Journal of a travelling poet

[Meizter]

My travels have taken me far lately. Just yesterday I was in a large party that was supposed to get an old man safely to North Point. That is indeed far away, on Dregar to be precise. We met in Port Hampshire, and travelled from there as a group. It was a splendid trip, and it was wonderful to see all these new places, wrought with danger. Especially dangerous are the pixies that live in the forest near North Point, they killed several of us when we came travelling through the forest. The old man, Joshua, even showed us the houses of the legendary Oz and also the home of Thordan Ironheart. I was tempted to go there and knock on his door, so that if he were home I could have met him, but then again why would he want to spend time with a lowly poet such as I?

I have performed my song of the Stonesmashers at the Wild Surge, and I do think people liked it, that makes me happy. I am sure my father would be proud of me; I am like a storyteller of old times.

[Meizter]

I don’t know if I have ever been this happy. My skill and work is really appreciated. Today I met Varka, whom I have not seen for a long time. I still recall when he showed me the way to Fort Llast not long after I arrived in Hlint, but that is another tale for another time.

Anyways, it seemed that him and his friend had a bit of trouble getting past a door in a crypt and asked for my assistance in the matter. I joined them and in the Grey Peaks we went down into the crypt, but no luck in opening the door, I am simply not skilled enough as a locksmith.

We went back to Hlint and soon met up with Brant, Dyness and more of those I know well. For a long time we discussed our course of action. Varka would like to have mined silver on Dregar, but we were recommended not to by a wizardess. I have seen her around Hlint before and belive her name is Dashiva, she seems quite capable and powerful, although she spends much time watching others it seems. Anyways we decided to go kill the lizardfolks to the east, and it was a quite simple task with a party as powerful as us. We did well and handed in the leaders head to the captain of the Hlint guard. Then after more discussion we decided to go to the Battle Fens and see what was there. It was a long and dangerous journey, but company was good I must say. We joined up with a dwarf named Fenrir, who is a most agreeable fellow, and a able fighter. Passing through the battle fens we killed lizardfolks and trolls before we came to what some said was a mine, a platinum mine in fact. We decided to go for a look, and we actually got a little platinum with us out of there. But it is a dangerous place, and the trip back to Hlint was indeed not an easy one either.

On the way we spoke of many things, and I agreed to tell Varka and Fenrir the poem of the Stonesmasher Clan. Varka had heard of my recital at the inn he said, and he told me that even stout warriors such as Kobal had felled a tear, probably not something I should bring up though. Well back at Velensk I told them the tale and they indeed did like it. Varka even said that if there was ever to be a dwarven feast in Bloody Gate then I should be their bard for the evening even though I am not a dwarf. I take great honour in this, and it means much to me indeed. All the way back to Hlint Fenrir hummed the tune of the poem, and we spoke a lot of music and life. He and Varka did sing in the mines, and it sounded impressive I must say, although some did not like it. Still as we spoke we got to speak of the dwarven language and Fenrir agreed to teach me some dwarven words when we have the time. I look forward to this; it can add a new layer to my works indeed. But still what is so wonderful is that my work is now really acknowledged by others, it makes me want to become like the skalds of home even more. In that way I can do what I am good at and love doing, as well as making my father proud. Thank the gods for this day.

[Meizter]

Met Ulver today, it has really been a long time, but it was good to see him again. He is an uncle now he told me, must be nice with a family like that. However we agreed to go mining in the Sielwood mines as he needed copper for his arrows and I gems to hone my skill in cutting those. On the way we were joined by Reav, a human who has been raised by dwarves, and Melissa. I was so happy to see her, and I think she was glad to see me too.

Oh another thing, I told Ulver and Reav what Fenrir and Varka had said of my work and that Fenrir would teach me dwarven words, and they both said that it was a great honour, as dwarves do not take friends easily. I indeed do feel honoured by their acceptance of me and I hope I can do their trust just.

Anyways Melissa joined us and it was most enjoyable. She is so good company, although she flirts with everyone she meets, but I think, no I hope that she sees me as something more. I think about her every day, she is always there before my eyes when I close them. I wish to tell her how I feel, but I am afraid she will laugh at me, and perhaps find me strange or just dumb. Still she said to me in the mine that she was my muse, and I agreed, she does indeed give me inspiration in my works, and she is always good company. Before we parted later on in the evening I gave her some money she needed for some dyes…..for her underwear! Couldn’t help thinking about that, and we jokingly spoke of it too, although she probably meant nothing with it. I promised her to compose a poem for her, as a sign of the inspiration she gives me. I hope she will like it.

[Meizter]

My mind is torn. I have to make a hard choice indeed. Today when I was walking around Hlint I saw a sign being put up outside the Wild Surge. An audition for the Ineffable Chord was to be held there. I have heard of the Chord before, and it is a most impressive group of the fines musicians, singers and actors. To be a part of them would indeed be a great honour for anyone. As I went inside I was told that the Dorian would be there later that evening for the auditions, so I went to the bar and got myself the cooks special and a good mug of ale. Then while looking for a seat I heard song from the back of the inn, apparently the auditions had already begun. Although I did not have intentions of performing I still went to see, perhaps the Dorian could tell me of the skalds of the world.

At the back of the inn, Rag was performing before a lady who watched her closely. After her performance she told Rag that she would never be good enough for the Chord, and in my opinion she was quite rude about saying that. Still as they were done I approached the lady and asked her if she indeed was the Dorian of the Chord. I didn’t even get my sentence done before she commanded me to sing. As I had no intention of that I continued to speak but was only met by the same command again. So I sang for her, the story of the paladin and the minstrel, my oldest work. It seemed she listened closely, but when I was done she said it was not very good, and that the rhymes were indeed poor. It is an old poem of mine, but still I did not think it as poor as she apparently did. None the less she asked me to sit, and introduced herself as Kimmanii Nall’sivaee or Kim for short. I gave my name and took a chair and then we began what became a lengthy discussion. She said I had talent, but needed training, and that I should seek out the House of Song in Rodez, the home of the Chord. I even got a card from her saying that I was to be admitted into the first exams. For a time we spoke of the Chord and the beauty of music, before I posed the question I had wanted to pose all this time. Did she know of a skald, and how I might learn their secrets? That led into a long and heated debate on whether or not one should seek combat and destruction when one could make beautiful things such as music and song. I said that even though you might be a skilled musician it would not save you from brigands on your travels, for that you would need a blade. And in my opinion the combination of combat and music can indeed be beauty. Think of the fluid graceful moves of the blade as it slices through the air and then flesh and bone. Can that not be compared to the dancer’s moves, and the flutes gentle whistle to the swish of the blade in motion? However perhaps I did not explain this well enough to her, for she would not see my point. I then explained further that I would also honour my father’s memory by becoming a skald, and she asked how that could be. I then proceeded to tell the tale of how my family was slaughtered and as I told it I felt anger build inside me. I felt how I wanted to make these people suffer, to kill them and the ones they love as they killed my loved ones. One day I will return to Krashin and kill them all, but I will not kill them like a thief in the night, I will meet them in with honour and do battle on an open field, and there I shall tell them my name so they will know who slew them. But I am getting from what I was trying to tell. After I told her this sad tale she did still not understand, and said that honouring my father was not even reason for this. I did not know what to do, and we agreed that I would have until the following night to return to her with my answer.

We parted there in the inn and as I left my mind was divided indeed. For what should I do, I can become a poet of great renown by joining the Chord, but by that I will not do any honour to my father. I know it may seem trivial to many, but it means much to me. I feel so torn between my dreams and what I know is the right thing to do. I have even thought about joining her, for she told me she did indeed know the secret of the skalds, and she had known several of them. Then I would train at the House of Song and there perhaps have the opportunity to find this knowledge one way or the other. Still that would not be right, for then I would betray my words that I would join for the sake of the music itself when I in fact was joining to gain access to knowledge. How would I then ever become a skald, such men cannot be dishonourable, for they are great men to whom many look. No I must tread the unknown and uncertain path and search out a teacher by myself. I will go to her tomorrow and give her my answer and then travel into the world in search of the skalds.

Later on I met Ulver and had a talk with him about the whole deal. His words did indeed comfort me, for he said that I was a man of honour and that I would always honour my family by my choices. It was nice with someone else who seemed to understand me, and I thank him for being there.

