The Legend of Owen Lo'Kiar

[regnus]

"To gather life around oneself there must be balance, to preserve life one must have goodness, to recycle life one must have a solid cycle and often that includes evil. Those that are lost destroy this process."

I say it countless times in my mind.  Turning it over again and again.  I have tried to look at it from every angle but I keep coming back to the undead dragon theory.  I suppose if every other angle doesnt produce a more credible theory then the only thing left to do is go with the one that feels right.  But it just feels incomplete.  

Or maybe that is just me.  There is something inside of me that feels empty or rather... I dont know how to put it into words.  Hard to believe, eh?  

I think I have reached a point where I dont know where to go.  What I mean here I guess is I am trying to find that something missing inside of me.  The Dragons, and more specifically, the Metallics, are part of it I have no doubt.  When I talk about them and in anything I do that involves them I feel...alive.  It is like nothing I have ever felt before.  But there is something more.  Something else calling me.  It is like when I leave a dark place and come into the light.  I am blinded.  I know something is out there, just beyond my reach.  It dances just on the outside of my vision, tempting me.  I reach out my hand out to touch it, to find what it is.  But I never reach it.  My hand grasps at nothing.  It drives me mad at times.  What is this force that pushes me forward just to hold me back!?

I am going on a trip to the Great Forest with several others that answered my note at the Wild Surge.  I hope to find some answers there.  At least to my questions on the Metallics.  I dont feel that this will answer the questions I have inside though.  I have thought about it and I think my only avenue from here is to do something that I swore I would never do.  I must pray to Rofirein.  I told myself after I left the temple, that Rofirein and his followers were nothing but fools.  I think I may have even offended the high priest on my way out.  I don't think I have much choice anymore though.

I dont know why, but I feel like something bigger is afoot here.  Something beyond me, but .... through me perhaps?

[regnus]

I was pleasantly surprised today!  Again I have to wonder.  Is it luck...or something more.  I walked into Hlint and who was talking around the well but Rhizome, Plenarius, Brisbane, Iradril, Tha'Azail, and several others.  They were discussing Eon and other happenings.  Blood's troops are on the move.  I asked Rhizome if there was any evidence to confirm the rumor of the Green's death.  It took most by surprise I think.  Rhizome simply brushed it off and said that he had not heard any more on it.  It caused a commotion though within the group.  It was then decided that we should investigate the lair and confirm for ourselves if the Dragon had been killed.  Iradril had to stay behind to attend to his studies.  He is improving with his magic.  I can see it every day.  I guess the studying is doing him good.  

So we all set off to find the Green's lair.  It took us to Port Hampshire and onto a boat!  We sailed to Point Harbor and from there we walked.  We ran into a group of something that I never did get a good look at.  Our scouts found them and came back to warn us.  I was listening to the group argue over whether we should have walked around them or confront them.  I thought it better to avoid conflict and go around.  I believe Brisbane said the same thing.  The rest of the group wanted to fight.  I should say here that Plenarius did not want to fight them just to fight.  He wanted to guage how we were in a fight and how we were as a party.  Sound thinking but unfortunately, it did not quite work out.  It seemed like a big confusing mess with everyone running everywhere and it looked like our group would get overwhelmed.  At the last minute, the hostile group met their end and our party prevailed!  It must have been my song that pushed them on to victory.  

Afterwards, we walked to Karthy.  A big city but not nearly a match for the splendor of Port Hampshire.  We waited there because some of our group went missing.  Plenarius, Brisbane, Gulnyr, and some others.  In the end, it was Rhizome, Talan, Path, Dyness, Tha'Azail, and myself who made the boat trip.  I am not sure where we sailed to since Rhizome talked to the captain.  We had not sailed far, as the dock was still well within view, when Tha'Azail fell overboard!  He must have been trying to get a better look at the large fish that were swimming next to the boat and jumping out of the water.  Luckily, he was not wearing any armor.  His head bobbed above the water and I saw him swimming back to the docks.  I was glad to see that he was ok.  

The city that we docked at was like nothing I had ever seen.  The structure of their houses and buildings was so different that I do not know how to describe it.  Probably because I was distracted so by the message posted around town.  The post said that the Green Dragon was slain by Blood's forces and the body was carried away by magical means.  

Well if that was not proof then I dont know what is.  Talan seemed convinced as well but wanted to see what the Dragon's lair looked  like and if there was anything left behind.  Rhizome mentioned traps and monks and extreme danger.  Dyness made it very clear that she wanted to go.  Path seemed as if he would be happy either way.  I mentioned that I thought we should get a bigger group and be more prepared.  Rhizome said that this was wise thinking.  Who would have ever thought Rhizome would have called me wise?  Well...at least in a roundabout way he did.  Anyway, we decided to at least scout around the area to see if we could make it into the lair.  

There were monks as everyone thought, but their encampment was burning and destroyed.  Clearly more proof that Blood's forces had made their way through here.  We climbed the steps to the lair and were confronted by giants!  Several of the group attempted to cast spells, but the magic went crazy.  It almost seemed as if it was bouncing back on us instead of the giants.  Talan called it wild magic or something.  I tried to help by adding my voice to the effort.  My arrows were hitting them, but they seemed to just make the giants angry.  Finally, the final giant was felled and we were all in need of a rest.  Since the ground in a forest is much softer than the hard stone ground of the lair, we were going outside to rest and attempt to make our way back in.  

Well, at least that was the plan.  I thought I was following the party out the lair, when I looked around and saw no one.  I turned around to retrace my steps.  I didnt see anything familiar though.  Where was I and how did I get so far from the entrance of the lair?  It was nowhere to be seen.  I couldnt be lost again could I?  I was getting frantic.  I looked around and still found nothing that I could recognize.  Lost again.  After hours of wandering I collapsed from exhaustion.  

When I awoke, I was in Hlint of all places.  How can this be?  I was far from here when I last closed my eyes.  I was in a weakened state as well.  The same feeling as when the bindstone grabs my very soul and doesnt let go until I find myself in Hlint.  This is very curious.

Iradril and Tha'Azail found me standing there and wondered what had happened on our mission.  I explained what had happened all the way up to and including my getting lost.  I also began to explain some of my thoughts on what had happend recently.  I was really wondering why Aeridin had appeared to Rhizome.  Was it because he was asking for guidance about Dragons or was it to answer my questions?  I am not saying that I am so important to warrant the God's attention, but I just was trying to piece it all together.  Tha'Azail mentioned that even though Rofirein and Aeridin are not allies, perhaps they have a common purpose regarding Dragons and the fight against Blood.  Perhaps Rofirein asked Aeridin to speak to Rhizome so that I could get the message.  I suppose anything is possible.  

We turned to the fact that both times I went out to find a Dragon, I got lost.  Tha'Azail in his faith, surmised that I was not lost at all but in the hands of Rofirein.  I wondered aloud why something would push me to find the Dragons but then hold me back when the opportunity presents itself.  Tha'Azail and Iradril both believe that Rofirein wants me to find the Dragons and to continue in my quest, but I am not ready to stand before them.  Tha'Azail went a step further to say that perhaps Rofirein wants me to find the Metallics and that the reason I have not made it to a Dragon thus far is because each time I was going to see a Chromatic Dragon.

This is beginning to perhaps make a little sense.  If that is the case at least.  I hope it is.  It would take a weight from my mind that at least there is some purpose behind this hunger.  This need to immerse myself in the quest for knowledge.  

Tha'Azail asked me how my prayer went the other night.  I was ashamed that I did not pray.  I just could not see how or why Rofirein would answer me.  I turned my back on him and his followers.  I made fun of them.  If anything, I would probably be struck down for even trying to pray to him.

