Journal of a travelling poet

[Meizter]

Oh how could I forget to write this, seems like my mind has been preoccupied. A few days back there were rumours of a large winged beast tearing folks up near the Grey Watchtower on Rilara. Quite a few turned up to investigate, including Abi, Hali, Skarp, Rolf and I. We were met by a ranger who told us of the creature and it seemed it could have been a flying manticore, most interesting. We decided to head east to the Tauren Hills to investigate, guided by a little halfling lass called Lucky. She knew the area well, but there was much discussion of who should be leader. Hali said I should lead, since I was the cutest, never been called that before. Well anyways Skarp then said that I was a kid and could not lead anyone, and then all hell broke out about who should lead. In the end I suggested Lucky guide us and as no one took charge on where to go I said we should head out.

We found lots of kenku in the hills and but no flying creature. Soon we stumbled on a wagon with people lying dead near it. It could have been the beasts doing, but alas we were too late to save them. We pressed on to Gellon River, where we met this elf. I think his name was Morningspear or something like that, and he told of drows advancing. He asked us to guard the river while he went for aid. We formed up in battle formation, fighters on flanks and front, and spellcasters in the middle. Soon the drow came, mages and assassins attacked us from several sides, but after a hard fight we prevailed.

Soon another elf approached us, telling that his party had been attacked by the drow south of Himlad. We decided we had to go help and see if there were any survivors so we moved on to Himlad and the forest south of there. We found death, many elves and drow lay dead on the ground. It had been a vicious fight it seemed, and some had a hard time coping with so much death. I guess I should not hold that against them, but somehow I cannot feel the sorrow so deep, for I did not know them, and they died valiantly defending Himlad from the drow. In any case we followed the tracks to the Delwin River where we found a few tracks leading over the bridge down there. We spoke for lengths of possible ambushes, but if survivours were there then we were obliged to help them. I took notice of how much Abi argued that we ignore danger and should go help them as fast as possible. That is most commendable and I really was impressed with her. So we went towards Bone Hill, it is a bad place, I have only been there once before, and that time I ended up at a bindstone back at Castle Raxswell. Still Abi was right we should go and help if we could. As we came to the strange area near the hill lucky flew up and saw movement north of us, so we quickly doubled back to the river. Here we fought drows and we were victorious, but alas we had a casualty. Ryn, a drow who travelled with us, fighting his own kin died on the bridge, hit by an assassin’s blade. It must be odd for him to fight his own kin, but then again I am human and I fight humans. I guess they are as different as we are although most consider them evil. At least Ryn has done me no harm as Arwinath never did me harm. As we moved back across the river the air around us suddenly exploded with fire, and again we were under attack. We waited for too long on that bridge, I know that now, but it cannot be changed now. We charged the drows who were prepared for us on the other side of the Delwin. I saw how people moved in before me, and as I was fighting with a great summoned beast I saw out of the corner of my eye one of our own fall. I tried to move out of the way to heal him and me, hoping to save his life, but at that moment it seems a mage cast his spell, and I felt a moment of pain and then nothingness.

As I awoke I saw elves and others around me. Appearantly the elf had raised me, and I am grateful for that. Skarp gave me a hug as soon as I got up...he has NEVER done that before and I have no idea of what got into him that day. I found out more had fallen, and Hali had raised poor Lucky who was amongst the fallen. I think my death scared Abi, for she seemed a bit disturbed by it, and made me promise not to do that again. I promised, knowing it would be hard to keep, but still I wished to make her feel better and I will do my utmost to keep my word.

The drows defeated we returned to Himlad where we parted ways. Abi, Skarp and I stayed for some time walking the countryside. Abi showed us a town called Stone north of the Belgaer Hills and besides it lays a huge castle. We hunted some panther for Abi to work with and some leopard. Still one thing that is most notable happened. As we came by Casterly Castle we saw two elves speaking. They spoke of something the drow had wanted but not gotten, and as we asked what it was they said they had never mentioned neither drow nor items. As they left us we tried to follow but they escaped us. The three of us agreed to investigate this further, and we did retrace our steps from the watchtower to the Delwin, but we found nothing. I think there is more to this than meets the eye, but so far it is something the three of us keep between us. We will investigate further soon, very soon, for I fear something is brewing down on Rilara, and with Bloods forces moving into Bloody Gate it can become a real mess.

Oh yes on a more merry account. Rolf is a strange fellow. We met Hali and she told that what she wears is an iron armour, made to look like a dress. Rolf got really excited and wanted to “examine” it, I had no idea priests of Mist were like that, sometimes he seems more like a Xeenite, guess I shouldn’t say that, he is a good man and a good friend, he is just odd sometimes. Like Abi and I call him, the crazy priest.

[Meizter]

I went to Dregar with Rolf today to show him a bit around. Was a good trip, and I even got some nice pelts for Abi. Actually I got quite a few, panthers and lions from Rilara and tigers from Dregar. Besides that the trip was more or less eventless, found some resources and made a little map of it, for future reference.

As we returned to Hampshire I sent a bird to Abi that I had something for her. Not long after she arrived and I showed her the pelts I had brought for her. I think she was happy for them, and that is what matters. To bring a smile to her face is a reward in itself. In any case we ran about quite a bit without any real purpose, just talking and having a good time. We then met with Brue and some others who were headed for Berhagen. A little lad came to join us but Forty-Two said he should not summon any undead. So he was a necromancer, I would never have thought that, but as he spoke and we began discussing it became clear that he loves the dead. He even thinks they have minds and wills, but I doubt that. Skeletons are mindless creatures bound to serve, and it is wrong to disturb the dead to make them do your bidding. I told him this and we got into quite the argument, ending in him reaching for his sword. It never came to more than that, and we agreed that if he did not summon any undead I should not speak of this while we were on the road. If I see him again I will tell him my mind though, but on a trip up there one has to be united to succeed.