While we were speaking we met a man called Rolf, a cleric of Mist, the Lady of the Sea, as she is known. He was quite friendly and in fact he did indeed come from Krashin. What a strange coincidence, there I had been speaking of home earlier and then I meet a man from home. I don’t think he knew my family nor the Egilsons but I did not go into the matter. Ulver and I agreed to take him on a tour of Hlint, and later we met the wonderful Melissa and Rahzon. We all agreed to go mine in the Sielwood Cave and it all went well…for a time. We had fun and company was good. I was so pleased to see Melissa again, for when with her it is as if a burden was lifted of my shoulders for a moment and I could be happy and free. However as we emerged from the cave loaded with ore and rough gems we were beset by spiders. Only a few of them were there but then Rolf ran into the woods and was killed by other spiders. We went back to Hlint and on the way we met him again, on his way to pray at his grave. I offered to make him invisible so he could go there unseen, but after he turned invisible he came and said that he could not find his way to his grave. Melissa and I went with him, resulting in the death of Melissa and Rolf. I myself was struck down while trying to get to Melissa and save her, but alas I failed. I woke up later and the others had returned and killed the spiders, I feel lucky I didn’t become the supper of these spiders. We then finally walked back to Hlint to rest for the night. While walking I thought about Rolf and how he just had charged headlong into the spiders, perhaps he did not know their strength or perhaps he is just foolhardy, still he seemed sorry for getting people killed, and at least that shows that he cares. I don’t know if I like him, he prays an awful lot, always giving thanks and so on. Well I guess he is just a devoted priest, and I should not regard him as less for that, for that must take great strength of will. He may be a good man once I get to know him better, and I am sure that he for one will understand me, like Skarp would have if he had been around, I hope he returns soon.

[Meizter]

I have given my answer to the Dorian. I came see her at the inn and just in the nick of time it seemed as she was packing. I told her that I would not join her in Rodez, for I had chosen that my future was to seek the knowledge of the skalds. She accepted my rejection of her offer, but that’s just my guess. We sat for a while and spoke of things and my decision which she still did not understand. Why would I seek to use my voice to make my enemies quiver in fear. She told me that perhaps I would find what I so desperately seek in the northern parts of Dregar, but she did not tell me more at the time. Still I held to my choice and was just about to leave, since she suddenly grew quiet, when she called me back and told me not to leave until she told me so.

She then told me a tale of the Storm Horn Tribe, who lived in the Storm Horn Mountains on Dregar long time ago. They were known for having incredible voices, and she had sought them out to see these people and perhaps recruit from them. The problem was that the tribe had vanished after giants had taken over the Storm Horns and no one had seen them since. She travelled into the mountains from Highpass Fort, which is located near the mountains. She had after a long time found a tribe in the mountains, but it was not the Storm Horn Tribe. Still she found amongst them a young man who had a great voice, and had him agree to travel with her so she could shape his talent. With a guide they travelled onwards into the Troll Mountains and here one day they heard a most terrible sound from a nearby cave. Out from the cave came four trolls fleeing in panic and behind them, three bald men swinging huge clubs. These men were indeed of the long lost Storm Horn Tribe, and she came with them to their village. Here she spent quite some time, but she was no matter what just an outsider. Still she noticed one man whose name was Herret, who was something of the tribe’s storyteller and shaman. His voice had been like thunder sometimes, but also gentle at times when he carried a newborn child in his arms. Kim tried to get him to leave with her, but he would hear nothing of it, and one day when she woke up the entire tribe was gone. Instead of pursuing them she decided to return to Rodez with the youngster she had following her.

This was indeed a grand tale, and I could not help giving the occational ohh and ahh for which she scolded me. She said it was most impolite to do this while someone was telling something. I gave her my apologies, and then she told me I was too quick to please and I should grow a spine if I wanted to be a warrior. I said nothing of it, and bid her my farewell and left the inn. Still I think she was rude, and I had honestly not thought so of an artist as her, but perhaps with such power come pride, I don’t know. Still when I tell a tale I take it as a sign that my audience likes the story and it makes me even more encouraged to tell it. Should anyone pose a question I try to remember it and then answer it after the tale is done, I do not see this as rude but as a sign that those who listen indeed does listen and thinks about what is being said. Of course there are limits, but I don’t feel like I crossed them. Well perhaps this is just something to justify myself, but no, I think I am right.

After my meeting I quickly rushed to Krandor where Drogi the merchant had put out a call for adventurers. Up there I met Rahzon, Fenrir and Varka as well as many others who also had come for the job. Drogi showed up and told us that the workers we had helped up to their building site in the Sword Rust mountains were being attacked by animals and walking trees. Our task was to see this to an end, and defend the workers. I was chosen as leader of our group and I started out by determining who were to be front liners in combat and who would hold other positions. Then we left for the mountains. On our previous trip there we had not gotten much information, but this time we managed to get Drogi convinced to tell us that a hunting lodge was being constructed for a wealthy man from down south.

In the mountains Na~hani suddenly became ill and weak after suddenly losing consciousness. He spoke of a warning from a druid he had received while passed out. Still we pressed on to the camp. We found many dire animals, and they were indeed quite aggressive, as were the treants that attacked us. The workers told us that they had been attacked often, but we had a feeling that perhaps they had angered a druid somehow, and it turned out they had indeed felled some trees and killed some animals. Still we set about finding the druid so we could speak with her. I divided us into two groups so one could protect the workers while the others found the druid. The druid came to us, and we found out that she could make the animals leave, but not until a gnome living near the camp had moved for his constructs attacked the animals. Of course we then went to the gnome and it seemed he was building an army of constructs to help protect Mistone, a most noble cause indeed. Now this was a sticky situation, as we needed to get the gnome to move, so the druid would move the animals so the workers could be safe. We suggested the gnome to move to the Grey Peaks but we would not move that far. While discussing, I overhead someone speaking of killing the gnome and that would be easier, but I said that such act would not happen while I was leading this group, for we needed a peaceful solution, as no one was doing anything wrong. Finally we made the gnome move to the workers camp and help and protect them with his constructs. With that we solved the situation and we could return to Drogi who met us outside the mountains near Hope. This was indeed fun, and I think I handled leading the group quite well. So I do have a spine, for one without a spine could not do such things, as others would not care for his opinion.

[Meizter]

Was down at Velensk today, and as I was walking around the area I was suddenly approached by a man. He introduced himself as a ranger of the Steel Bears if I recall it correctly. Anyways he asked my business, and I told him I was just out seeing the sights, and looking for adventure. He then informed me that he was on the lookout for a vampire that had been seen in the area. I have never heard of vampires in that area so of course I was intrigued, and offered him my assistance in discovering this foul beast. As we moved eastwards we met a large band of adventurers, and Skarp was with them. It was good to see my brother again I must say, for although we are different I have missed his company. Melissa was there too, looking beautiful as ever. We spoke a little when suddenly the man I had met said his goodbyes. Strange that he did just leave like that, wonder if there was more to him than meets the eye. Anyways I told the others of the vampire and we decided to go to Velensk for a rest and then head out in search of it. At Velensk some left and the rest of us relaxed and spoke for quite some time. We spoke of the vampire and even though I know they are powerful undead I had not imagined that one would have gotten the upper hand of Kobal himself. I was told that he once had been bitten by one, but it had been most sneaky and bitten him from behind.

I told Skarp of my meeting with the Dorian and that I was about to seek out the Storm Horn Tribe to learn the secrets of the skalds. He was most impressed I think and he even said that it would have made our father proud. That really means a lot to me, and makes me happy for my decision. I told of what skalds are and that it was my dream. Still when I spoke of this as my biggest dream it seemed that Melissa was somehow, I don’t know how to explain this, like she somehow changed for a moment, but then she was her old self again. Skarp was quite rude to her though, as she was standing close to him he told her to move away for she gave him the creeps. I told him that he was rude, to which he said that he could not be rude for she was not a lady, but just a girl. This was discussed for a long time, until I finally settled it by saying that Melissa is Melissa, as I am me and Skarp is Skarp. However I did not know that she could use magic, but apparently she can as she during our discussion suddenly made everything dark, to prove a point. I thought she was, well I don’t really know what she is, but she once told me she wanted to be a shadow dancer. I have heard of these masters of being unseen. Some say they can move from shadow to shadow like the wind, and even disappear from sight suddenly. Still no matter what she is or isn’t I still like her, although I think Skarp disapproves.