I must say here that if nothing else, my friend Tha'Azail is a devout and faithful follower of Aeridin.  His faith and love for his god reflects in everything he does.  He explained to me that even though I had turned my back on him, Rofirein did not necessarily return the favor.  If our thoughts on what has been happening to me are correct, then I guess it is safe to assume that that is true.  

I am determined to go through with it now.  I will offer a prayer to Rofirein and see what comes of it.  I dont expect an answer.  I just have to do something.  Something to guide me in this quest.  If I cannot look to the Great Golden Wyrm for guidance on Dragons then who can I turn to?

[regnus]

"Rofirein.  I dont believe that I have ever really prayed to you.  I mean I've said the words, went through the motions, but never had my heart in it.  Well, hear my heart now.  Some things have been happening to me lately.  I dream of Dragons.  My thoughts turn to Dragons.  My life lately is consumed with them.  Yet, it seems like every time I get close to my goal by meeting one, I am turned away.  I become lost and when I wake I am somewhere else.  Is this your doing?  Are your wings sheltering me and protecting me from something?  Do you have a plan for me?  Is it your hand that is pushing me, guiding me?  I feel compelled to push onward by someone or something.  I am journeying into great danger soon in my search for answers.  To the demon lands of Xantril, into the Great Forest to speak to Katia's first follower.  I know you have no reason to, but I am asking you...no begging you to send me your aid.  Guide my steps through to safety and to the answers I seek.  I..."

I really dont know why I wrote this here.  I suppose I did it just to be accurate in the chronicles of my life and journeys.  He wont answer me anyway.  Why would he?  I dont know why I even tried.  I am no good at praying anyway.

[regnus]

*Owen stumbles to the campfire outside of Hlint and falls to his knees.  He looks haggard and exhausted.  A far cry from his normal self.  He slowly looks around to see if anyone is around.  Tha'Azail Neverborn is praying to Aeridin across the campfire from Owen.  No one else is around.  Owen removes his hat, lowers his head and closes his eyes.  He speaks under his breath...*

"Rofirein

I am sorry to have doubted you.  *His eyes close tight here* I should have known you were guiding my step.  I should have known that you were sheltering me from harm.  I should have known that you have a plan for me.  *His eyes Reveal it to me.  I feel it inside me but I do not know what it is or where it is leading me.  I am doing what I feel you have placed me here to do.  I have seen your sign and I accept this task you have placed before me.  Show me the path and I will...."

*As he speaks these last words, Owen falls face down onto the ground and passes out.*

*Later, the next day, Owen sits down at the fire and pulls out his journal.  A serious look comes over his face as he stares into the fire.  After several minutes, he nods his head and begins to write.*

I have had an awakening.  I doubted Rofirein and he has chosen to forgive me.  Not only that, he has chosen to smack this foolish, former unbeliever over the head with a sign.  A sign I am not allowed to discuss at this point.  I am honorbound to not speak of it and I will not break that covenant.  Suffice it to say it was a sign that could not be ignored.  Rofirein is guiding my steps.  Of this I am sure.  

Several days ago, I met with Iradril, Tha'Azail, Rhizome, Talan, and his sister, Lalaith.  Let me say here before I continue that Lalaith was easy on my eyes.  I think Talan did not appreciate it though.  We were out at the campfire in the Ranger Vale discussing the trip to the Great Forest when Plenarius and Brisbane approached and told a story of their wedding.  Apparently, Blood himself had made a comment that they would suffer his wrath.  Plen and Bris went to see the Seilwood witch to ask her what this meant.  I am not sure what was said by the witch, but when they had heard that we were going to the Great Forest and going to talk to Ozlo, they decided to come along.  Being a follower of Katia as well as who Ozlo is, Plenarius took the lead.  We travelled to Leilon to try to procure a ship.

Brisbane attempted to beguile a captain using her...um...womanly charm.  Once the captain heard that we were trying to travel to Xantril, he backed away and would not be bribed.  Talan and Lalaith were going to steal the ship, but I interceded.  I would not be part of the theft of a ship.  In the midst of our discussion, Rhizome and Brisbane had walked to the water.  They were trying to decide if they could change their shape to become whales and pull us to Xantril!  This would be a very long trip and I would not want to see harm come to Rhizome or Brisbane.  Plenarius must have had the same thoughts.  He decided to try one of the other captains.  This one was much more receptive, but was still not willing to take us to Xantril.  But after much persuasion...and money, he was willing to take us.

We sailed for what must have been forever.  We finally got sight of Xantril.  I was brimming with excitement.  I was so excited that I missed the attack.  We were attacked by these fishlike humanoids.  They were everywhere.  We fought countless of these creatures.  They seemed to keep climbing over the rails of the ship.  Endless numbers of them.  Lightning appeared from the sky and scorched the creatures where they stood.  Unfortunately, the boat was damaged as well.  We began taking on water and still the creatures were coming.  Always more coming over the rails.  They deck was littered with the bodies of the dead and they still came on.  The boat was sinking closer to the water.  Closer to our ineveitable death.  Was there no end to these creatures?  Would we die here...in the ocean...where no one would know or remember us?  

Rhizome moved quickly at this point.  He ran to the railing and jumped overboard.  He called to us to abondon the ship.  Then he changed in front of our eyes into a giant whale.  Brisbane joined Rhizome in the water and she changed as well.  We all jumped on Rhizome and Brisbane and they carried us to Xantril.  It was a long trip.  The group was beginning to get discouraged when I began to sing.  I let everyone know that we needed to no give in.  We were going to make it!  

We eventually made it to the shore and every one collapsed.  I was quite worried about Rhizome and Brisbane.  They were unconscious and not responding.  Tha'Azail attempted healing Rhizome and Plen seemed to be trying to help Brisane.  It was a trying time those first few hours.  I continued to try to sing to the two unconscious and give them the strength.  After a time, they did finally revive.  We gathered ourselves and headed out.  Rhizome lead the way since he had a connection to the forest.  

After several hours of trekking through the forest, we saw many sights.  It was truly spectacular.  It was nothing compared to the GReat Oak though.  There are no words to describe the feelings I had when I saw the tree.  I am no follower of Katia and nature has never really meant much to me other than to offer a nice setting in which to woo the ladies.  With that being said, I can understand Plenarius, Brisbane, and Rhizome's devotion.  It was impressive.  To know that Ozlo lives in the Great Oak only solidifies my belief that this is an important moment for me.  Although at the time, I did not know it.  

We climbed the tree and... climbed...and climbed.  To the top of the tree we went and walked in.  We met a curious fellow who had us all sign our names three times in one book.  Then we had to sign again in another.  Little did I know at the time that it would bind me to the covenant of silence.  I didnt care at the time and I do not care now.  The promise made was well worth it.  I was then and I am now on the path set before me.  

I cannot reveal at this time what happened beyond this.  All I can say is that change is coming.  A welcome change.  A change in the world and a change to the war.  A change that can turn the tide of Blood and his relentless pursuit of revenge.  

I can only hope that further entries from this point will be of good news.  Perhaps at that point I can elaborate.

*Owen closes the book and closes his eyes again.*

[regnus]

Today I was in Hlint and decided to walk through the Seilwood to Talan's house to see if there were any developments in the task that was set before us.  As I walked up to the house, I noticed Lalaith sitting outside.  She seemed a little distracted and as if something was wrong.  I asked her if she was well and her response troubled me.  She said she was 'well enough.'  As we walked into the house and sat down, I pressed her a bit for what was wrong.  She tried to pass it off as nothing but I could see something was bothering her.  She started into a story then about what had transpired after our meeting with Ozlo.  