Then later in the evening I met Kali and a man called Remiel back in Hlint. We spoke for some time of bards and out knack for running into trouble. It was an interesting talk, and I do believe that to tell the stories we do we have to seek out danger, for it is there the stories lie. Well at least the stories of heroes. Soon a little crowd gathered around us. Kali then sang a wonderful song about a thief and a dragon. A good tale indeed and how she used the music to pace the story is really amazing. Then after a while I told them the tale of the Stonesmasher Clan. I think they liked it, although the applause was not overwhelming, but with what happened next I do not care. The great Ozymandias, gestured for me to come over to him, and told me in a whisper that it was a good performance I did, and if I sought to enter the Chord he would be happy to give me a recommendation. I am honoured by this, a great bard as him liking my work and even recommending me. Furthermore if I did not wish to join the Chord then he perhaps would have a little something for me…bard to bard. Wonder what that could be, but I did not find out. Still I know I will never be of the Chord, I know that for they will not appreciate what I do and how I live my life. In any case Ozy then told us a tale, he gave us several options and some of us argued that he should tell a dark tale, and so he did. It was a fantastic tale of betrayal and plotting, and I shall not even try to recount it here for it will not do it just. I hope I one day will have stories like that to tell.

[Meizter]

Abi gave me a present today, it was a very beautiful set of panther leather armour, and I was for once lost for words. It is so kind of her to give such a valuable set of armour to me, and that she did means much to me. If Rolf had not been there I would have given her a big hug I think, but I didn’t want to do it in front of him. I really should tell her how I feel, but I am afraid she will scorn me. I don’t really know what to do.

Well in any case we got the idea that we would make a map, and on this map mark some of the valuable resources around. It was quite fun running around searching the countryside, and we found things I had never thought of could be where they are. Many asked to buy the maps we made, but so far it is ours, for we have risked life and limp for it, so for a while it should be ours to enjoy.

When I met up with Rolf today he showed me our new house. It is quite nice, and he has done a lot with the decorating. I got my room and I’ll have to make it look properly soon…and less like a shrine. Well downstairs is not so bad, but up on the 1st floor he has a shrine, which none may enter without his company. It is fair enough I guess, and I don’t have reason to go there anyway. In any case Rolf and I spoke of having a great feast soon, to celebrate our good fortune. I was charged with making a guest list, but I think I’ll just post a note at the inn, that way I will not forget anyone. We will need lots and lots of ale, and food. And I will compose a poem for the event. It must be a poem of great and epic scale, if I find a story worthy of it, well I hope I will.

[Meizter]

I don’t really know how to begin this. Today when I met Skarp in the craft house in Hlint he asked me if I had told Abi that I liked her. How can he know that I like her that much, but well I guess brothers can tell. In any case I said no I had not told her for I dared not, what if she did not like me like I liked her, and what if she would know nothing more of me then. He seemed to think that she feels as I do, but how can he know, he is not a ladies man as far as I know, and suddenly he has all the answers. Perhaps he is trying to make me forget Melissa, I don’t know and I don’t want to go into that discussion with him.

In any case, I ran to get some clay for some moulds for my rings, since there was not more to say about the topic for the time being. There on my way I met Hali, Abi’s roommate, and who would be better to know anything of how Abi feels than her. So after a small excursion we sat by the pond in Hlint and I asked her if she knew if Abi liked me, for I was very taken with her. Hali did not know, but she said I should tell Abi how I feel, for it would be better to know than go in uncertainty hoping for something that will never happen. I know she is right, and I know I should tell Abi, I am just so afraid. This scares me more than anything I have ever done, going to the Troll Mountains, fighting ogres, giants and undead, it is nothing compared to this. If I tell her I will have to let my guard fall, and if she so wishes she can tear my heart from me and break it with a single look or word. Is that worth it, I guess it is, but the thought of it scares me. If there was just some sign, anything.

*lots of lines and dots cover the papers as if someone has been doodling while thinking*

I know what to do! I will go the krell, up to Lar. Up there in the snow I will sit and think this through. If I am worthy perhaps my Vhill Ossug will visit me and guide me, but of course such trivial matters are below such a noble spirit. I will just find a quite place and gather my thoughts while the snow will gently fall around me and the wind whisper to me. I shall find my answer… or perhaps I shall find courage. My god, I am beginning to have fears and doubts again, and as they come I feel the connection to my spirit fade. It is hard to reach that place inside me where I find the power of my voice. I need to get this sorted out, or all has been in vain. I must go.

[Meizter]

Yesterday when I came down from the krell I met Abi, Hali and Brue in Hlint. My mind was set that I would tell Abi how I feel; it would be the decent thing to do. The four of us spoke for a while, and then Hali had some business to attend to. Abi and I spoke a bit, I told I had been up in Lar to do some thinking, and actually she goes there to think as well. Still, I said to her that I needed to speak with her about something, but that I would prefer we spoke somewhere a bit less public. As I had promised to cut some gems for her anyways, we agreed to go to her house and get the minerals at the same time. I have never been that nervous on a trip, and never has the road from Hlint to Hope felt that long. My heart was racing, my mind filled with fear of what she would say, increasing with every step towards Hope.