Well after our debate we decided to investigate this vampire. We moved cautiously north-east from Velensk and soon entered the Dire Woods. It is a most dangerous place for powerful undead roam there. Still we met none, only spiders which we killed although with some difficulty. I noticed that Melissa seemed to harvest the glands from then, wonder what she uses them for since they are quite poisonous. From the forest we moved eastwards and came to the sea, where we were suddenly beset by giants. Skarp fought with great fury, and I myself drew my blade and closed in to aid him in the battle. It was a tough fight but we felled them all, and could enjoy a quiet time watching the ocean. As I was standing there on the cliffs next to Melissa Skarp made another of his small comments, and asked if we should not hold hands. I hate it when he does that, but still I would not have minded that at all, in fact if we had been alone I would have perhaps taken her hand in mine, but not in front of Skarp and Q. I instead gave Skarp and angry look while Melissa jokingly asked if he wanted to hold her hand.

After that we started our trip to Hlint as it seemed that there was no vampire in the area. We took the trail through Sielwood so we could get a pelt for Melissa and retrieve Rag’s necklace which she seemed to have lost once again. I am amazed how someone can lose a necklace that often. Well I guess I’ll never know though. It was a good trip and when we returned to Hlint I had a long talk with Melissa. I told her of my need to travel to Dregar, and she said that it would indeed be a most dangerous journey. She asked me if I would not ask someone to help me, as did Q and Ulver, who we met there, well only his voice since he had been turned invisible by a wizard he said. I told them that I was honoured by the fact that they would help me, but that I would not risk the life of those I hold dear for my own personal gain. For indeed this is personal gain, it is my dream, my hope, and my skill that will benefit from this journey. Perhaps I will not live to tell the tale of it, but then it is only me that is lost and not others and that will be a comfort. We spoke further and then parted for the night.

[Meizter]

I have made a song for Melissa and I think she will like it. I will perform it for her when I get some time alone with her.

There is a lady around,
Whose like is nowhere found.
She treads so softly here,
Like a most gentle deer.

Her hair is red like fire,
Her face is one to admire.
Her voice a sparkling spring,
That joy indeed does bring.

She is a true beauty indeed,
For her attention many plead.
She is a wonderful playful lass,
Who none in beauty shall surpass.

[Meizter]

It has been some long days. I went with Fenrir, Rolf and a few others down into the Haven mines, and we found a good vein of ore, as well as some nice gem deposits. Still Rolf wanted to go down to get the chieftains head, but we said no. It would have been near suicide to go down there just four of us. So instead we went back to Hlint where we had a long talk. Fenrir even taught me a few words in dwarven, let me see if I remember them correctly.

Well met – Th’ha zh’o rurk
I am Geir – A azl Geir (my name in dwarven is Kaah, but they apparently do not translate names.)
Farewell – Waazhazhann
Bard – Poazht

It is a difficult language, but Fenrir took his time to explain it to me. We agreed that we should go to the inn one day and have a hearty round of ale and speak further of this. I do look forward to that, I really like most the dwarves I have met. Well now I can greet them in their own language, looking forward to that.

I spent some time helping Fenrir with the iron ore, making him stronger with my magic and running errands for him, while he was working the metal. I didn’t bother, since he is good company and he paid all my expenses, and it is in my opinion important to help ones friends.

Well we later on met Ulver and just as I was running to the bank I ran into Arwinath. I was glad to see him again, and I think he was glad to see all of us too. We spoke for quite some time and then Rahzon, Ulver, Arw and I went to Rilara, since a farmer there seemed to have a bit of trouble with some scarecrows, but it was not a problem for us. We dispatched the creatures swiftly and then moved on to Fort Himlad. Here we parted ways as I was headed for the Karthy Docks and the others would return to Point Harbor.

In Karthy I got on a ship to Lorindar and made my way through the Forest of Mists all the way to the Serpent Mountains and then the Storm Horn Mountains. Now here in Highpass Fort I have gotten a room and a meal. Outside the wind howls like hungry wolves, and I fear it will be hard to press on into the Troll Mountains tomorrow. I hope the weather will clear; otherwise I will be forced to retreat to lower lands.

[Meizter]

The weather did not clear up from last night, so this morning I decided to go back to Hlint, for no one know how long the weather will stay like that. The trip was easy and quite scenic really, and it was with high spirit that I returned to Hlint. Even found some of those angelica leaves that Fenrir needs, think he’ll be happy to get them.

I met a dwarf whom I have never seen before, and he seemed to have had an accident with some brigands on the road to Llast. I agreed to help him in teaching them a lesson, and when we got there we met up with Gulnyr and Ulver. For a long time we spoke of this and that and it was most enjoyable. Lar and Talan also joined us as well as a dwarf named Bruenor. I asked what Talan thought of my song of the Stonesmashers and the dragon and he seemed genuinely pleased with it. He even said that he perhaps had another tale for me to tell, and we should speak further of this later. I’m glad he likes it, for this gives me a possibility of telling tales of true heroes.

Anyways we parted ways and Ulver, Bruenor and a few more travelled with me to see if there was something about the rumour of a vampire between Llast and Hope. We did however not find any signs of such things, and we then decided to instead put some undead to rest in the crypts in Krandor. It was a though battle all the way and even with Q joining us we were soon out of healing. Still we pressed on and finally recovered the ashes that we were asked to bring to the little girl in Krandor. Still on the way out Q fell as did Rurik as he was run through by skeletons outside the crypts. We of course agreed to go down again to help them put their souls at ease, and it was a hard battle but we succeeded.

I also have gotten me a new pair of gloves, made of the finest lion skin. He gave me those for a lot of pelts I had collected. Actually I then bought a belt of tiger leather from him. It looks so good that I’m sure it will improve my performances as my outfit is even flashier now.

I think I have what it takes to become a skald. I was down in the goblin mines today to get some salt, when suddenly surrounded by goblins. I screamed my battle-cry and to my surprise the goblins all fell to the floor around me, dead! This is what I have sought, and with a teacher I should be able to make this even better. I can’t wait till the weather clears at the mountains and I can go there and search for the Storm Horn Tribe.

On another account, there is something about Melissa. I told her my poem today and she really liked it I think. She even made me a beautiful pair of bat skin gloves as a present for the poem, although I said that the fact that she liked it was payment enough for 10 poems. Still later in the evening we met Maz in the crafthouse in Hlint and Melissa started to say that she knew things about everyone that they wished were secrets. She said that someone has a crush on Maz and I think she actually tricked Maz into saying who she likes. It seems it is Brant, and they do really suit each other, for they are both good friends and fighters. I said that I had no secrets and that Melissa could not know of anything of me. But she said she knows something. Something Skarp has said while I’m not there, and that he had bought her silence with a ring. I saw him give her that ring the other day down at Velensk, but I did not think much of it, as I know he would not do anything as he is already married. Still now it seems he has told her something. I do not know what, but I fear it may be something to put me on the spot, and I don’t want that. I’ll have to talk to him as soon as possible and demand an answer. Melissa also said that Brant seems to dislike her; he won’t even sell her weapons. Neither I nor Maz have ever seen Brant like that to anyone, and it puzzles me I must admit. When Melissa left us, Maz told me that I should be careful of her, for she was playing with my heart. I know it is true, but I cannot help it, I am so taken by her. Still Maz said I was a good man and a good friend to many and that makes me glad. I try to be there for the ones I know and help them if I can. We spoke further of Melissa and I must admit it was good talking to Maz about that. Somehow it is easier to speak to a woman about these things.

[Meizter]

I made a good business deal today. I was out digging clay for some ring moulds when I ran into Kobal. He also needed clay and I told him he could just dig away as I was going in with a loaded ox. We got to speak a bit, and as I still need to practice my mould making skills, I offered to make moulds for him for his weapon casting. We in fact agreed that he would pay me with gems I need for my jewellery for every box of moulds I bring him, quite a good deal for me I think, and also for him I am sure. I have yet to meet a dwarf who does not make a fair trade, and Kobal did not change that. He is in fact very friendly, perhaps when I have seen him around before he has been preoccupied, for I indeed did like his company although it was brief.