The party had been sent to Voltrex to speak with the one who apparently has the items that we need.  They were given four tasks to perform.  Tests Lalaith had called them.  The first one, they had to go to the coral dungeon and obtain the dream from the dreamer.  It made little sense to me and she said that the group was puzzled as well.  They had to go though.  This task must be completed.  So they get to the dungeon and make the trek to the bottom.  There, behind a massive door, are demons.  But there is a child as well with wings.  After that, the entire party fell unconscious and found themselves in Arabel in the pouring down rain.  They had all had the same dream though.  Lalaith recounted the dream for me.  It is chilling...

There was a great darkness.  Not like the shadows or the night, but a magical darkness that cannot be pierced.  
Then the sounds of something coming closer.  Closer.  Closer.  The sound of bone scraping over stone.  The sound of worn cloth crumbling from age.  
And then it appears.  This undead...mummy of sorts.  It peers at her and falls upon her.  She is dead and yet she can still see what is happening.  She is aware of everything but is frozen.  She can do nothing to stop this creature from falling on her.  
Until she becomes the creature...she shambled among the others in the party as this creature.  This...mummy and began to change the party as well.  She took their bodies and made them mummies as well.
After that it got blurry and she woke up.

A frightening tale to be sure.  The scariest part of it all is that the nightmare returns every time Lalaith closes her eyes.  We can only hope that this is the task and that this is what was meant by obtaining the dream.  

Lalaith was clearly tired and beaten from the ordeal and its after effects.  I tried to offer her my help but she was holding back.  As we talked, she began to open up a bit.  I learned some things about her that I will keep from you, the reader right now.  We spoke of some things that I feel were very private to Lalaith and I do not want to betray any confidences that I may have gained with her.

So, I sat and listened to her story.  It was a sad one and full of tragedy.  There is more here that needs told but she is not ready to tell it I think.  I think she may not know if she can trust me enough yet.  I can only offer my ear and my friendship.  In time she may come around.  My heart aches at the pain she has endured.  It seems that pain is the way of the world of late.  Perhaps I can do a little something to lessen it a bit for Lalaith though.  

She was very tired after talking.  I am not sure, but I think she was even a little surprised by how much she told me.  She got out of her chair to retire when I offered to help her.  She looked skeptical and I think a little off guard.  I was very embarrassed.  My foot apparently wanted in my mouth.  What I had in mind was a little lullaby to perhaps make her dreams a little safer.  I guess maybe guard her sleep from the nightmares.

We went to her bedroom and I turned my back as she changed to her bedclothes.  If nothing else, I would not be known as a scoundrel.  She slipped into the bed and closed her eyes.  I sat at the head of the bed and began to sing softly to her.  She must have been exhausted because she immediately fell asleep.  Not the deepest sleep right away, but she was asleep.  As I continued to sing, it seemed that she was falling into a more restful sleep.  A peaceful sleep.  I finished my lullaby and watched for a little while.  Her sleep seemed to be free of nightmares.  At least for the moment.  Adter several minutes I decided that it was time to leave.  I reached down and brushed her hair from her face.  As I turned to leave I kissed my fingertips and laid them on her forehead.  "Sleep well Lalaith.  Dream good dreams"  I said a silent prayer to Rofirein to watch over her in her slumber and quietly left the room and continued outside to the ranger vale.  

I do hope that Lalaith begins to trust me.  There is more to her story.  Not that it is simply a story to me.  It felt...right to listen to her and help her.  I am not saying that fate had me here at this time and in this place, but it felt good to ease her pain a bit.  

[regnus]

I have finally seen why Iradril and Tha'Azail were so apprehensive when I mentioned the Haven mines.  They tried to explain it to me but it really didnt mean much to me until I experienced it.  The Haven mines are flooded with ogres.  Some of them would go into a rage when they saw us.  Their effectiveness in melee was amplified several times over.  They are a gruesome foe that continue to bash away at you even as they are cut and stabbed.  Luckily, there were several of us there that had been in a battle before and could keep a cool head.  Too many times we get into these groups that rush into battle with no thought on how to win.  They get struck down before we can even catch up to help.  This group was quite smart though.  Connor went with us so I was comfortable with anything we faced.  He seemed to take command as we went to Haven.  He had been there before and knew what we would face.  We ventured down and encountered a few stray ogres.  Then we entered a large room.  There were several ogres guarding the entrance we engaged them and then all hell broke loose.  Ogre after ogre came down on us.  The frontline fighters hacked and slashed again and again.  My arrows were flying as fast as I could draw them.  From behind me the mages let loose the weave upon their foes.  Arrows of light shot forth over my head and pounded the ogres as they continued to bash away at my companions.  Finally, after what seemed to be forever, it was over.  Bodies were piled high and blocking our way.  We literally had to climb over them to continue on.  One of the mages went through the clothing of the ogres looking for gold.  I cant say I will refuse my share, but I am glad it was not me that had to rifle through their clothes.  Filthy creatures.  We encountered several other strays before we came to another larger room.  Again there were many ogres.  The ones that went into a frenzy were all over here.  they seemed to have a slightly different shade of skin than the normal ogre.  I will have to remember that for the future.  Again we unleashed our own type of fury and smote our enemies down where they stood.  It was a refreshing sight to see a cohesive group and how effective we could be.  We stopped to catch our breath.  Some of the mages tried to get some rest but they were unable to concentrate on their spell books.  Connor noticed this and let everyone know that the mines were cursed.  No one would be able to get any rest while they were there.  It affected everyone.  Knowing this, we made the decision to return to the surface.  We should have left earlier.  As we turned to leave we were set upon by more ogres.  They streamed into the room and came down upon us.  We had a disciplined group though as I said.  We lined back up in our formation and dealt death to the ogres as quickly as they came.  When we finished, we ran through the mines to the surface.  In the room that we had already battled, there were more ogres.  They had moved the bodies of the dead and were gathered together in the room.  One of the mages, I dont remember who, took advantage of their closeness.  I felt the heat gathering behind me at first.  I was startled and turned to see what was making the heat.  As I turned I saw a ball about the size of my fist floating in the air in front of the mage.  It was a ball of fire.  It was spinning and fire was dripping from it and sizzling on the floor.  I moved to the side and put my back to the wall.  The ball was still spinning but it began to grow.  It kept growing and growing until it was bigger than I could get my arms around.  The mage acted as if he was picking the ball up then and then he literally threw it at the ogres.  It spun and flew through the air until it hit the middle of the pack of ogres.  I had to turn aside and shield my eyes a bit as the fireball exploded in the room.  The smell of burnt flesh filled the room.  The stench was overwhelming.  We all made our way out of the room and we ran out of the mines.  We finally had a chance to get some rest.  We split the loot and everyone was making their way back to Hlint.  I pulled Connor aside and asked about the dreams.  He knew what I was asking and said that he was not with the original group so he did not have the nightmares.  However, he did go with the group to return the dream to the Speaker.  Connor did not know though if Lalaith was free of it.  I will have to speak to Talan.  Surely he was there as well.  I hope that the nightmares are gone.  There is no need for her to have that to suffer through as well as the rest.

[regnus]

I have been spending more and more time in the Great Library.  Researching several things.  For one, I have been doing the readings I should have done in the temple in my youth.  I have no designs of becoming a priest but I believe that I should at least try to follow the teachings and tenets of Rofirein.  He has me here for a purpose and I should do what I can to live up to him.  On that note, I have to speak to Plenarius.  I would rather speak to Ozlo but Plenarius is as close as I can get.  Who knows, Ozlo would most likely not even see me.  Regardless, I must speak to him about what I can do to do my part.  Ozlo has laid this task on us but I am not able to help.  I feel useless and as if I am letting both Rofirein as well as Ozlo down in this.  Surely there is something I can do to prove myself and aid in this endeavor.