Finally we were there. We took a seat in her bedroom, the only non-storage room in the house oddly enough. And I then began to tell her how I felt. I told her I liked her company, I liked her, and in fact that I more than liked her, I had fallen for her. She listened quietly and when I had finished she told me that she liked me too, but. I thought I knew what she would say, she liked me, but only as a friend, and she did not see more than that between us. Even though she only made a slight pause before continuing I still felt everything crumble around me, it was as if time froze for a moment. She then continued. She had some things that needed her attention, but when they were complete I could call her my girlfriend. Never have I felt such change of mood so fast. I went from the deepest hell to the highest heaven within a heartbeat. I must have looked a bit stupid, my face split by the largest smile I think I have ever made. I of course said that I understood, and I would wait till the end of days if it had to be. She told me that if I still felt like that when that time had passed it would be us, but she did not want to be a rebound from Melissa, but I know now that she is not. Abi told me she had some secrets, and perhaps they would change how I felt about her, but as I said, I had secrets as well. I then told her of my past, of Krashin, of the murders and of my thoughts of revenge. These dark thoughts that sometimes haunt me, and I know I should not give in to them, but it is sometimes hard. Still she listened attentively, and when I had finished she said that when I was ready to go to Krashin she would come with me, and she would help me, help me get even, but not killing innocent people. I was relieved, and I think that with her at my side the dark thoughts of cold murder will be kept at bay.

Abi also told me some things of her that I did not know of. She has been a thief and even been to jail, still I will not hold it against her, as we all do bad things, and no one can be called innocent. Why should she not could redeem herself, I am sure she can, for there is so much good in her. Also she explained to me that her parents were dead and she grew up with her aunt and uncle. When her uncle died she was blamed for it by her aunt, who cast her out calling her a bloody tiefling. If Abi is a tiefling I do not know, she has not shown anything hinting she was demonbreed, and to be honest I don’t care, for I love her as she is. I think she was relieved to tell me all this and that I did not shun her because of it. Indeed I should thank her for having such confidence as to tell me these things, for many would look down upon her for those, but it will stay a secret with me, and not a single soul, dead or alive, shall ever know of it.

This has been such a wonderful day, I am so happy!

[Meizter]

I have tried to be a bit friendlier to Burr. A little while back we were speaking and he was about to tell me a tale, when I saw Q who I urgently needed to see. I ran after Q and got a hold of him, but I know now that I should have stayed and listened to Burrs tale. In any case I have given him my apology, and a few greenstones I had no use for, so he may practice his gem cutting skills.

Perhaps I have been mistaking about him, he has only been friendly whenever I have met him. I will ease my guard and treat him as well as all my other friends, perhaps he could even become a good ally against the Egilson’s. And should it turn out that he is indeed an assassin I shall deal with that when time comes.

[Meizter]

The other day I went with a group of people to investigate some elves that was missing in Karthy. A man in Hampshire told us that the elves, the ones we had dealings with when we fought the drow on Rilara were at a thieves’ guild in Karthy. If they were guests or prisoners he could not tell, but the situation needed to be investigated. He had apparently gotten this information from a man named Ulver Underhand who knew the guild very well, and perhaps too well since they have put an assassin on his trail. I was told this the day before by Captain Garant in Hlint so I had an idea of what was going on. After we had agreed to help I told what I knew, of the drow attack, of the elves Abi, Skarp and I overheard at Casterly that day and what Garant had told me. Since I knew so much of the story they elected me leader, so there I was again in charge of a band of heroes. It is quite a feeling, having people whom I respect very much for their skill listen to what I say and what I think is the right course of action, and actually follow my instructions. It seemed from what the man had told us that the best course of action would be a stealth mission, sneaking into the warehouse where the thieves were hiding and examining the situation. He also told of a man in the swamps west of Karthy, named Freedy the Forger, who perhaps had some passes to get us into the warehouse. We then spilt into two groups, a group for stealth and one for fights. I made Sand leader of the fighter group, as I feared that Brue would lose his temper when or if the situation went out of control and just charge in, and that was not what we would need at that point. We then left for Karthy.

In Karthy we spilt up, the fighters went to find Freedy and we went to speak with the owner of the warehouse, a merchant named Doshalot. We found him in the temple of Xeen, and came under the excuse of wanting to do business, and that Kil was giving us a tour of the temple. I think it was a plausible excuse as he is a xeenite, and well we all deal with some business. In any case we found this Doshalot and had a talk about the warehouse. It seems he had previously rented it to a “shipping company”, which I think Rahsar said was an old expression for pirates, but it had proved a bit troublesome. Some allies of his had then helped “remove” the “shipping company” and had then leased the warehouse from him. I told him we wished to rent it ourselves, and if it was possible to get a tour. He told us we should seek out the house and ask his allies, and that security was quite slack since his rent collector could enter without a pass. With those words he left us, as he had an important meeting in the temple later. We were quite sure that the allies were in fact the thieves’ guild.

We met the others who had returned from the swamps soon after and help a quiet meeting in an alley at the docks. They had gotten three passes from Freedy, so now we had to enter the warehouse. It was decided that I, Rolf and Rashar should enter first and investigate the warehouse while the others were ready to create some diversion on the docks. So we went over to the warehouse and entered one by one.