*Written in a shaking hand unlike anything else in the journal*
I just met Brant. It has indeed been a long time since I have seen him, and it was good to see him again. We met just outside Hlint while preparing for a little hunt, and we had quite the group gathered. However Brant, Maz, Rahzon and I were more occupied by talking even though the others seemed quite impatient. Rahzon was going with Brant to get a new sword, and I tagged along, as I would not risk my neck with the plans the others made for hunting. They would hunt trolls and giants or even lizardmen, and both Brant and I agreed that it would surely get someone killed, perhaps even most of them. So instead we went to Leilon and there the talk fell on Melissa. Brant said that Tharloss had sold a couple of iron rapiers and that he knew to whom, to which I replied that it had to be Melissa. Brant did not like her he said, as he did not like her kin. This surprised me as to me she looks like an ordinary girl, beautiful beyond anything but still a girl. However Brant told me that she is demon breed. I had no idea. It was like my whole world shattered at that moment, how could she be a demon. He also told me that she is a liar and a thief, but she has never lied to me, not that I know of that is. Perhaps this has all been a lie, perhaps she does not like me, I do not know. I of course asked how he could know this, and he said he could feel it when around her, like he could with all her kin. Brant is a good friend and I have known him for long, which is why I did listen to him. Had anyone else said this to me I would have laughed at them and called them jealous, but not Brant. I don’t know what to do, but he said that I should be careful with her, for she is not as she seems. What shall I do, Melissa means so much to me, I like her and when I’m around her I feel as if I could take on the world. But what if she is demon-kin, will she then put a knife in my back when I least expect it. I have not told others of this, and I don’t think even Rahzon heard all of it, which probably is for the better. I must confront Melissa with this; it is the right thing to do. She will probably think ill of me and hate me for that but I need to know. I need to know if I mean nothing to her, if I am just her pawn she uses in her games. Though I loathe the thought I fear it is the truth. For does she not come on to everyone using her charms, does she not try to come between Skarp and I, for he could have told her no secrets as I do not tell him my secrets. Is she seeking my attention so much because she will lure me away from the flock, so she may do what she wishes when no one will longer come to my aid? Then why has she chosen me, is it because she sense that I am so taken with her, am I that simple, and am I a fool. I hope by all the gods that Brant is mistaking, and that she is nothing but a playful girl. Please let this be just a horrible mistake.

[Meizter]

I am a fool. Today I met Melissa in Hlint, and said I had to speak with her. We stood on the platform across from the smithy, and when I was sure no one was around I asked her if indeed she was demon-kin. She said no, and asked if it mattered. I then asked her about the ring and Skarp, but she kept on about the demon-kin question. She asked me if she had done anything to me, if she had horns or cloven feet. As I time and again said no to these answers it occurred to me how wrong I was. What if she was a demon, she has done me no harm and been kind to me. I have friends amongst the drow and goblins and although they are considered evil by nature they are still my friends. Then why should I treat Melissa differently, it is not right, I would then hold double standards. As I realised this I gave her my apologies. We spoke further, and I told her that she mean much to me, when Skarp suddenly came and accused her of lying about him. It turned out that it was me who misunderstood things that day in the craft house. I felt so ashamed of myself, and excused myself. Quietly I left them and took a seat looking at the small lake in Hlint. Sitting there cursing my words, for indeed it is my words that has brought this upon us. I am a fool to speak so freely, I should think of what I say and what it will mean to others. I should not speak again for only sadness and mistrust comes of it.

Later Skarp come to check on me but I was not really in a mood for talking about this anymore, I asked him if we could leave it be, and then left him. I took a walk around the lake, kicking the occasional rock into the water. Finally I decided that I should go see Melissa and ask her forgiveness, although I feared that she would not give me that. I would not blame her if she did not, for it was indeed dire and harsh accusations I uttered up there on the platform.

I found her, Skarp and Rolf outside the inn. They did not say much as I came up to them, and I think perhaps they did not want my company at that time. I stood there for a while quietly, looking down, my heart filled with shame. The others spoke a little but I did not join the conversation for I have seen what my words do. Skarp asked why I was so quiet and I told him that only sadness and mistrust comes of my words, so I should keep them to myself. Then Melissa did something I would never have imagined. She came over to me and kissed my cheek, and at the same time whispered in my ear that I should let it go. I could however not let it go for I had indeed wronged her, and the burden of that was heavy on my mind and spirit. We spoke further while Rolf and Skarp went to the inn, and I understood that she did not hold my words against me. That is forgiveness unlike any I have ever seen. She indeed is someone special, and that she forgave me means the world to me.

[Meizter]

Finally, I have met the great bard Ozymandias. I was sitting in Hlint speaking with Rahzon when he said that it was Ozymandias behind us. I asked if he was sure, and to be honest I did not know what to do if it indeed was. What should one as I say to one with such skill and talent. But the situation solved itself as apparently he overheard our talk and came over to us and said that now I had met him. I was stunned for a moment before I came to my senses and introduced myself, and he had heard of me. It’s amazing that he knows of me and thinks me talented; apparently Rag at the inn had spoken of me to him. As it was, Ozymandias was about to tell a tale to a dwarf named Bama, and we were allowed to sit in and listen to it.

It was a most fascinating tale of demons and devils or baatezu and tanar’ri as they are named, who live in the lowest and darkest of the planes. Apparently they fight for power of everything and this war is called the Blood War. He spoke much of the planes and their inhabitants and even said that he himself had thick tanar’ri blood in his veins. Who would have know, I for one would have never guessed until he showed me his cleaved tongue. And he can eat diamonds, how he can chew that is beyond my comprehension, but he must possess great power. But no matter he was a friendly fellow, and we had quite a talk about many things. We spoke for lengths about snow, and he told me that in his language they have 15 words for blizzard but only one for snow, which is kry’.

It was a great experience to meet him, and I hope I shall soon hear the continuation of his tale. And if he be demon, devil or something else I will not hold it against him, for I have learnt that lesson, and have seen what can come of it.

On another note he told me that, as he travels much, he thought I could avoid the worst storms of the Storm Horns if I went soon. I have decided to trust him and leave as soon as I can catch a boat to Lorindar.

[Meizter]

It has been a long journey. I am again resting at a room at the Mithril Anvil in Highpass Fort and before me looms the Storm Horn and Troll Mountains. I have returned this time with determination that I will not turn back before I succeed.

It was hard saying goodbye back on Mistone. I had spent quite some time travelling with Melissa, Rolf, a fighter named Drayid and Brisbane the druid. It was merry company and we did venture deep into the Haven mines before we were forced to turn back. We then proceeded south from Haven and entered the desert near Spellgard. Brisbane had told us that she could tame a manticore and we were most interested in seeing that. However things did not go as planned, something happened when she tried to soothe the beast and as I heard the sound of battle I ran as fast as I could with a healing spell on my lips but alas I was not fast enough to save her. We did kill the manticores to avenge her death, but still it was little comfort. It was decided to quickly leave the desert and see if we could find her again so we could help her putting her soul at ease. We did indeed meet up with her again but as we entered the desert once more and fought some manticores Melissa was slain by their spikes. I screamed my rage and hit the beast with all my might, my blade slicing into its thick hide and lightening crackling along the blade and into its flesh. Yes I have gotten an enchantment for my blade; I bought it from Brant and it makes sparks fly along the blade of my sword. We returned to meet Melissa who I then helped enter the desert so she could pray at her grave. At that time we said out goodbyes to Drayid but soon after we met up with Q so we were once more four. Still I had to get to my boat that would soon leave from Hampshire to Point Habor. We spoke a little and I think Brisbane was a bit shocked that I would go on my own. But as I said, I had to, for I should not risk the life of others for this. She then gave me a small wand that would close my wounds if I needed it. I am humbled by the generosity, for it is indeed a valuable item, and to give that to someone she had only just met is a sign of compassion and caring. Melissa and I spoke and she seemed sad that I would not have her go with me, but I will not risk her being hurt up there in the mountains. I told her that she would be with me in spirit and that would be my comfort on the long journey. It seemed to help her mood a little, but she was not happy, and it hurt me but I had made my decision and would not stray from it. We then kissed goodbye and I left them there and went to the docks to see if my boat was ready.

The trip across Rilara and the sailing to Lorindar was peaceful. In fact it has been a quiet journey all the way here, but now I hear the winds howling again outside, as if they try to turn me back from my purpose, but I will not give in. Tomorrow I will go up into the mountains, and there I will meet my destiny whatever it may be.