Which brings me to the second subject I research.  I have long heard rumors of a drow city somewhere where they dont constantly battle each other for power.  It is not full of baby killing, murderous, betrayers but of those who have escaped that life.  It is a hidden city.  I want to find it.  I am slowly starting to fit in here in Hlint.  At least I think I am.  It is hard sometimes to know.  I have friends of course, but I want a place to call home.  A place where there are no people who look at you as if you just slit their mother's throat.  There has to be something here in the Great Library that will lead me to it.  

All of this research has given me much to ponder.  An idea is hatching in my mind regarding Ozlo's task.  Or rather once the task is completed.  I dare not write it here lest it fall into the wrong hands.  I will speak of it once I speak to Plenarius.  He will be able to tell me if this idea has merit.  I hope it does.  I will finally be able to contribute to this cause.

[regnus]

I ventured out from the Great Library today.  I was glad that I did.  I ran into a group led by Ragrian of all people to Palden Lake.  I followed them and ended up at the overlook point where we could see the little island down in the water.  We sat down and Ragrian began telling several tales.  It was interesting.  All of the tales concerned Brownies.  Or rather the origin of Brownies.  The first tale concerned Deliar and a pixie.  It was apparently quite a torrid affair.  But, Deliar moved on to other pursuits.  The pixie was of course devastated but realized that she was with child.  So, with the help of the other pixies, she carried the child to term and gave birth.  It turned out to be children.  She gave birth to a boy and a girl.  They grew to be larger than pixies, but still smaller than halflings.  They called them Brownies.

The second tale was a darker sort.  It concerned a half-elf wizard consumed with magical breeding.  He was breeding several races together.  He encountered a halfing then.  She was a perfect halfing.  The wizard enticed the halfling back to his laboratory by talking about his many experiments and playing on the poor girl's curiosity.  Once he got her in the laboratory though, he confined her and he brought out a male pixie.  He tied them down and began an evil ritual breeding.  There, from the magical forces swirling around formed a pod.  It pulsed and pulsed until it opened.  Out climbed two creatures.  The Brownies.  

The third tale is what the Brownies consider to be their origin.  Back in the past, when the dragons flew the skies, the Fey walked the land.  The Fey intermingled.  Many of the ancient races came from these unions.  One of these races were the Brownies.  

Then, the last tale that Ragrian told was that of a particular Brownie named Trink.  He was out with some friends gathering some berries.  When they had harvested enough berries, they returned to their home to find it under attack by someone or something.  Fire and acid rained from the sky.  Their home was being utterly destroyed.  They turned and fled.  Balls of fire came crashing down.  The poor Brownies ran for their lives.  They ran until they could not run anymore.  They found a ship and hid themselves aboard.  To pay for their way, they did jobs on the ship during the night, unseen.  Once they reached Mistone, the Brownies seperated.  Trink made his way to a small farm.  He found a nice hiding spot and settled in.  Again he did the odd job during the night to pay for what little food he used and the space he used.  Until one day the farmer got curious and snuck out in the early morning and waited to see what was happening.  He found Trink but meant no harm.

Trink was too afraid though.  He ran again.  This time he stopped in Hlint.  In an inn called the Wild Surge Inn he found a small area in the kitchen to hide.  Until Ragrian discovered him.  She convinced him to trust her.  And in turn convinced him to trust us.  

At that, Trink appeared before us.  He confirmed the last tale as truth.  He was an interesting little guy.  I dare say he could almost be called...cute.  There really is no other way to describe him.  He was a cute little guy.  He asked us to look out for any other Brownies and to treat them as we treated him.  Then he left.  I hope he finds a safe place to be and stops running.

After he left, I went back to the Library.  There is so much to read.  I have not found all of the answers yet, but it has to be here somewhere...

[regnus]

This library is amazing.  It is such a vast collection of knowledge that I fear I could spend my entire life searching and still never find what I seek.  I have spent several weeks here now and I have not found a single reference to the city of Drow.  Could it truly be just a rumor?  Yet...even if it was only a rumor, I should find some mention of it here.  I must keep searching.

But I am beginning to think that maybe these things that I am looking for are hidden from me.  I have not seen anything about the Metallic dragons here either.  

My search continues...

[regnus]

I met Plenarius in Hlint today.  He received my note that I left for him.  We talked a bit and it seems that part of Ozlo's task has been completed.  They are here again.  When I voiced my frustration about not being able to help, Plenarius gave me a task.  There was a great Silver Dragon that was met during the task.  Plenarius wants me to find anything I can about him.

It is said that before Katia ascended, she was in love with what some say was a Silver dragon.  The dragon never revealed himself to her in his true form however and always appeared as a humanoid.  The story also says that this Silver dragon somehow helped or was responsible for her ascension.  Plenarius belives that the Silver Dragon that he met is this same dragon.

He even referred to him as the Father of Layonara.

I am adding this to my list of things to search for in the Great Library.  It is going to the top of the list as a matter of fact.  Although I am not sure what I will find.  I am only one person and the Library is massive.  But if nothing else, I am tenacious...

[regnus]

Hlint continues to amaze me.  People must have a subconscious connection to it since the Dragon called them here.  There are many other places and cities that are far more beautiful and elaborate than Hlint.  Yet, people continue to come here.  I guess it says something about the charm of a small town.  I must confess, even with all of its problems, Hlint is special to me.  I have met so many great people and started too many adventures to remember from here.  

So, I happened to be sitting in Hlint talking to Lalaith, Tha'Azail, Talan, Connor, and Path.  We were really just talking about nothing when Talan started showing off various armors and weapons that he had.  It was quite funny.  It was short lived.  Garent came up to us and what happened next shocked me...

He removed his helmet!

He is a man.  Here I thought he was some sort of gnomish construct of cranks and gears that was encased in a suit of armor.  I always thought I would round a corner in Hlint and see a little gnome winding him up.  I half thought that if the breast plate was ever removed you would see a little gnome sitting in the armor somehow controlling it with some levers and foot pedals.  Garent just seems so impersonal.

But I was wrong.  He removed his helmet and asked us if we knew anything about an attack on a ship captain in Leilon.  I guess a ship captain refused a blessing from Mist and was assaulted for it!  Now he obvously wasnt the smartest man out there since Leilon is pretty much a city of Mist but attacking him for refusing a blessing is a little extreme.  Talan spoke up and asked Garent if the incident had anything to do with the recent attack by pirates.  When Garent asked what this was about, he explained what had happened a few days earlier...

A band of pirates had banded together and found themselves near the Forsaken Islands.  They made their way past the islands and towards Mistone.  Unfortunately, the curse of the Forsaken Isles descended upon them.  One by one they begans to fall.  Only to rise again as mindless zombies.  One of the pirate ships had a seer that they had kept imprisoned on the ship.  The remaining pirates who had not yet fallen turned to the seer in hopes of finding a way to escape their fate.  She offered them the blessing of Mist and said that they must give themselves to her to be saved.  Not wanting to become zombies, the pirates agreed on the spot.  

It did not work.  They continued to fall.  Confronting the seer, the pirates demanded to know how to save themselves.  The seer told them that they were obviously not true believers.  To prove themselves they must go to Leilon and profess their faith to Mist at her temple.  So, they set sail for Leilon.  When they arrived they headed straight to the temple.  