Inside we were met by a little Halfling to whom we shoved our passes and said we had business. She told us we could mind the store while she ran an errand, but we were not allowed to go upstairs. It seemed she thought us part of the guild, so we were in luck; we had the place almost to ourselves. We quickly decided to go on alone as opportunity had arisen, and we should not let it go to waste. So quickly we went upstairs, since we were not allowed to go there it had to be where the elves were held. Unfortunately while Rolf and I went down a corridor Rashar was stopped by a guard and we were sent down with a stern warning. I know I should have knocked him out, but I think that in the end it proved better that I had restrained my weapons. Downstairs we made ourselves invisible and went up again. There were quite a few people but we managed to get by them, then at the end of a corridor someone stepped on a trap in the floor. This of course alerted the guards, but we stayed still and invisible and soon they had left. We opened the door and inside we found the bodies of three elves. All were undressed and stabbed to death. As the others examined the bodies I picked the lock of a chest in the room and found a map as well as an ale stein and five short swords in there. I took it all and then we left as fast as possible. On the way out I think Rolf stepped on a trap the guards probably had placed, but still we did not stop and quickly made it to safety.

Back outside we quickly grouped up with the others and left for Hampshire. I had Jacc made a copy of the map, which shoved the docks and spoke of some kind of hole. In any case we met the man back at Hampshire and told him what had happened. At some point we asked who he was and he showed us that he was a part of the Mistone Alliance; somehow I think Rolf still did not trust him, but the papers looked all right I think. In any case we gave him the map and told him of the swords and that there possibly were two more elves that we had not yet found. He paid us a nice reward for this work, and said that he would call upon us again later; I hope he does, I can use the money and I feel that this will make a grand tale. In my head I am already beginning to make the poem, but still I have a little trouble with it. I guess it’ll come in time.

[Meizter]

I have not seen Abi around for some time and it worries me. I know she probably is out searching for the shadowdancers or knowledge of them, but still I wish she would have told me she left. Of course she can take care of herself, and I know she’ll be back soon. Perhaps she has found what she sought, I truly hope so, for then I shall carry this secret of her and me no more.

I actually went to the great library through the portal in Blackford last night. It is an amazing place, so much knowledge gathered there, but alas I did not find anything of the shadowdancers, but I will return later with more time and then I’m sure I’ll find something. I think I could spend a lifetime in there, reading, thinking and then again reading these tales and stories. It is so fascinating, I should take Abi there when she returns if she has not found what she seeks, perhaps the two of us will have better luck.

[Meizter]

I saw a most entertaining play today. A gnome in Fort Hope approached what turned out to be quite a large group of people as he was in need of aid. Actually a few of us had been standing in the road talking and more and more had gathered around us, quite impressive actually.

In any case the gnome needed some resources for making new props, as some kids had broken the ones he had and taken some of his sugar canes. Luckily some had both berries and sugar for him, and we quickly went about getting some sand, clay and oak for him. It was a simple task and it was soon performed, and again my lucky shovel let me find quite a bit of clay.

We then saw the play; it was about a man called Mr. Smee and his lollipop. It was in fact a wand of cute summoning, and he gave it to a woman he loved called Maeve. She wanted to summon monsters of the sea, but she only could summon a panda and a racoon. It was most hilarious and they performed really well. Then suddenly a man appeared and stole the wand. I was not really sure of whether or not he was part of the play, but it turned out he wasn’t I think. He would summon demons with it, but it back lashed and turned him into a rat, a rather fitting end for such a personage. As the play ended the performers received much applause, and they really did deserve it. It was a most fascinating play; I wish I could make such an act one day.

[Meizter]

*The page has several stains from water making some words harder to read*

I feel saddened by what I have seen and heard. Today I met Rolf, Jacc, Nalue and Buppi up in Krandor. There we saw a man walk by crying and sobbing, he went to the waterfront and prayed to Mist. He asked Mist to return someone to him, a woman it seemed, and as we guessed his wife. Rolf tried to comfort him, and get him to tell what the matter was, and finally he told us that he was Claus of Krandor, and his wife Patricia had been missing for almost two weeks now. He was clearly besides himself by grief, never have I seen such grief as what held Claus there. It makes my own pain when Melissa had left looking like a mosquito bite compared to his pain. We of course offered to help find her, who could have refused. He described her to us, and she must have been beautiful from what he told us. She also wore a medallion which was an oval silver plate with a blue stone set in it. We then asked to see his house, for perhaps she kept a diary which could hold some information to where she could be. He told us she had kissed him goodbye and then went to pick mushrooms in the forest, and sometimes she used to go to Llast, so that were our clues.

In their house we found her diary which Buppi read, as she was the only woman amongst us. It told us nothing more unfortunately. As we left we decided we should look in Claus’ valuables for in that locked room he may hold some clue, so while Rolf and I distracted him Buppi and the others broke into the room, but found nothing. I know some may think this wrong, but if it could give us a clue to how to save Patricia I think it worth it. The end justifies the means sometimes.

We then left and searched all the way to Llast without any traces of her. As Nalue and Jacc went back to the forest Rolf, Buppi and I spoke with Lieutenant Jutsen but he had not seen her around for a long time. We met the others in the forest just outside Krandor where Nalue had found a mushroom patch and in that a necklace, and without doubt the necklace Patricia had worn. He also found tracks of hoofs, as if goats had walked on two legs there. As we discussed a spirit appeared amongst us. It craved the necklace and as Nalue handed it to Rolf he spoke to it. He asked if it was Patricia and who had killed her. But she could not say much, only she recalled hoofs and horns. It was as if her mortal life had slipped from her memory, and only her love for Claus kept her in this world. How strong such a love must be to keep a spirit here, it is humbling to stand before such. Still Rolf promised her that we would seek her body and raise her so she again could be with Claus, and then Jacc was sent to fetch Claus from Krandor.