[Meizter]

*the text is clearly written by the same hand that has written the other pages, but it has lost some of the elegance that it had.*
I have stood on the threshold of death and looked it the eye. Not death from a foe but death from the world around me. It has been a long time since I left Highpass, and now I rest in a tent high in the Troll Mountains. I have indeed found what I have sought, but what I found was not what I had believed it to be. But this sounds like riddles; I should begin this tale from the start of it.

I left Highpass on the morning following my last entry in this journal. It was not hard to reach the foot of the Troll Mountains, and even at first it was not a hard climb. I made good progress on the first day, and although the cold was biting my face I did not turn back. As I was climbing I suddenly heard something move in the distance. I quickly hid myself and waited. There was a great white bear walking slowly by me. I held my hand on the hilt of my sword ready for it to turn on me, but it seemed it did not notice me. When it had disappeared I continued until nightfall. It was cold and barren there on the krell (the tribesmen’s word for mountain, which I have taken a liking to) but luckily I could find a little shelter between some rock formations. I gathered some firewood but it was wet and it took me a long time to get a fire going. I made sure that the wood I hadn’t used was put close to the flames so it could dry. I then went to sleep wrapped in my cloak alone with the wind howling its lullaby for me.

The next morning I ate a little of my rations and gathered what was left of firewood before I continued my climb. It was harder now as the slope increased in steepness, but still I made decent progress. Then I again heard something move not far from me. I quickly hid behind a rock and as I looked past it I saw a troll coming my way. As it came to where I had walked it saw my tracks and started to follow them. I dropped what food I had, hoping it would make it forget about me, and quickly moved to another location. It did indeed take the food but then continued to follow me. I drew my sword as silently as possible, and as it turned the corner of the rock I flung myself at it. My sword bit into its flesh but at the same time its claws bit into mine. I felt as if I had been torn in half from the blow and staggered backwards uttering the words of a spell to close my wounds. As my wounds closed the troll stopped and looked at me. I looked as calmly as possible at it, stowed my sword and showed it my empty hands. Hoping it perhaps would understand my intention of not killing it. I tried to speak to it in both the common tongue and dwarven, but it did not understand I think. Instead it prepared to attack me and I drew my sword once more. As it ran towards me I quickly uttered a few words and I was gone from view. The troll was puzzled but it just kept following my tracks. Then I saw an edge with a fall of about nine feet and with little hesitation I jumped. It was uneven ground and I hurt my ankle a bit in the fall, still as I was standing below the edge pressed to the wall the troll seemed to find it better to find some other prey.

I healed my ankle with a spell and climbed up the cliff. There I was, without food or shelter, so I had to continue. I was a fool that I did not bring more food, but alas that is too late now, but I will know this for times to come. As night was falling so was the snow. A heavy blanket of snow covered everything and even after a few steps my footprints were gone. The wind had also picked up and was blowing with a force as if it tried to push me off the krell. Indeed I did not feel welcome but my mind was set, I would not turn back once more. Still I needed shelter, so I first sought to a cliff face, but the wind swept along it, offering no quarter. As fast as I could on my frozen legs I went to a large boulder hoping for at least some shelter from the wind behind it. It was somewhat usable and I even found a small hole in the ground between some rocks that could be used as a fire pit. But the relentlessly falling snow would not let me rest and I had to find another shelter. I was exhausted beyond anything I have ever been, my feet and fingers were numb from the cold, and it felt as if my legs could give away below me at any moment. I could not see an arms length in front of me and with every step and every breath I felt my strength ebbing away. But I could not let myself rest, I would die, I knew that. Then I would never succeed, never make my father proud, and never again see Melissa’s beautiful face. But luck was with me, for I stumbled upon two rocks between which there was a shallow pit I could rest in. I closed the upper part of the pit with my cloak to keep the snow out and threw myself into the pit. It was like a shallow grave, and I feared that perhaps it was fitting for this could be my grave. Then darkness took me.

I have no idea of how much time passed but I awoke there in my pit. My limbs were cold and stiff and I felt like going back to sleep, but I knew that it would be certain death for me. I forced myself up and removed the cloak to see if the weather had improved. Snow filled the pit as I did this, but it did not matter for I could not stay here. Indeed the weather had cleared and I began to move again. I felt hunger roar within me, but alas I had no food. Even my canteens were frozen and I cursed myself for not keeping them close to my body to keep them safe from the cold. I resorted to eating snow, which offered some liquid at least. Slowly I made my way forward, but every step was painful but I kept on urging myself forward. I felt myself fall and then darkness took me again.

I woke to find myself in a warm tent, lying beneath a warm pelt. I did at first not see much before darkness took me once more, but I remember thinking to myself that I was safe.

When I woke again there was a woman in the tent with me. She was tall and looked strong, her face marked by exposure to the environment and her hair short and black. She offered a bowl of liquid to my lips and I drank till I could hold no more. I tried to speak to her but she only put her finger on her lips and tugged me in before she left me. I let myself drift away again thinking that I would live to see Melissa again.

I don’t know how long passed before I woke again, but this time I had the strength to get to my feet. I looked around and saw that indeed I was in a tent. My bed was a load of pelts but besides that there was not much here. I could not see my gear or my clothes anywhere, so I tried to wrap a pelt around me. As I was doing this a man entered the tent and threw some clothes in front of me. He was a tall man, taller than Skarp and he had broad shoulders. He was completely bald, and his face was also marked by exposure to the wind and cold. I introduced myself and he said he was Krasser, and then he said nothing more. I quickly tried to get into the clothes, which was a bit more difficult than I had imagined. It was more or less just some pelts that were tied to my body, but in the end I ended up dressed. All the while I was thanking him for saving me, and I said that I owed him my life. He watched me in silence the whole time, his face showing no expression. When I was finally dressed he said in a somewhat decent common that they would lead me down from the krell the next day. I asked him what krell meant and he explained that it was everything here and I gathered that it meant mountain. As he turned to leave I said I had a question, to which he merely replied “ask”. I told him that I sought Herret the ossmer and I had to speak with him. Also I asked if they indeed were the Storm Horn Tribe to which he nodded. I told him that I wished to learn to use my voice like Herret, and he then asked if I sought to become an ossmer. I did not think and said that if using my voice like that was being an ossmer then yes I would become an ossmer. That seemed to startle him a bit and he looked as if I had said something wrong. I quickly added that I did not mean to challenge anyone by what I had said, but I don’t know if it helped. I used many words and I noticed it seemed to make him feel uncomfortable, so I decided to hold my tongue for a while. He nodded and led me outside and to another tent.

Outside I saw the camp. There were women, children and a few men about but none even gave me a single glance except for the children, but they only gave me a quick glance before ignoring me.

We entered another tent; it was large and inside there were all sorts of items, pelts, bones and many strange things lying on the floor or hanging from the ceiling. I saw a pile of pelts that seemed to move up and down, and I noticed a head amongst them. It was the head of a man older than Krasser but still a relatively young man, who looked peaceful in his sleep. Krasser pointed to him and merely said “Herret” then he signalled for us to leave.

As we returned to the tent I had been resting in I told Krasser that I needed to speak with Herret. He did not say anything but merely handed me a flask with some liquid inside, as well as found one for him. We sat down in the tent and he just looked at me. I had no idea of what was expected but I thought that perhaps I should drink from the flask. So I opened it and took a good mouthful. It tasted somewhat like the mead back home, but it was far stronger in taste, not really a bad tast and I must admit I did take somewhat of a liking to it. Krasser then drank from his own flask and then told me that Herret was dying from a curse. The curse had been put on him after he had led an attack on a troll war-party. They had killed the trolls and Herret had taken the leaders head and burnt it. As the head was laying in the fires it put a curse on Herret, a course that Krasser said could not be broken. I was sad when I heard this, I had come this far and been on the brink of death only to fail at the last moment, because of a troll curse. I asked who would be the new ossmer and Krasser indicated that it was him.

We had had quite some mead and I felt like I perhaps could get the upper hand in this conversation, for Krasser had become quite talkative, well not talkative as I but still he said a lot. I asked how they could use their voices like that. And he told me it was not skill but spirit. I was baffled, how could this not be skill, but spirit. I continued to ask if he thought I had a strong spirit, to which he said that he did not know, but I had a strong protector spirit since I had survived on the krell. At first I misunderstood that thinking that the protector spirit and my spirit was one and the same, but I have learnt that my spirit is something within me, while the protector spirit is a spirit out in the world that keeps an eye out for me. With the talk of the spirits our talk ended and Krasser told me to rest, they would leave in four days and then someone would take me down the krell. After he left I felt a great urge to sneak to Herrets tent, but with the mead I had drunken I would not be able to sneak anywhere I soon realised. So I crept between the pelts and went to sleep, with my head spinning from the mead and the idea of these spirits.

