illarial. A place I went to as a young Knight and swore I would never return too.
Doing what I thought was right I presented the items to High Justicier Reus to be given my marching orders and for it to be assumed I was somehow responsible for the items being taken in the first place. Yet again my name smirched in mud on the cusp of putting forward my case for reinsatement. Everything I have done in the name of Rofirien in my life has almost been brought low each and every single time I act. I would forgive others of giving up, of throwing in the towel as such frustrations and barriers and yet I continue to push forward. My mother always said I had a tendency to be pig headed and stubborn when obstacles were put in my way. How much is enough? I've often asked myself that question, How much is enough? How much can I take before I give in, before I just turn and refuse to fight any longer? What happens then?
Always the same answer comes back to me. If I dont fight, who will fight for the people? Who will defend them when they need it the most? Who will bring them stability and Justice when they need it most? Who will restore order when chaos threatens? Words can only do so much. When the time comes for swords and shields to bring peace and justice then that is when I come. I am the Sword and I am the Shield of Rofirein in the eyes of these people. I will be the one who stands for them and before them. With or without the backing of the faith I will be there when it matters for I serve Rofirein and that I have come to realise...is all that matters.
Thus now that I have returned the items to the Kingdom of Illarial and sworn to the King I shall never return I must once again turn my attention to the Cult as they once again rear their ugly heads and perhaps this time we can cut them off before they destroy us all.
-
A year passes...
The door swings open, the familiar sounds and smells assail her and her walls come crashing down, tears flow openly once held back by rigid control and forced determination.
"Mum." Is all she can manage and shes once more the little girl who used to run to her mum when she had hurt herself on the farm where she grew up.
"There, there dear. Come inside, you'll catch a cold." Aged but gentle hands stroke her head and soothing words come forth as she is led to the kitchen table and is sat down in one of the chairs. An elderly man immediately stokes he kitchen fireplace to bring water to the boil and without asking begins to prepare a tea.
Peace, safety, release. Here she can simply be and its safe, here she can let down her walls, and its safe, here she can simply be a little girl once again with no worries and no concerns, at least...for a time.
Soon, reluctantly, she dries her eyes on a towel offered her by her father along with a steaming mug of fresh tea. A reassuring hand clenches her shoulder and he sits in his usual seat. Her mother releases the bonds holding her long hair in a tight pony tail and quietly brushes it out. With each brush tension eases from her body, the tea settles her and there is a comforting silence for a time.
"Thank you." Is all the words she can muster, not wanting the moment to end. Five years had passed and she had not had the strength to return home. With all that had gone wrong in her life she couldn't face them. Couldn't face their judgement.
"You took your time girl," her father moved slightly on his seat, the chair creaked as it always did, familiar sounds.
"I'm sorry father, I...I.." the shame of telling him she was no longer a knight, that she had served not one, but two evil dragons, that she had been used as a pawn by unknown forces in having property stolen from a holy Rofirein site, that she felt that she had failed in so many duties that she just didn't know whre to begin and that she had tried to warn the faoth about the Cult and it all just seemed to fall on deaf ears, that Arkolio was dead and that she realised she already knew that she could never commit anything more to her present lover if he asked, it all came crashing down on her head at that moment and she couldn't bear to look her father in the eye.
Her mother stopped brushing her hair and laid the silver and wood brush on the table then sat beside her and her father stood and sat on her other side, dragging a nearby chair across to do so.
"I seem to remember a long time ago a young girl who wanted so desperately to become a knight, with all the glory and flashing swords and hero's welcomes and all such nonsense. Rubbish talk, she'll grow out of it I used to say. Then that day those men hurt you and Sir Jorim saved you and brought you to us I knew then what you would become. I tried to deny it and when Sir Jorim asked to take you as his squire I selfishly wanted to say no. I knew what you would become and I wanted to say no, to spae you all of this. But, the truth is my dear daughter that everything you have gone through to date is the measure of who we are. Do you think at the end of our lives when Rofirein looks into our hearts and judges us he judges us by the way people feel about us or what they think?" There was a long pause as he let his words sink in. "Its what we do in and by his name thats important, what we do, not anyone else, not what anyone else makes us do, what we do. Our decisions, our responsibilities, our hearts are what he judges. He does not measure us by human standards he sees far more than that. we have to have faith in that, trust in that, make our peace with that. That is who we are, that is our measure. If you can look into your heart and believe that you have fought for the right path, the right action, for justice and honour then that is the faith you hold onto, always." Her fathers work worn hands closed over her own. "I love you Sasha, you are my daughter, my own flesh and blood, and I...have....faith...in...your...heart. No matter what." He squeezed her hands gently while her mother rested a kind hand on her shoulder and together they sat for some time in each others company.
-
*Many years later the old and tattered diary is found amongst some old papers and dragged out once more*
So much has happened over the last ten years I really dont know where to start. It's all Razeriems fault really. Had I not recelved that letter from him the other day I would never have gone through my old stuff. I was content being Marshal in Lor and now this, after several years he sends me a letter asking for help.
I thought I was over this adventuring business, goodness knows there are enough issues to keep me in Lor for a hundred lifetimes. But he has appealed to my honour and....our friendship. I cannot say no to the latter. Before I knew it I had penned a letter to the mayors asking for a leave of absence for an extended leave of absence. Ten years in Lor and barely a day off and now I ask for a full year. I was suprised they granted it, and granted it so quickly. I will leave the place in good hands for a time, and I shall go and help my friend.