When he came he could not see the spirit and thought we played tricks on him. I think it was because he did not believe her dead that he could not see it. Still as he saw the necklace he burst into tears and collapsed on the mushrooms. The others set after whoever had taken Patricia but I stayed behind to guard Claus, for had some found him there in the woods he would have been defenceless.

This is what I have been told happened to the others. They followed the tracks deep into the Sword Rust Mountains, and there they found a camp of beasts. These beasts had horns and hoofs and stood as tall as a small giant. They had battled the creatures and in the end found victory. But alas it was a short victory for soon they found a pile of dead bodies, most of them half eaten. They searched for Patricia and found her, parts of her body eaten and only her face was still beautiful and untouched. Rolf had tried to raise her, but his powers were not enough, so he had suggested that they left for the temple of Mist in Leilon for they could surely raise her. The other bodies were burned and their ashes the others took with them.

In Leilon they had spoken with the priests but they could not resurrect Patricia without an emerald, and Rolf had just sold the one he had found. Alas they had to travel back to Krandor with the body of Patricia.

Claus was sticken by grief as he saw her body, but suddenly he filled with rage and lust for vengeance. And as he donned his armor and readied his sword we were suddenly beset by brigands and another of those large beasts. It was a fierce battle but in the end we prevailed, but alas both Claus and Jacc had fallen. Rolf was able to raise Jacc, but we took the body of Claus to Krandor and buried him in the same grave as Patricia, his arms around her and her head on his chest. In death they found each other, and even though I know I should be happy that they are together again, I cannot help feeling sad. I could not hold my tears back there at the grave, for it is just not fair that such love must find death prematurely. If only I had had an emerald I would have given it without hesitation, I would have given my life could it have made her come back to life. For what matters a life like mine, my love, it seems so childish and petty compared to what they had. That was real love, stronger than death it was, I have never seen such and I doubt I ever will. But alas I cannot do anything, but I shall tell the tale of them for it is not one that should be forgotten. I wonder if the love I have for Abi is as strong, or will grow that strong. And what of her love for me? Can we find love as great? Can anyone? My head spins with questions and thoughts, but my heart is heavy for this has touched something within me.

Still I can’t help wondering if going to Mist was the right choice, should we not have found a temple for Ilsare, the Archer of Love, surely they would have understood better than those clerics of Mist. But I do not know much of gods and faith, I hold a faith for no god, and should I ever find one I know now it should not be Mist, for she does apparently not care for love.

Tomorrow I will go and put some flowers on their grave.

[Meizter]

Today I went on a fishing trip; well I think it was what some would call big game fishing. In any case I had been told about this by Jacc and Rolf, and I wanted to see what it was all about. We met in Leilon, and quite a few people had gathered for the trip. There was this man called Reef who apparently is a sailor himself, so he was of course put in charge of the expedition. I learned that we were about to hunt a giant shark, called Big L or Big Lasher. Odd thing to name a shark, but it must be very terrifying if it indeed has earned a name for itself.

After some bartering with the captain of one of the ships, we finally got passage to the islands where the shark dwelt. It was a more or less uneventful trip, although it seems Jacc does not handle being at sea well, I myself felt it refreshing to look out across the ocean and feel the wind on my face. Sailing from Leilon reminded me of when Skarp and I left Krashin. We had arrived in Leilon and I recall the sailing to there with absolute clarity.

In any case we arrived at the island, and indeed it was hostile terrain. The water kept on rushing over our feet, making it hard to move, and the rock surface below us was slippery. Still we moved on in good spirit, for now we would soon kill a legendary shark. Still when I think about it now I can’t happen to wonder, is it right to go and catch and kill legends. Still this Big L had apparently hurt a lot of sailors and to put an end to this could was a just cause.

After moving a while we found a cave and entered carefully. Inside we were wading in deep water, and as we slowly moved forward we were suddenly beset by sharks. They were small but very fierce, and even though we stayed on our guard we never saw them before they were upon us. Still we kept on moving but before long we were attacked again and Kira fell. In fact we took many casualties during our walk, and if these were just regular sharks I started to fear for what Big L would do to us.  We were lucky we had Rolf with us for he raised the dead over and over again, and I am sure it must have taken its toll on him, and still he did not complain.

Deep in the cave we found a place where we saw light in the water, a dim light, but still a light. I went over to have a look, when suddenly I felt my feet hitting nothing but water where I thought the ground would have been. I fell down into the water and felt the weight of my sword drag me to the bottom, where I could see a dim light. It seemed a shaft I was falling down into, but alas I knew I could not hold my breath forever. I had to let my sword go if I wanted to make it to the surface. So I let it go. The others had thrown a pike on a rope to me and I grabbed that and they pulled me out of the water. I was glad to be saved, although I did mourn my sword a little. In any case they wanted to examine the shaft so Vin the od little lad dove into the water with a rope around him. He is a strange one, the way he speaks amazes me, it sounds so different that anyone I have ever met and I think that making sentences like that would make for a grand poem or play. After quite a while he emerged with my sword actually, and interesting news. He had found a tunnel down there leading deeper into the cave. We decided to investigate and emptied our canteens so they would hold air for us to breathe during the swim.