The next morning I went outside and Krasser approached me and led me to a fireplace where a woman was handing out food. It was a good stew that filled my stomach and gave me renewed energy. As we were eating a woman came running to Krasser and told him something in their language, I did not understand it but I had a feeling something had happned. He then quickly followed her to Herrets tent, from where he soon emerged. I had withdrawn to my tent and when he got over to me he simply stated that Herret had died and the funeral was later today and everyone was welcome. I have never seen anyone handle death as the tribesmen do, they do not mourn like most people, but instead take it as a part of life, and inevitable part for we shall all die some time. In some way I envy them for that for death always feel hard for me and death of ones I know and love is something that is a hard thing to carry in my heart.

The funeral was the same day. Two men carried the body of Herret on a stretcher to a cliff not far from the camp. Here they had made a great pyre and the stretcher was placed upon it. Then Krasser lit a torch and set the pyre on fire. It was a flaming inferno within a few minutes and all stood in silence and watched. Then the men of the tribe moved forward forming a half circle around the pyre. I saw a little space between two men and thought it best to join them. It would be my show of respect for the now dead Herret, and although I have never met him I believe he was a good man, if the stories Kim told me are true. Then suddenly the rightmost man of the semi-circle started to shout. It was a deep and strong sound and soon the man next to him joined in. All joined in one after another, but when Krasser joined it was as if the strength of the sound was almost doubled. His shout was so strong and so powerful that I have never heard anything like it. More joined the shouting and when the man to my right had joined I also started to shout. I let the sound come from far down in my stomach and I felt it was a strong sound I made, though I know it was nothing in comparison to the others. We kept on shouting, one long shout for I don’t know how long. It was as if time stood still for me there, my eyes were fixed on the flames devouring the lifeless body that had been given to them, and as I shouted I saw in the flames also my past somehow. But the flames of the pyre were not the flames of death and destruction that I had seen when my family was murdered it was beautiful flames reaching for the sky. They almost caressed the body within them with gentle touches. I felt as if everything started to shake as the sound came back from the krell, resonating between the cliffs it was as if the krell itself was shouting. My breath would not have lasted me longer when all stopped shouting. I stood for a moment transfixed by the flames and the sound dying away around me, and then gave a quick glance to Krasser. He gave me a nod, to this day I am not quite sure if it was a nod but I believe it was. Anyways at that time I saw a nod and took it as a sign of approval. I was glad that I had done well.

Everyone then went back to the camp where a great fire was lit. Everyone stood there silently watching the flames as flasks of mead were passed around by a few women. There was no one who spoke, all seemed to be reflecting on their own thoughts, while sometimes sipping from the flasks. I just stood there as silent as the others, and to be honest I felt no need to speak at that time. It was as if a single word would end this mood and make it not something honourable, but just another gathering of people. Later pelts were brought by the women and everyone sat on a pelt and had a good but very salty stew served. It was good, but it made me very thirsty by being so salty, but whenever a flask was empty it was raised in the air and the holder got a new one. Later in the evening Krasser stood and said something in the tribesmen’s language. Then one after another began to tell a story. Every single man or woman spoke the name Herret and many said also ossmer. I gathered that they were telling stories of Herret’s life, but when was I to speak or was I even expected to speak? When a man finished his tale he yelled the words “Grassar hy krellig” and emptied his flask into the fire. I decided that probably Krasser would be the last to speak and hence I would let all other tribesmen speak before me, and I would be the last to speak before the ceremony was ended. When finally an old woman had told her tale and with a strong voice called out “grasser hy krellig” I rose to my feet. I said that I had come to them as a foreigner and although I had never seen the actions of Herret I was sure he was a good and strong man. I then yelled the words as the others and poured the last of my mead over the fire. It was then Krasser to speak and he sang a tale involving many different characters I am sure. From what he showed I think he told the story of Herret defeating the troll warparty and the troll shaman cursing him. Then he said something to the tribe and smiled at them. This is the only time I have ever seen a tribesman smile, so it must have been something very special that evening.

When it was all done a small wooden frame with four legs was brought forth. It had a skin placed in the frame almost like a drum. Krasser then produced a bag from which he withdrew two white items that he let fall on the skin. It made a small but distinct sound and somehow the items just kept bouncing up and down making a constant but off beat rhythm. For a while we sat there and listened to the sound and watched the fire but then people began to rise and retire to their tents. Krasser came to me and said that they would leave in the morning as trolls surely would have heard them. Then he said something I have yet to understand, but I will ask him this when he is feeling better. He said that they would leave when something had been taken care of. I then went to my tent and fell into a deep dreamless slumber.

Suddenly I heard the beating of wings and a snow white owl flew towards my face. It flew so close that I felt the wind beneath its wings. I awoke, and was quite sure I had heard an owl hooting somewhere near. I quickly grabbed my sword and my clothes and went outside the tent. It was still night and the sky was clear showing both Aunir and Orn. A fine blanket of snow covered the ground, but I did not recall that it had been snowing while we were sitting at the fire. I then heard the owl again not far away and started to run towards it. I was at that moment sure it was a sign of some sorts and besides that I was very curious to this whole situation. I soon saw the owl, a beautiful snow owl. As I approached it, it started to fly away. I had chased the owl for some time, when I suddenly heard a noise of someone moving behind me. While still running I looked over my shoulder and saw a great bear following me, it was immense, and I have never seen the likes of it. I ran to the best of my ability and even tried to make myself invisible, but it did not fool the bear. It steadily followed me as I followed the owl. I ran up a mountain side and suddenly came to a cliff edge which I climbed as fast as possible. I was at this point starting to feel out of breath and also my legs were beginning to ache, but if I slowed down I was sure the bear would rip me apart. The bear seemed not able to climb the cliff but instead looked for another way to come around the cliff. I ran again after the owl, and as I ran I again heard the bear behind me. Suddenly as I came towards a cliff the owl vanished from sight.

As I came to where I had seen it last I saw another bear in front of me. This one was even larger than the first one, which was closing on me fast. I was desperate at that moment, what could I do, I had to flee, anything to get away. I then heard hooting to my left and as I looked I noticed something at a cliff face that could be a cave entrance. I think that I actually heard two owls there from the cave, but I am not sure. I had no time to make sure so I took one last look at the bears that were both closing on me now and began to run. I ran as if the all the demons and devils of the lower planes were biting my heels, always fearing the feeling of a claw entering my flesh and tearing my spine to shreds. I ran headlong into what I hoped was an opening and indeed it was. I was in a narrow crevasse in the krell and it seemed to go deeper. I continued deeper into the cave, feeling my legs would soon give in and gasping for breath. Deeper inside I saw what looked like a man lying on the floor wrapped in pelts, covered in blood. I removed some of the pelts and saw to my surprise that it was Krasser, he was barely breathing and I cast a spell to close some of his wounds. It took its toll on me to cast the spell but I still had one problem, the bears. They could possibly fit into the cave and then they would tear us apart. As I was standing there I suddenly remembered what Kim had told me of Herret and how he had scared trolls away by using his voice. I did not know if I had the strength to do it, but I screamed at them. I screamed as I have never done before, my words cast around the small cave seemed to have a life of their own. While I stood there I felt something within me, like I sank into myself and there I found something I cannot describe. It was like a reservoir of sound and power, it felt as if my body would be torn apart by the sound it made, but words cannot give a true description of what I felt there in the cave. I believe that it was there I found my own spirit and my spirit perhaps for the first time ever showed itself to me. It was as if at that very moment I found what I had sought for so long, but it was not skill, it was within me I found it. There at the limits of my ability, at the brink of death I found power unlike any I have ever thought I might possess. As my voice rang in the cave the bears left and I let myself fall to the ground next to Krasser. I used the sleeve of my tunic to tie his wounds further before I rested next to him, both of us covered in his pelts.