Here is where the story takes on a darker tone.  The seer must have had other motives and some goal in mind from the start.  When they got to the temple, she whipped them into a frezy.  The pirates were desperate at this point already.  They had watched the men around them fall from life into undeath.  They could hear their fate reaching out to grab them.  They were ready to do anything to escape it.  

The seer capitalized on their situation and told the pirates that the only way to free themselves of the curse was to take the town in the name of Mist.  And that is what they set about doing.  Talan was among those who freed the town from their grip, but there were lives lost and much damage done.  What was interesting to me was that the seer was not taken and punished for her deeds.  Talan claimed that she was an old woman and did not feel that he should punish her.  I would think that justice had to be done here but I was not there.  She was free to stay in the sanctuary of Mist's temple.

Garent was not pleased by this news.  Two incidents in Leilon involving Mist now.  He asked us to report any information we found regarding these two incidents.  Of course we had to organize an investigation.  Squee had arrived at some point in Talan's story as well as Yashilla.  Yashilla was not pleased in the least by Talan's story and I think she actually took offence to it.  I cant blame her since she is a follower of Mist, but surely this is something that she would want to sort out.  I do not know much of Mist, but would she want to be known for these actions against the people of Leilon?  

We set out for Leilon and it was actually quite a pleasant trip.  Talan and Yashilla were bickering still, but it really was a peaceful walk.  We arrived in Leilon and it did not seem to be too damaged to me...at first.  Then we reached the dock area.  The damage was still pretty extensive.  There were scorch marks littering the ground and buildings.  Blood stains covered the pavement stones.  A battle was clearly fought here and the evidence showed that it was not a small one.  

Talan tried to get infromation from the dockmaster, but he was noticeably nervous and tight lipped about any incidents that may or may not have happened here.  He kept eyeing Mist's temple behind us though and acted like he wasnt.  We turned then and saw what he was so nervous about.  There were several Mistone soldiers guarding the temple door.  We confronted them about what had happened.  They stated that Queen Allurial had posted them there and they barred the door.  It was for everyone's safety until the situation there had been resolved.  

We heard something moving on the docks then and went to investigate.  It was the temple healer.  Roim I think Yashilla said her name was.  A halfing woman.  She was staring out into the sea.  She was in some sort of trance it appeared.  Yashilla tried to talk to her but she would not respond.  

A storm came from out over the sea suddenly.  It was unnatural and more powerfull than a storm usually is, even so close to the sea.  Rain pounded down on us.  Lightning came down in streaks all around us.  Talan moved towards Roim.  I am not sure what he intended to do but he never got the chance.  A flash of light was so close that it blinded me.  When my eyes finally adjusted, I saw a being of electricity moving down the docks away from us and towards the temple door.  

It moved with deliberateness to the temple and reached out to the guards.  They planted themselves in front of the temple door and drew their weapons.  A grand show of courage and conviction, it would make the Queen proud.  Unfortunately, the being simply grabbed each one in turn and in flashes of light, they were reduced to dust.  Black, smoking remains were all that was left of them on the stones in front of the door.  I saw Roim there as well behind the being of electricity.  I cant really say she was controlling it though.  It appeared more like she was following it.  But then, they were both gone.  One minute they were there and the next they were gone.  

We ran to the door of the temple to see if Roim was inside, but the door was locked.  Lalaith unlocked it for us but no one went inside.  I made the suggestion that Yashilla go first since she was the priestess of Mist.  Talan began to cast spells though.  He seemed to be readying himself for battle.  Squee did the same.  Lalaith mentioned something about always investigating behind dorrs she unlocks.  I sat back with Yashilla and Tha'Azail.  It was not right to barge in there before the priestess of Mist had a chance to secure her own temple.  

They ran in the door and I listened outside.  I heard no screams of pain coming from the room.  Yashilla sighed and followed then.  She was obviously upset.  We all went into the temple then.  What a mistake.  After the last of us entered, the door slammed shut.  Lalaith tried to unlock the door again but it was no ordinary lock that held the door.  It was some magical barrier preventing us from leaving.  We were trapped!

As we looked for an exit, it began to rain.  Yes you read that correctly.  It began to rain inside the temple.  Yashilla seemed amused at that point.  She seemed almost satisfied with the turn of events.  Is this how Mist is with her followers?  I am glad I do not follow Mist if this is the case.  Talan tried to reason then with Yashilla and explain what he was doing, but Yashilla was having none of it.

She began to berate Talan and the rest of us for stomping around in a temple of Mist when we held no reverence for her.  She seemed most perturbed that they had come into the temple with weapons drawn and ready for battle.  Then once it was clear that there was no danger, they still had weapons drawn.  We tried to explain, but Yashilla was not listening.

The entire time the water continued to rise...

Some tried the door again...Lalaith still could not unlock it.  Others tried to bash it down...It was not moving.

The water rose...it was up to our chest now.

Lalaith tried to reason with Yashilla and asked her why Mist would do this to her own.  Talan apparently seemed unaffected by the whole thing.  He swam around the temple with no care.  He claimed that if Mist wanted to do this to us then there really is nothing we can do about it.  I suppose he was right, but I could not sit by and give up.

And still the water rose... we were treading water now.  The water semed to be coming in faster.  We were running out of time.

Lalaith pleaded with Yashilla to do something.  She was the only one that could save us.

Yashilla began to pray to Mist then.  She asked Mist to look past this incident and let us go free.  

The water rose to the ceiling.  We were all gasping for our last breath in a rapidly closing pocket of air.  To her credit, Yashilla never lost focus and still continued to ask for Mist to release us.

The water finally closed in around us.  We sank down holding the last bit of precious air in our lungs.  

Mist must have heard Yashilla.  She flung open the door of the temple and the water rushed out to the docks outside.  We were unceremoniously flushed out as well.  My poor mandolin is probably ruined from it, but my hat has survived.  At least there is that.

We dried ourselves out and decided to head to Blackford and report what had happened to the Queen.  She should know that her guards were killed so that their families can be notified.  Not a job would want to have but will do since I witnessed it.  At least they can know that they died in the service of their Queen and did so honorably.

It was not to happen though.  The guards at the gate at Blackford informed us that the Queen was not taking visitors that day and we should come back later.  They would not listen to us that it was important either.  So, we were left to report it to Garent.  At some point we must inform the Queen though.  She needs to know what happens in her lands.

I learned a good lesson though.  I will add it to my list of rules to follow.  Never follow Talan into a temple.  I am not sure I will survive another event like that.

[regnus]

I do not follow my own rules.   It hasnt been more than a few days since our near drowning at Leilon.  The memory is still very fresh in my mind.  

Iradril, Tha and myself joined Lalaith and Talan again.  It was for an exploration of Dregar this time.  Iradril was wanting to know where he could find some ingredients for his alchemy studies.  Lalaith offered to take us around and show us the way.  The trip was uneventful, but nice.  Lalaith was a good guide.  Iradril was collecting quite a few things to help his studies out as well.  It was actualy pretty productive.  Then we reached a serene lake that had cranberries all around it.  I sat down by the lake and played my mandolin a bit.  It is not the same since it was immersed in the divine waters of Mist's rage, but it is playable until I can get it replaced.

After a time reflecting here, Lalaith mentioned that there were almonds near but they were guarded by giants.  These must be some very good almonds.  She said that we should make ourselves invisible and get the almonds and then leave.  Talan ran ahead and wanted to fight them.  So, like a person with no sense, I followed him.  Lalaith continued to tell us not to but we confronted the giants.  They are very accurate with their bows I must say.  I saw Talan get pummeled by arrow after arrow.  He turned and yelled to us to run.