The swim went fairly ok, and we ended up in a chamber where we saw many carvings on the walls, I am sure they are of elven origin but I am not well versed in that language, and hence I could not make anything of them, just like everybody else. We proceeded onwards, often attacked by sharks, but we did not deter. Finally deep in the caves we found a chamber where a strange stone formation was as well as a statue or perhaps it was a person encased in the rock was standing. Rolf was sure it was a temple to Shindaleria, or the elven pond dweller as he calls her. It seems he dislikes that god to the brink of hate actually. Still as we looked around we were attacked by sharks, but luckily we survived. Then we saw a big shark circling us. It was as if it was waiting for us, watching us. Jacc spoke to it in the language of the animals and it told him that we should leave or die. We discussed and then the shark attacked. The battle was fierce but brief, and in the end we were badly wounded but the shark was dead. As life fled its body it turned into an elven woman. Was it a were-shark or a cursed being I do not know. At least she is at peace now, not guarding that place, that shrine to Shindaleria where no one comes.

We then left the place with haste and made our way back to Leilon. Rolf mentioned someone called Carocsa who was turned into a shark by Shindaleria. I have since come to learn the whole tale.

A sea-elf woman named Carocsa once lived at what we know as Carocsa Bay. She was a druid and built a temple to Shindaleria on the beach, as well as an underwater observatory so she could study the sharks that roamed the bay. Once the Shark-Lord came with many sharks and they caused much commotion in the bay. One shark came into Carocsa’s observatory and threw her in the midst of a group of frenzied sharks. She being a druid turned herself into a shark and fought many of them off, before the Shark-lord held the rest back and had Carocsa follow him to his home waters. What then became of Carocsa is not known, some say she has been eaten by the Shark-lord, while others say that she now lives with him in the waters.

I do not know what the truth is, but in any case it is a strange tale. Still the girl we killed in the shrine, could be a druid just like Carocsa, who could turn herself to a shark. It is most interesting and I hope I shall learn more of this soon.

[Meizter]

I heard a grand tale today. A dwarf named Brac’ar told of how he had gotten a sliver of dragon bone in his leg. It was during his dealings with the green dragon, the Broken One I think it’s called. Still I only received the short version of it, but before he left he promised that he would allow me to read the whole tale in his journal one day. That will be grand, and I shall compose a poem of it as I did of the tale of the dealings with Fisterion. Perhaps I should make a poem telling the tale of the dealings with all the dragons; it would indeed be an epic work, a work worth remembering. Yes that’s what I should do, it’s is merely a matter of finding those that dealt with the dragons, but I am sure Talan can tell me of those.

I met Maz later on. She told me her sister had gotten married and I of course congratulated her. We spoke for a while and I told her the tale of Claus and Patricia. I think she found it as saddening as I do, and I have promised to taker her to see the grave when we meet again. We spoke of how sad it was when Skarp came. He did not understand why I would have given an emerald or my life to save Patricia. I could at first not believe that he could be so cold and I explain more of the tale to him, but still he found us dumb I think. I said that he too would give anything to save such love if he had seen it, but he merely said that if he didn’t know her why should he do anything for her. I cannot believe him to be so cold and cynical. I was on the verge of screaming at him to make him understand, but I constrained myself.

I noticed that Rolf has put a note up at the inn asking for Abi’s whereabouts. I have not worried for her, as I am sure she is capable of handling herself, still that note, and more the fact that no one has seen anything of her has started to worry me. Think if she is gone, if she has left. I don’t think I would be able to bear that; I would then truly be deserted. Perhaps love is not for me; perhaps I scare people away when they see my feelings. I shall ask Hali when I see her again, for she must surely know something about Abi, and where she has gone to. Even though I feel hope inside me, I also feel a nagging fear gripping my heart. I dare not think the thought to an end and yet I cannot help it.

[Meizter]

I have composed a poem of Claus and Patricia and their love for I do not wish this forgotten. They had what so many seek but so few find, and it still saddens me that they are now dead. Still by this poem I shall honour their memory

Listen here of a love so strong,
Of two people eternal bound.
Their love will last forever long,
A love stronger than most have found.

In Krandor a man and woman lived,
Patricia and Claus they were called.
Claus was of happiness deprived,
In sorrow he to the water crawled.

To Mist he prayed with tear filled eyes,
His love he pleaded her to return.
For she had vanished without goodbyes,
And he did for his love so yearn.

A band of people came to his aid,
They would for the lost love look.
While Claus in Krandor stayed,
They left into the forest by the brook.

Near a mushroom patch they found,
The necklace of Patricia torn.
Hoofen marks covered the ground,
They had a feeling of forlorn.

A spirit to them suddenly came,
Sought the necklace it did as it spoke.
Patricia was the spirits name,
With a scream she the silence broke.

Only her love for Claus held her here,
For she could only him recall.
But alas Claus could not see her near,
For he was blind, to love a thrall.

They the hoofen marks tracked,
While one stayed the lovers guarding.
For to this they had to react,
Dangers or warnings disregarding.