The next morning I awoke and felt cold and stiff. I went outside to see if all was safe when suddenly the snow owl flew up in my face. I was so startled I fell, but the owl at that moment landed on my shoulder. With my frozen fingers I tried to gently stroke its feathers when suddenly it bit my ear and flew away before my fingers reached it. It had bitten my left earlobe right off and it hurt and stung. Then I heard someone yelling somewhere on the krell and I called out myself hoping aid was coming to us. If it wasn’t I would have to get Krasser back to safety, but that would be a very difficult task. Luckily I saw a group of men moving up towards me, they were still far away but the seemed to be heading to where I was. At that moment I realised that I had run far during the night, I had run for miles it must have been, and how I did it I do not know even today. Anyways I went to check on Krasser when I noticed that his right earlobe had been bitten of recently just like my left. This suggests to me a connection between Krasser and me, but I have not yet spoken with him as he was wounded badly and is still not ready to talk. Still we waited in the cave until the men came. They quickly took care of Krasser and motioned for me to follow. We made the long walk back to the camp where everyone was ready to leave. I thought that now my time here was over, but I was offered to travel with the tribesmen if I wanted, and I did accept their offer.

I have now been with them for some days and I feel the cold slowly leaving my fingers. I will stay here until Krasser is so well that he can talk, for I have many questions for him. They do not speak to me, and I think that perhaps only a few know the common tongue. I have tried to learn a few words but it is difficult when no one speaks. They are quiet people and it reminds me of Krassers words when I asked him if he would hear my song before the death of Herret. He said to me that song was something to be used only at special occasions. I see his point for if one just sings without reason then the words and the song itself loses meaning.

Well I should stop here I am tired and I need to rest my fingers a little. Still, one thing I will say. I have not learned something new, but at the same time I have learned more than many men will in a lifetime.

[Meizter]

*the text has regained much of its elegance and looks more like it did in the beginning of the journal*
I have not spent much time writing during the last weeks, but now here on the eve before my return to the lowlands I will recount what has happened during my stay with the Ulinrann Hrill as the Storm Horn tribe is called in their own language. I have spoken some with Krasser about many things and most importantly the events that took place. He told me that the drumming on the eve of the funeral was an invitation to the Vhill Ossug, which means guardian spirits, like the one he told me had saved me on the krell. The Vhill Ossug is invited to guide the new ossmer down a path that he needs to walk before he can lead the tribe. What happened to me was that the Vhill Ossug came to me and led me down the same path as that of Krasser. He has never heard of this before that two people were led down the same path at the same time, but as he said it is and new world and it has brought forth changes before.

I must agree with him, the world seems to be ever changing around me, some times for good, some times for worse, but it never stops. For them it must be even worse. They were driven from their home in the Storm Horns and had to find a new place to live. This helped me understand why I thought I heard the hooting of two owls at the cave. It was not only the Vhill Ossug guiding me but also the one guiding Krasser. I think the bears were part of it as well, as the second bear was at the cave when I arrived there, which must mean that Krasser was also chased by one. That they didn’t enter the cave as soon as I ran in could be that the Vhill Ossugs kept them at bay until I showed my worth. I have to be honest never imagined that I did have a totem animal as it is called back on Mistone I think, but then again I have not given it much thought before.

We have also spoken of their language, and it seems to me that they have mostly short words. For instance is Ulinrann Hrill composed of three words which are ullin meaning Silence, rann meaning cry and hrill meaning son. This means that the Storm Horn tribe is in fact called the Sons of the Silent Cry. The deeper meaning of this still eludes me, but I believe that it has to do with perhaps their silence and yet strong voices, but it is only speculation. I also learned some other words, but unlike in the common tongue there are no words for well met and farewell since it is for them a trivial thing and can be said by only a nod. The same is with thank you with is also expressed by a nod, but Krasser told me that in some cases the word uss can be used, but it is a sign of deep gratitude, and hence should not be used lightly. A few common words are

Krell - Mountain
Ka - Yes
Ri – No
Ess - Drink
Koss - Food  
Hi - Fire and hinn - campfire
He or she - hy

Krasser told me about the words Grassar hy krellig, and it means “freedom to his soul”. Again the word grassar is composed of more words which gives it additional meaning. In fact it is gra which means soul and ser which means stone, making it stone-soul. This could be understood as unbreakable soul or everlasting soul as the soul is like the stone of the krell, everlasting and unbreakable. That they have a word such as soul so closely tied to the krell or ser made me see the close connection between the tribesmen and the mountain. But is seems only natural since they spend their entire lives up here in the cold and harsh environment. Likewise is krellig a word meaning freedom but although Krasser did not explain it to me I see it closely linked to the word krell which also suggests this strong connection to the krell for these people. At first I thought the words merely meant something like “he rests with the mountain”, but now I understand that these men are a part of the mountain as the mountain is a part of them. Although it is not a complex language it is a language with many meanings of every word and to fully understand it one would need to fully grasp their beliefs and culture as it is woven together very tightly.

I have found a couple of feathers from a snow owl while walking around near the camp. They are large beautiful white feathers and I have fastened them to my cloak. They will serve to remind me of what has happened as well as be a sign of my appreciation of my Vhill Ossug.

I will return to Highpass tomorrow, with the aid of the tribesmen. It has been an interesting stay here with them for the last weeks, and I have learnt much from them, and I will never forget these people that live here in such a remote region. I do however also look forward to going back, especially to see Melissa again. I have thought of her often while I have been here. I hope she will be glad to see me, and I think she will. Well in any case I shall see her soon again.

[Meizter]

It is good to be back. I walked through the gates of Hlint last night and it was a welcome sight. I met a few friends on my way back and I must admit that I was happy to see them. Although they were all in a hurry I still felt glad to see them.

I met Rolf and Fenrir in Hlint and Fenrir indeed were happy for all the angelica I had brought for him. Rolf it seemed had died in Arabel fighting some giants; although I have no idea why he would go there, that place is dangerous. I also met a man called Burr Gjest, he says he comes from Krashin, and yet he could not even pronounce it right. He also said he knew me, and had heard me sing and seen me back there. And what matters more he knew of the murder of my family. I shall speak further with him about this and what he knows of the Egilsons, although I have thought of the option that he is perhaps one of them, seeking Skarp and I out to kill us. They would win the feud then by murdering us; probably murdering us in our sleep I have no doubt. I shall sleep with one eye open tonight, and if something happens I shall be ready. The Egilsons will receive the head of their assassin if it turns out that Burr is that. Still I will not let him know what I suspect, for he could also be just a man from Krashin, but it just seems a bit odd to me, like his name. Burr Gjest, it means young stranger, and it is not a name one would be given at birth. Perhaps he hides his real name, but I will find out what it is, or at least stay close to him so I might learn more of him.

I have not yet seen Melissa and I have sent messengers out for her but they have all returned telling me that they could not find her. I also asked a bit around and no one seems to have seen her for some time. Perhaps she has travelled somewhere, but that is not like her, she used to be around Hlint most of the time. I must admit I fear that something has happened to her. Tomorrow I shall continue my search for her; she cannot have disappeared without anyone knowing something.

[Meizter]

She left me! I spoke with Hali today out near the Dire Woods and she told me that Melissa had left her key on the doorstep of their house. It can only mean she has left to somewhere, without giving me a single notice. I feel betrayed and abandoned. It was as Maz said she toyed with my heart, for I know now I did love her. I have asked around for her for days, but no one knows where she has gone. Still in the end it matters not, for she did not leave me a single word or note, so I guess I meant nothing to her, I was just something she had a little fun with before moving on. When Hali told me I was saddened and I still feel hurt, more than any blade could do. But I will try not to let I show, I will try to keep up the appearance of being my old self.

Still I find comfort in that some seemed to care for me. This new girl that Skarp and Rolf introduced me to did indeed seem to care. I remember her laying a hand on my shoulder telling me it was all right after Hali told me the news of Melissa. Her name is Abigail, and she seems like good company. She is really pale and has raven black hair, but it looks good I must admit. She actually put a smile on my face for the first time since I returned from the Troll Mountains. I know all this perhaps sounds dumb, and perhaps I am just looking for anyone to fill the hole Melissa tore in my heart. I do not know, I honestly don’t, but she was one who took interest in me, and cared for my loss, not like Skarp who is happy she is gone. Damn it, where will this all lead, I do not know, but I will follow my heart, although I will be careful, for I do not wish to get hurt again like that.

On another account Skarp, Rolf and I have formed a trading alliance, where we help each other making items. I think it could turn out quite profitable. For instance Skarp brought me some copper and I made them into rings set with greenstone, and so far I sold 3 today, making me a net 900 coins.