It would do no good.  Tha fell while trying to heal Talan and Iradril.  I ran to help him and I was struck down.  I felt my life slipping...

I awoke at the stone.  I began the long trip back to the group.  It was nice to know that I remembered the way, but I was so weakened by the turn of events that I had to stop and rest quite a bit.  I finally made it back to the lake and saw that everyone was still there except for Talan.  I guess he went of to do his own thing.  

We traveled a bit more before returning to Mistone.  Lalaith seemed a bit agitated.  A couple of times she seemed on the verge of saying something to me but then she would turn away and act as if nothing happened.  We made our way to Fort Llast and Iradril and Tha took their leave.  Iradril was going to shw the Great Library to Tha.  He will be impressed I am sure.  I continued on to Hlint with Lalaith.

With only the two of us, I asked her if she was ok.  We had a little talk outside of Hlint about things.  I think she has become so used to hiding from everything that she doesnt know when to stop.  I can see on her face that she is bothered by something but she tries to hide it.

I let her know that I am always there as a friend for her.  I hope for her sake that this does not consume her.

[regnus]

Much has happened lately.  I have not had time to commit my legend to literary immortality until now.

Milara has been active...  

It is not known exactly if he fought the Shifter or what happened, but Plenarius, Brisbane, Rhizome, and some others tracked down a disturbance caused by Milara the other night.  They traveled nearly to his doorstep when he appeared and talked to them.  He taunted them and looked into their souls.  Then he simply walked away.  I am curious about the haughtiness of these generals of Blood.  I realize that they are very powerful.  There is no doubt about that.  But maybe at some point we can use their arrogance against them.  Lure them into a trap that we can spring upon them to smite them down.  I am getting off track...

After he left, the group made the mistake of pressing on.  They were met by Milara's pet.  A Dragon completely made of bone!  Rhizome fought valiantly.  It would have been a sight to see!  Not that the rest of the group did nothing, but Plenarius seemed to make it sound as if Rhizome was actually pressing the Dragon.  In a moment that hope was rising and they believed that a major blow would be struck against Milara,  hope was squashed completely.  Milara appeared to heal the Dragon of its wounds.  Completely.  It came crashing down on the group with a vengeance and tore them apart.  Meteors dropped from the sky as rain and scorched the earth upon which the party battled.  They had no chance....

Plenarius escaped through a sanctuary spell.  Triba fled.  Brisbane stepped to another plane to saftey.  The rest of the group fell.  

But Brisbane, being in another plane and safe from Milara, could see what happened.  Milara stood there with his Dragon and...something else.  A wraith.  Brisbane is sure that it was not the Shifter.  Who was it though?  Yet another foe to stand in our way?  Is there no end to the evil set upon this land?  

I look to Rofirein for guidance but I do not know what he wants of me.  I must seek help from the Temple soon.  I am getting no where in the Library.  I have found many intgeresting things to read but nothing that will help me.  I must leave a note for Triba.  Surely she will know where to look since she is the caretaker.

[regnus]

A minor setback in quest for knowledge has been placed before me.  Or is it another helping hand from Rofirein?

I sent my letter to Triba Gues.  She politely answered me that she would investigate the matter further and let me know where I can find the information I need.  I was rather pleased with myself for this development.  It was shortlived.  A short time later I received another letter from Triba.  My hands were shaking in anticiapation.  Could this letter lead me to the books on the Metallics and more specifically the Silver that Plenarius seeks?

I tore open the letter in haste and let the envelope drop to the floor.  The librarian that delivered it to me looked at me in near shock.  I didnt care.  This could be a the key to my quest.   I unfolded the letter and read it as fast as my eyes would allow me.  The further that I read, the more my heart sank.  It felt as if it had dropped into my stomach.  The letter fell from my hands.  I heard it hit the floor and the sound crashed in my ears.  I sat down and stared at it for several minutes before I moved again.  

I had put too much hope into the letter.  I should have known the answer before I even wrote  the letter.  If the information was in the library then I would have found it by now.  I reached down and grabbed the letter of of the floor and folded it back up.  I will leave it in this book for all to read.  

So it appears that the Tower of Nature considered the information volitile enough that it should remove it and other books from the Great Library.  I must let Plenarius know and see what he wants to do.  I would assume that a trip to the Tower is in order though I do not know where it is.   I hope he considers me a friend enough to allow me to accompany him there.  I would love to see it and if possible, the books there as well.  

I am left wondering...Did Rofirein know I was seeking and has led me to the answer or is this a simple happenstance.

[regnus]

One door closes (or at least starts to anyway), and another opens...

A good friend has asked me for help.  I really only wanted to make sure that I did not upset her, but yet she found it in her to trust me enough to discuss some things very important to her.  I am honored and will live up to the trust she has given me.  I will also do what I can to help.  I do not know how successful I am, but I cannot sit idle and watch her do this alone.

That's what friends are for right?

[regnus]

There are many new faces in Hlint.  I sometimes find it hard to recognize anyone that I see.  It makes me wonder if the Dragon knows something and is calling more potential heroes to Hlint.  Are we headed toward a climactic battle with Blood or one of his generals and the numbers are not looking good for us?  Or maybe he is just seeing more people who have it in them to make a difference.  Either way, it has made life in Hlint even more interesting...if that is possible.  

With all the new faces here, I have had the opportunity to help some people lately and listen to their concerns, fears, and aspirations.  I have guided some around Mistone and helped them collect some things for various people around Hlint.  I think it is rather ironic that some have actually sought me out for help when I am not exactly that far removed from my first days in Hlint.  I find it rather rewarding though to help out fellow travellers and adventurers.  I am not sure if this is what I am here for, but it feels right when I can help someone.  

It is also a good opportunity to keep my ears open.  You never know what you may hear if you stop for a moment and listen.  

[regnus]

All of the new people here are making me reminisce today.  

I remember coming into Hlint, wide-eyed and amazed at the Dragon who called me here.  What I remember thinking the most is, why.  Why did the Dragon call me?  I certainly didnt fit the typical hero archetype.  I can tell you right now that I had no intention of helping anyone defeat Blood either.  My only concern was amusing myself and finding a pretty face to stroll around town with.  Not that that is a bad thing mind you, but I guess it left me a little empty.  I guess I just couldnt be satisfied with something as simple as that.

Of course, being who I am, I was shunned and feared by most people anyway.  I had thought that since the Dragon had called me here that the people would at least accept who I was.  Unfortunately, there had been too many past transgressions by the Drow for them to accept me right away.  I still remember the day that Garent threw Iradril and me out of Hlint.  I was afraid to go into Hlint for days until he cooled off.  

Now though I think I have been accepted for the most part.  There are still a few people who dont trust me and some who absolutely hate me.  The way I see it, if I were to do anything against the people of Hlint, I would have no chance of getting away with it.  Too many people know the hat...

As for the people that have accepted me, I have made friends with many of them.  Some are better friends than others, but I generally try to be friendly with everyone.  There are a select few to whom I am fiercely loyal though.  This circle of friends I would do anything for, including lay down my life.  Whether they realize it or not.

I have also come to look to the teachings I once thought were nothing but idle words as something perhaps a little more.  I am still working these things out for myself, but I feel like there is something more out there for me to do.  Or maybe something more inside of me that has yet to manifest itself.  I think about it all the time and look to Rofirein for guidance.  I never thought I would write or say anything like that, but people change and I can either embrace it or get crushed by it.  One thing is for certiain, I am still no priest.  I leave that work to Tha'Azail.