Deep in the sword rusts they found
A camp of creatures dark and foul
A combat fierce soon unwound
And creatures fell with a chilling howl

In a pile of corpses half eaten by beasts
They Patricia did find dead and scarred
To save her was now up to the priests
Alas he was from the strongest magic barred

To Leilon they took her body cold
The priests of Mist they bade
But they were only a nay told
They should an emerald have paid

They brought Patricia to Claus
He was filled with sorrow and despair
Then he was as if he had a pause
To avenge her death he did swear

Then beset by beasts they were
And a great battle did unfold
Moving so fast it was a blur
But death of Claus took its hold

In Krandor together they were buried
By the sea they lie in a grave entwined
Their souls no more by sorrow harried
For in death they did each other find

[Meizter]

Today down at Velensk I was talking to Skarp, Burr and Rolf as a small halfling lass came up to us. She was rehearsing for a performance, as she herself was a performer as me. She even recognized me and knew I had written the poem of the Paladin and the Minstrel. It is not often you meet strangers who know your work, but it warms the heart when it happens. She also knew Skarp, from where she had heard of him I’m not really sure though.

In any case she asked if it was true that I had been fighting drows at the Delwin, and I could only tell her yes. I recounted the whole tale and she seemed like she indeed did like it. Rolf and Skarp had some additions, although it was not many. In the end we spoke for a while and she spoke of a place called the Bolthole. That reminded me of what was written on the map we found in Karthy, into the bolthole it said. We had thought it something at the harbour at Karthy, but she told of an inn called The Bolthole down south of Casterly Castle, on the way to the Mander and White Harbor. I have travelled much of Rilara but never heard nor seen the place, and I guess her words of the need for guides to find it is true. I think that even though she did not know she helped us greatly in this search for the elves and the item they carry.

On another note I have been thinking about having a Storytellers Night at the Inn soon. I have sent a letter to Owen and he will help me make the arrangement. It could be grand with a large audience for our tales, and I hope I can get some skilled performers to come and tell a tale or sing a song. Still there is much to do but I think it is manageable.

[Meizter]

That little hafling lass, Ellen, did help us. I met a bunch of people in Hamp and we spoke of what we had learned. I told what Ellen had told us, an I think it was Jacc who told us about drow lurking around Karthy but now gone. We feared they were gone after the elves so with great haste we travelled to Casterly Castle.

Here we searched the surroundings and finally stumbled upon a path that led south. Soon we came to a great plain where we encountered several bloodthirsty wolves, but we prevailed and continued our journey. We found a little hamlet where we found an inn called the Bolt Hole by the locals. At the inn we spoke at length to the innkeeper who told us of two elves who had a room here but had left for White Harbor not long ago. Also another man had come, one with a grim look on his face as the innkeeper put it. I suspected that he was looking for the elves as he also had travelled towards White Harbor not long ago. Several of us thought it a good idea to have a look in the room the elves had rented and with a bit of persuasion we talked the innkeeper into letting us open the door. However, the door had been warded by magic, but Rashar did remove the warding so we could enter. It cost the door, but I guess that’s the risk of warding things. Still in the room we found something interesting, a small keg without a tap. Some suggested we smash it, but a few of us recognized it as an elven keg with magical properties. These kegs sometimes are used to turn one thing into another, transmutation I think it is called. So instead of breaking it we took it with us as we left for White Harbor and the elves.

Just outside the little hamlet we encountered an imp yapping on about missing its master. Foolish of us we told it our business and then it left us before anyone could stop it, even though Rashar made a good try.

Soon we were in White Harbor, and just as we arrived the town was beset by werewolves. We fought them off, but one of the local guards fell in the battle. Odd thing about these wolves but I don’t know if it means anything. In any case we soon learned that the elves had been here but travelled north along with an elven merchant. Quickly we started to go north, Nalue following their trail. We had not travelled long before we saw drows up ahead. Boldly we charged them, but what a surprise they had for us. We were slaughtered, they summoned things I have never before seen, and soon I felt darkness wrap itself around me.

I awoke soon; it appeared it had been an illusion, placed merely to trick us. This meant we were on the right track, but also that our enemy knew we were coming. Cautiously we continued and soon we found the bodies of three elves. There were marks of battle around but alas we were too late to save them. I noticed that the sand under one of the bodies had been stirred greatly and started digging there as I had a feeling something may be hidden there. Deep in the sand I found the tap, the tap for the elven keg. With the elves dead it was our duty to ensure the keg did not fall into wrong hands so we quickly buried the bodies and returned to White Harbor where we chartered a ship to Hamp. It was an uneventful sail, and as we gathered in the back room of the Scramps Mug in Hamp we tried to insert the tap into the keg. Nothing happened. Neither of us had any idea why, and we tried it a few times but with no luck. We then handed the keg to the authorities for safekeeping.

It has been a strange story this, and I feel more is behind it, still the greater purpose eludes me.

[Meizter]

I feel broken. I had written Hali a letter asking her if she knew about Abi and where she had gone, today I got her answer. She has not seen Abi for long, and is also getting worried. Is she gone? Has she left? Has something happened to her? I don’t know what to do. She left so soon after I told her how I felt for her…was it me who scared her away by telling her. Cursed be I, and cursed be my love. I shall never find it, I know that now, I shall travel the lands telling tales, tales of heroes, of love, but I shall not be one, nor shall I find what I tell of. Perhaps it is what I must forfeit to do what I do…

I have lied to Skarp, I do work I cannot tell him of, for his own safety, and he would not condone what I do, so I have chosen to not tell him. Just a while back I was doing some of this work, and I told him I had gone to the Great Library. A lie! to my own brother, what is it I am becoming? I feel ashamed of myself, but still I also feel as if I am helping doing the right thing. Does the end justify the means? I sometimes wonder that, it is hard to tell, and I do not hold the answers. I know it is dangerous to write this, if someone should see my journal, so I shall not go into details. Still I doubt anyone sense this within me, this questioning and sadness, for most I am good old Geir, as I should be…

On a more happy account the Storyteller’s nights is coming along fine. Several excellent performers will come like Reef, Owen, Kali and Ilwé. It will be a grand night and I hope many shall come to hear our tales and songs. Still I don’t know if I shall tell the tale of Patricia and Claus and their love or the tale of the gem tree. It would be wrong to end the show on a tale of sadness, so perhaps the gem tree tale will be better. And I am sure many a dwarf will have gleaming eyes at the tale of that tree. I should make some arrangements for lights and a stage, but I think I still have time to do that.