[Meizter]

Once again I have met death, but this time from a friend. I was up in the Berhagens with Abi, Kaizer, Kil, Brue and a few more. We made it to Shoufal easily, my new armour showing its worth.

Abi made it for me actually, requesting nothing for it. It was really kind of her, and I must admit I have taken a liking to her, she is good company. We found some jaguar at Velensk, which she made into the armour. It is green as my old one, and it feels good to move in.

Well, in any case we proceeded past Shoufal and got to the cave far up in the mountains. During the final battle at the cave I suddenly felt a sword bite into my back, and I felt myself slip into darkness. I woke at the bindstone in Hlint, my soul toiling from the incident. I at that time thought it was a giant who had hit me, although I did not see anyone around me. Later I learned though that it was Kaizer who had hit me in an accident. Guess I need to watch out for my friends as well as foes in combat, how odd that may seem.

I met Q and a man called Charles back at the bindstone and while my spirit tried to cope with the incident I told them the tale of my travels to the Troll Mountains. It was a long tale, but I think they felt inspired by it, and that makes me happy. They were a good audience, posing interesting and relevant questions, and all in all we had a good time before we had to go our separate ways.

After a good night sleep I felt much better and meeting Abi did also lift my spirit. When she is around I do not think so much of Melissa and how she abandoned me. I am glad I have met her, and we have spent the day travelling together. Not that we have done much, we went to Hampshire to craft a bit. She is a skilled tailor and she was making some armour while I was polishing some gems.

Later on we went back to Hlint where we met Ulver. It was good to see him again and we had a bit of fun. He told he had just tamed a bear up in the High Forest, but he wished he could tame a griffon. Then he would use it to fly across the sea, wearing a cape covered in feathers. I said to him what would people think. They would wonder if it was a bird or a dragon, before realising it was Ulver, or Super-ulver as he said.

As we were speaking Q and a paladin of Toran, Slate I think he was called, approached us and the paladin told us to beware of a half-ogre who apparently had committed foul acts just recently. As we spoke Abi started to say that soon she would be blamed, to which I said that she could have done nothing for she had been with me. The paladin also backed her up, so no harm was done, but still as she ran out the door I felt as if something was wrong. I don’t know how anyone would think she would be a criminal, she is good hearted and I have never seen her do wrongs. In any case I shall back her up if any accusations arise.

I also spoke with Slate about revenge and his thoughts on it. I explained what had happened back on Krashin and he told me that we should leave it to the Toranites to deal with the Egilsons. Skarp would never agree to that, he for sure wants to kill them all. I do too, but I have an uneasy feeling about killing women and children. How can a child be held responsible for the acts of its father? It somehow does not seem right to slaughter an entire family, it is something vile people would do, and am I vile? I hope not, for then I have learnt nothing from all my travels; I would be nothing more than a common killer. We should settle the feud once and for all on the field of battle, man against man, not man against women and children. I know I have felt rage burn within me previously, wanting to kill them all, and make them suffer, but I have had much time to think about this while travelling with the Ulinrann Hrill. It is not honourable, and it will only bring more sorrow. Skarp will never understand I think, but time for that talk will come, it is not yet something we need to deal with.

[Meizter]

I spoke with Maz today. I met her in Hlint where she was speaking with Burr, and a little lad named Bido. On account of Burr I have tried to befriend him, so he will now know what I suspect. He has not shown any signs of betrayal yet, so I will trust him, but also watch him for now.

Anyways Maz wanted to speak to me, so we went over to the pond and took a seat. She said she knew what had happened and how Melissa had left, and she was sorry for me. I in turn told her that she had been right all along, for Melissa had played with my heart, and had not cared for me. But Maz said that perhaps in some way she had loved me, but she had never thought of past nor present but only the moment, so she did not think of hurting me. I guess Maz is right, and in any case it was good to speak with her about this, for she understood how I feel. She told me of her husband and how he had one day vanished only to return weeks later at the brink of death. She had seen him die, it must have been horrible. I truly feel for her, for one as she should not go through something like that. Still she said that it gets better with time, and I believe her, for had she not told me I would have never guessed such ill luck had befallen her.

I also told her about Abi, and how I feel better when she is around. Still I have a feeling that Skarp is trying to set me up with her, not that I would mind I think, but I don’t want Skarp to do it for me. Maz understood but again warned me that I should be careful. I will be, I have been hurt and do not wish for this to happen again. Sometimes at night I still feel as I did when Hali told me she had left. How for that moment it was as if the world around me collapsed or more like if a giant had punched me. I was sad, mad, furious, all and none at once. Damn if she had walked up to me at that point I don’t know if I would have kissed or killed her. But she has left me and I must deal with that, trying to put it behind me.

Maz and I spoke of many things, and to be honest it is a long time since I have had a talk that good. Just two friends sitting and talking about life, everything and nothing, it was nice. Still as Maz said someone seeing us could get the wrong idea, but I don’t care, we both know we’re just friends and that is enough, what others think of us or how we seem does not matter.

Well dawn is breaking soon, best be getting some sleep soon I guess.

[Meizter]

I had a long talk with Abi today. I met her while Maz, Nex and I were playing cards at the inn, and to be honest we were quite caught up in the game. It is really amazing, and although I am not skilled yet, I think I am fairly good at it. I even got myself an expansion pack and some other cards, so soon I’m ready to play for more than ante.

Well in any case Abi did not think much of the card game, and it seemed as if she was not in a good mood. Maz and Nex stayed at the inn, but I thought I’d better go see if Abi was ok. I found her outside, and she was indeed not happy. She thought I would waste my life away in there with the cards, and I see what she means, for I could spend days playing that. Then she told me that she was good for nothing. She didn’t mean anything nor could she do anything. I told her I thought she was a good tailor and great at moving about unseen. Still she did not feel well, for as she said she could not kill a single thing herself, but as I said what does it matter, I cannot do much by myself either, but still I make a difference, just as she does. For it is not for one man to change the world, it is something many has to do, and it requires the work of many, no matter how insignificant it may seem. We took a seat by the pond in Hlint so we could speak more out of the way. It saddened me to see Abi like this, she seemed so lost. She then told me that she had spoken to Forty-Two, strange name for a lass, and Hali today. They had told her about the shadowdancers, masters of the art of being unseen. It seemed Abi did wish to join them, but she could not find any nor had anyone come to her. As she explained, it would make her be part of something, something more than just being Abi, and I understand what she meant. It is not easy not knowing once place, always questioning your own actions, thinking about ones life, and I do wish I could help her. In fact I have decided to travel to Dregar soon and make some inquiries about the shadowdancers, or perhaps I can find something even closer. I do not dare hope to find them, but if only I could find some information it would at least be something. Abi told me how depressed she had been, and it had helped to talk to people about it. I suggested she kept a journal, like what I do, it is a way to let out all those feelings that build up inside, and you cannot let go. Perhaps it would be better to talk about it, but I don’t want to be a man who unloads his troubles on others, and lately I have felt better than I have in a long time. I don’t know why, or well actually I think I do. I spend much time with Abi, and we get along really well. I must admit I like her, I like her a lot, and she is nice and caring…who am I kidding, I have fallen for her. Sitting there on the bench I wish I had had the courage to take her hand and tell her it would all be all right.

We were interrupted by a man who came and asked us if we would audition for his show. We agreed, and met at the courthouse to do the audition. The man was Galerovel Revin, a bard who is making a show it seems. I thought well I’d give it a go, even though I was a bit bothered by how full of himself and his own skill he was. I sang the song of the paladin and the minstrel, and he thought it fairly decent, while the others who had gathered thought it good. It is good; it is still to this day one of my best works. In any case he said I could join the show but then he had to rush off. As he left he apparently slipped a note in my pocket saying that I should meet him at the inn, so I went to the inn. He wanted to discuss two things with me, first the possibilities of making a road show starting in Leilon, and then moving to Velensk so all of Mistone could see our work. It is a good idea and I would agree to do that. Then another matter was Abi, he had appearantly listened in on our talk, which is indeed not very polite, and he said he could “help” me make her love me. I’ll have none of that, even though he did not explain how, he did not need to. If Abi should fall for me it should be for whom I am and not what someone sets me up to be. It will be a lie and you cannot build anything based on lies and deceit. If he speaks more of this I shall tell him that I do not wish to be part of that.