I spend days at a time in the Great Library doing research.  I read mostly about Dragons, but lately I have been helping others in their endeavors.  The Metallics have returned...somewhat.  I am glad that has happened, but I am still left with many questions...

[regnus]

Things are still changing...

Tha'Azail Neverborn, the half elven priest of Aeridin, has changed.  I arrived in Hlint after a long walk from Port Hampshire.  I was quite surprised to see a stand set up near the courthouse.  Gulnyr was sitting there selling his pies!  I knew he had been making a lot of pies, but his inventory was quite extensive.  I ran into Tha and Iradril there as well.  I was going to talk to Gulnyr about buying a pie but Tha stopped me.  He pulled both Iradril and me aside and said that he had the strongest feeling to travel to Aeridin's temple in the Sielwood.  He asked the two of us if we minded accompanying him there.  I let him know that there was no need to even ask.  I would help him.

Astonishingly enough, we were able to leave Hlint without so much as a word from anyone on the way out of town.  Now, I am not saying that there was anything more to it than coincidence, but sometimes I feel like the only way to get out of Hlint is by divine intervention.  If I am not stopped by someone, I see someone that I have to speak to.  It is amazing that we ever get anything done anymore.  Anyway, whether it was Aeridin's will or not, we made it to the Sielwood.  The woods themselves seemed to be hushed as we walked through.  Not the hush like someone is watching you and waiting to strike.  It just felt like our way was clear and nothing would interfere.  We arrived at the Ranger's Vale and let Tha lead the way to the temple.  

Tha knelt down and was saying a prayer when he noticed the priest making his way over.  He finished his prayer and stood up to meet the priest.  The priest looked Tha up and down and nodded.  Tha was intrigued by this as were Iradril and myself.  When Tha asked him what was going on, he explained that a heavily armored man had stopped at the temple and had left a letter for Tha.  He had decribed him to the priest and told him to not release the letter to anyone but Tha.  

Tha opened the letter slowly.  He seemed to nod as he was reading it.  He folded the letter and placed it in his pack.  He explained to us that the letter was enchanted so that it could only be read by him.  It spoke of Tha's connection to Aeridin but also of something else that some may not want him to gain. It instructed him to go to the lake in Fort Hope and it was signed only with the letter M.  Iradril and I were quite puzzled by this but Tha was quite exhilirated.  Maybe it was because he knew we would pass through the Broken Forest on our way to Fort Hope and he could lay the undead to rest.  Or maybe it was something else.  He seemed different already.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

We set off for Fort Hope.  When we arrived we searched around the entire lake but found no one.  The lake inlet that was up on a hill overlooking the lake is where we stopped.  Surely if there was anyone waiting for Tha we would see him from that vantage point.  Quite some time had passed though before we saw a man walk up the hill towards us.  He was heavily armored and wore a helmet.  He must have been watching us to make sure that we were alone.  We were not sure that he was who Tha was supposed to meet until he stopped directly in front of Tha.  Then of course, as people always seem to do, he questioned my presence as well as Iradril's.  I have to say though that Tha stuck up for us and it made me feel proud to be his friend.  The man didn't seem to like us any better but he was there to talk to Tha and not us.  

He introduced himself as Marcus Ashak Drebesh.  He asked Tha what he knew about his parents.  I guess he only knew that his mother was elven and his father was a human druid.  He also knew that his mother had died while she was still carrying Tha in her womb.  Marcus explained that because of this, Tha carried something inside of him.  It is the very essence of undeath.  You see his mother, while out on a mission for the temple of Aeridin, had encountered a number of undead.  It is unknown exactly what happened, but she used the last bit of energy that she had to get to the temple to save her unborn child, Tha'Azail.  During the battle though, she was touched by one of the undead and it withered her.  She arrived at the temple covered in blood and grime from her ordeal.  Once inside, she fell to the ground and her life faded.  It must have been when the undead touched her and drained her life force that something happened to her child.  This is the moment that Tha'Azail was infused with the undead.

However, Marcus also explained that there was a secretive group who's goal it is to slay the undead and bring light to the dark places of Layonara.  They are the Lightbringers.  Tha'Azail had a choice to make though.  He could continue on as a priest of Aeridin and follow the bringer of Life to the end of his days.  Or he could embrace that extra something inside of him that implanted upon him before his birth.  He could become a Lightbringer, a slayer of the undead.  

Tha has always felt a certain zeal in confronting the undead.  I still get a bit worried at times when we  go through the Broken Forest with him.  I think he sometimes feels he can cleanse it himself.  It was clear though what choice he would make.  So, Marcus pulled a gem from his pack and handed it to Tha.  It was like a soul gem, but it opened a part of the soul.  Apparently, in order to embrace what was inside of him, Tha had to make a sacrifice.  Marcus told him to take the gem to the Krandor crypts.  Deep in the heart of the crypt, he was to bathe the darkness in the light.  

It was a task of extreme peril to Tha and ourselves.  We approached the crypts and I was a little apprehensive.  All three of us had fallen in these crypts and I was not eager to do so again.  It was important to Tha'Azail though so we cast our protection spells and stepped into the darkness.  We were set upon by a host of the undead.  Tha balled upon Aeridin to set their souls to rest.  It worked sometimes.  Other times it took Iradril's sword and my bow.  My throat was so dry from trying to rally my friends to victory.  The undead in the Krandor crypt are quite a bit more powerful than in Hlint.  This was not like Storan's, but we had always had more help there.  This time we were on our own.

We perservered though.  We entered a room that looked like a massive hall of the dead.  Mounds that looked like giant tombs or burial plots were all around.  We thought that this might be the heart of the crypt.  It looked like a place that could spawn the lost souls that we had fought.  Then Iradril found some stairs going down.  There really was no other way, but further into the darkness was no a pleasant thought.  Tha looked pleased about it though.  I do not understand his need to rid the world of undead, but he has a burning desire that never seems to diminish.  

We climbed the stairs slowly and peered down the hallway.  We entered a room with many undead.  It was a hard battle that we barely won.  We looked around the room and there seemed to be a faint shaft of light coming from somewhere.  It shone down on the floor that seemed to beckon Tha.  He pulled out the gem that Marcus had given to him and approached the light.  The gem seemed to become alive in his hands.  It transformed the sliver of light into a dazzling display of colors.  It was so bright that it hurt my eyes but I watched it anyway.  My friend was in the middle of it.  

I dont know if he said or did anything, but suddenly a scorching beam of light shone down on him.  I had to turn away at that point.  My eyes could take no more.  When my eyes adjusted and I could see him again, he had fallen to the ground.  The single ray of light had returned.  It seemed to illuminate Tha's body where he had fallen.  I started to move to Tha to see if he was ok when I saw him stir.  He pushed himself up.  Scarred, wounded, and bloodied, Tha'Azail Neverborn, Priest of Aeridin stood in the only light that could be found in the Krandor crypts.  The light washed over him as he stood and it changed him.  It made him into something more.  He was no longer just a Priest of Aeridin.  He had become a Lightbringer, a slayer of the undead.  He would carry the light unto the darkness and cleanse it of the abomination of life that is the undeath.

[regnus]

Dregar.  The home of Pranzis.  Also the home of the Citadel of Rofirein.  I am afraid to enter there yet I know that that is where I must go.  I came here once with Lalaith and I thought it would
be easy.  It was not.  I am ashamed at who I used to be.  So much has changed.  I was a foolish child when I lived here.  I was foolish and naive when the Dragon brought me to Hlint.  I need to go
back to the Citadel and at least try to make amends.  I owe them my life for taking me in and raising me when by all rights they should have left me to die.  My people certainly would have.  