[Meizter]

Quite a few things have happened lately. I met Ellen again not long ago on my way to Hlint from the High Forest. She told me she was working on a tale of a shadow master, one of the most powerful of the shadow dancers. He can make the shades come alive at his will, which is not a small accomplishment. It reminded me of the shadow we once saw in Hlint that had been set free by a master as it said. Could this person be the same? Also I came to think of a man I saw near the Broken Halls who had walked by a few of us, and then disappeared in the shadows. It was as if they had wrapped themselves around him. Still Ellen wanted to seek him out and learn more of this for her tale, but I warned her about the shadow dancers as I seem to have lost both Melissa and Abi to this pursuit. Oh how I miss Abi. It has been so long since I have seen her, and I truly fear she will never return to me. Cursed be it all, I don’t know what to do. Perhaps I should just leave as well. I could go to the krell again, seek out the Ulinrann Hrill and live with them in silence. Perhaps the krell will claim my life, but what life is this to claim…

I met Jacc later along with some others at the pond in Hlint. There was this lass called Key who seemed to know much of the planes and I believe she may even be not entirely human herself. As we spoke I told her I knew a word in the language of the demons, the word Ozy taught me. She however did not believe me until I had said it then I think she perhaps was a little impressed. Still we sat and talked for a long time and I told them the tale Ellen had told me and added the part about the shadows being set free. We debated much of what it would mean to have ones shadow free, and what that being then would be like, would it not be a dark reflection of one self. It is a disturbing thought and I hope this will never come to pass.

Later on Jacc told me to tell the tale to a girl named Raye, who apparently wanted to hear it. So I told her about it. She in some way reminded me of Abi with her dark hair and pale skin, but she is nothing like her though. I think she liked the tale and a while later she asked me to show her and Klugger where I had seen this man in the shadows. I took them to Broken Halls and as we entered it seemed all the rats were gone. Instead we faced an odd looking creature who could indeed hit very hard. After a few battles we decided to try to avoid them and soon we came upon a darkness in a corridor. Then the man I had seen before came up to us and started talking about shadows and the shadow dancers. It seems Raye wanted to become one of them as well, what is it that draws people to these masters of the shadows? From what I understood she had completed a trial he had set for her and passed it. I am glad for her, but I can’t help thinking about what now happens to her. Will she become lost as others? Just as we entered Hlint she disappeared in front of me and vanished, the irony is striking I guess.

[Meizter]

I have been neglecting my dwarven for some time. But then again I have not seen Fenrir to teach me new words. Still I was told by Gulnyr some time ago that what I thought met “well met” indeed meant “sure why not”. It seems the proper word for well met is “Zann Lak”. It must have been some misunderstanding on my part when Fenrir taught me. Oh well Brue taught me how to say aye some time ago, it’s called “azoa”. Still I have not used it for some time, but today I decided I will speak my dwarven words whenever I can. In some way it is also polite to greet people in their own language I think.

[Meizter]

I met Ulver some time ago. It was good to see him again indeed. I gave him the greetings I had promised Dorena to give him, and he was quite happy about it I think. Dorena is a nice lass, and I think she likes Ulver very much. I’m happy for them, I hope they will find happiness together for I think they are very well suited for one another. Ulver told me that he worried for her because she insisted on going to the goblin caves even when he was not around, and that place can be tricky and dangerous if you’re not prepared. I promised him that I would keep an eye out for her when he was not around, it was the least I could do to help a friend.

I don’t know how we got into speaking of it, but suddenly we were speaking of me and how I’d been left. Ulver had spoken with Maz and she had told him a little of what had happened. He also thought it a sad tale, but he told me I was a good friend and it was a shame to see me sad both he and Maz thought so. Still I could only say that I tried to be a friend but I am far from sure that I do it well. He said I did and that many even wished they had my popularity. I find that hard to believe, but it was kind words indeed. True, I know many people, but still I do not think it is as Ulver said, but none the less I thank him for his kind words of comfort, he indeed is a true friend. I am just Geir, a storyteller.

[Meizter]

I am alone. When I woke up today I somehow felt it within myself. She will not return to me, no one has known anything, nothing at all. I have asked most I’ve met but in vain. I should go search for her, I know it to be the only thing to do, but I do not know where to start. I feel sad, lost and helpless.

Perhaps the gods have punished me for forgetting about Kolfinna back on Krashin, perhaps I am just destined for this. I have died so often recently also, perhaps also my Vhillih Ossug has abandoned me or deemed me unworthy. Still I feel as if all my feelings of despair and sorrow fill that reservoir of power I found within me. There I hide them so only I may know, but no longer will I wear my bright green clothes. I will dye them black as her hair and they shall remind me of her.