I would like to know more about my mother as well and they are the only link I have to my past.  I know what they told me, but is that everything?  Is it even the truth?  What of my father?  Am I
drawn to Dragons simply from my exposure to the Rofirein order or is it something more?  So many questions and so few answers.  

I am getting sidetracked again.  I was going to tell you about Dregar.  A place of wondrous beauty.  A place filled with danger.  The land is crawling with all manner of beasts and ruffians that
will kill you before you can even blink.  Tha and I travelled here with Aralin, Talan, Bidwick and several others.  It was a tour almost that Aralin had suggested.  I had been there one time a
long time ago when we visited Ozlo.  We were lucky enough to have Lalaith lead us back along a relatively safe route.  We did not follow the same route this time.  

Talan and Aralin lead the way.  I should have known with Talan leading the way that we would be in mortal danger.  I was too busy marveling at the sights though.  Mountain ranges that go as far as
the eye can see.  The sunset from that high up was amazing!  Rolling hills of lush green grass that beckoned me to lie down with my mandolin and get lost in the music.  If it werent for the
pirates, that might be possible.  I knew pirates were a rotten bunch, but these pirates on Dregar are not to be fooled with. They are very resourceful in a fight and more than once had me
concerned that I would not survive.  But the pirates were only one of the surprises in store for us.

We ended up making a wrong turn I think.  I am not sure since this place is completely new to me.  We entered the desert and Talan thought he knew the way but I think he was lost.  Regardless how
we got there, we were there.  So we pushed on.  It was hot and the sun was not forgiving.  My eyes burned and so did my skin.  I thought I saw something moving along the sand ahead, but I
convinced myself that the heat was getting to me.  There was no way that there was something that big coming at us.  I was wrong.

Scorpions.  Huge scoprions.  They circled around us and came at us all at once.  They were the biggest thing I had ever seen.  There is not a building in Hlint that can match them.  Talan and
Bidwick launched themselves at them.  Aralin's sword I could see hacking into them again and again.  One by one the scorpions fell.  They just kept coming though.  They were everywhere.  Finally,
after what seemed like forever in the desert sun, the last of the scorpions fell to the sand in a resounding thump.  Everyone stopped for a bit to catch their breath and then we moved on as fast
as we could.  It is not easy to run on sand.

We emerged from the desert and after some time, we came to an area of green hills.  It was here that our journey would take a turn for the worse.  We had a run in with some madmen.  They didnt
seem to be too tough from a distance.  They seemed a bit distracted to me.  But Cole Etinfall proved that they were not to be trifled with.  He attacked one and was nearly killed before we could
get to him.  There were several more madmen and we made our way through them with a little more planning.  However, we came around a hill and found several madmen grouped together.  They seemed to
be bickering over something they had found.  At least it looked that way to me.  They didnt see us at any rate.  We made a strategic plan to take these madmen out.  I thought it was a sound plan.  
I was wrong.  We started attacking them and it was going well.  Then the madmen got the upper hand.  My companions began to fall.  Bidwick, Tha'Azail, Aralin, Cole, and the others.  Talan and I
were the only ones left.  Talan yelled for retreat but it was too late.  As I turned to run I saw Talan fall.  I ran as fast as I could.  I thought I had escaped.  The madmen did not appear to be
following me.  I ran around a hill and was elated until they saw me.

Tigers.  Four of them turned to me and bared their fangs.  They were several inches long and gleamed in the sunlight.  I could see in their eyes that I had become nothing but another prey.  These
cold, efficient killers had their attention on me and I had no choice but to run again.  I ran again.  Unfortunately, I was now running back to the madmen.  I had nowhere else to run.  I spun
around then and pulled my rapier.  I was no match for the tigers though.  Their claws sliced through my skin with ease.  I was in the void instantly.

I found myself at the bindstone of some village in the mountains that Aralin had recommended that we bind to.  We gathered ourselves and made our way back to our graves.  There were still several
madmen about and the tigers too.  Most were still bleeding from wounds we had given them.  After covering ourselves with invisibility, we retrieved our graves from right under the madmen's noses.  
We climbed a hill overlooking the madmen and tigers.  It was clear that if we could drop a fireball or something on them that the battle would be won.  Talan must have seen it too.  He drew an
arrow and it started to burn with flame.  The arrow was loosed and it hit directly in the middle of the madmen.  I had to turn away it was so bright.  The arrow erupted in flame and an explosion.  
When I looked back, they were all dead.  We grabbed what we could find on them and headed back to Lorindar.  

Dregar.  Not a place to get lost for sure, but then again it can be a very beautiful place to lose yourself.

[regnus]

We visited the area near Bone Hill again.  Lalaith and I discussed some things we had seen near the bridges and thought that a trip to Bone Hill would be prudent.  I had never paid much attention to the symbols in front of each mirror before but to both Lal and I, they seemed to correspond to the symbols found on the bridges.  We could not be sure though since neither of us had wrote them down.  I really should try to take more notes when I run across something important like that.  We realized that the glowing aura around some of the mirrors had changed as well.  

Moving on though we investigated several of the statues.  It all made no sense.  There is more to this place then we realize I think.  The problem, I believe, is that everyone has their own ideas and who knows who is right?  Perhaps each one of us has a small piece that is correct.  We should all come together and voice these opinions.  It may bring us to a consensus as to what is happening.  It may also give us a chance to proactively do something in this war.  

Iradril and Tha must have had the same idea that night.  They joined us as we were going to see the chessboard.  Lal and I explained that we were there to see if the idea that the statues represented the gods and goddesses was correct.  We wanted to see if there were statues for each deity in the pantheon.  The chessboard always brings out a multitude of theories and speculation as well.  

So we began by the tree.  We could name what we thought each statue represented, but there were so few statues.  Not nearly enough to match each deity.  So, we moved to the chessboard.  We were looking at the smaller versions of the board at the side when Rhizome showed up.  We were explaining to him what we were doing when Plenarius and Brisbane arrived as well.  Now the theories began to fly.  

"Who's move is it?"
"If I were White then I would move this piece to here"
"Well If I were white then I would move here"
"But Black can move here and have Check"
"Yes but White can easily counter that with this move here"

And the most chilling theory in my opinion was this:  "What if the pieces dont follow the specific rules of chess and move under a different set of rules"

Now, at first I dismissed this theory.  Even the Gods have to follow some semblance of Order right?  There would only be Chaos if there were no hard rules that could not be broken.  But, if this is the case, that the pieces can move freely at will, what does that say about the game?  Or more importantly, for the war?

If this chessboard represents the actions of each side, then there could be an unexpected and unorthodox move by Blood that can catch us all completely offguard.  If that happens I am not sure what we would do.  I wonder if there is anything we could do?

Rhizome apparently considered it all idle speculation at best.  There was no proof either way and we should not get excited about it until we could prove anything.  He was interested in the statue of a man holding a globe on his shoulders.  We all had theories on this as well but Iradril had one that made the most sense to me.  He said it looked like a trophy to him.  It was held above the game and was on display.  To the victor go the spoils.  It represented Layonara.  The winner of this contest held the fate of the world in their hands.

We moved back out to the tree after that distrubing thought and we began to discuss our ideas of which statue represented who.  Rhizome brought up a very interesting theory of his own here.  He thinks that the statues do not represent the gods and goddesses.  They are representations of the peoples of Layonara.  This theory has some merit because of the lack of statues for each deity.  I will have to think on this more.  

We took our leave of Rhizome, Brisbane, and Plenarius.  My mind was whirling with all of the information and speculation.  I had to take the time to sift through it in my head.  We travelled back to Fort Himlad and I camped out under the stars.  There must be some meaning in all of this...