Kyle Pandorn: Stranger in a Strange Land

[SteveJW]

No news is good news...

I spoke to the High Druid of the Wolfswood but he had no knowledge of Adwenth or the spirit of the wood. But he did have one huge chip on his shoulder and a definite bias against humans. My speaking Elven to him didn't impress him.

So...I go back with no new information. At least I didn't foul things up by going.

I saw Ferrit before she left for Imjam. She was dressed as a maid and said her plan was to get a job in the castle. She said she may not be back for a while. That was a week ago...and I've not heard from her. I miss her and hope she is alright.

I do hope she does come back soon. My 'visiting friends' excuse to Cole and Aylana is wearing thin now. Cole looks at me like he suspects I'm lying...and Aylana keeps asking where Ferrit is. I don't think it will fly much longer.

Ferri my love...please come home soon...

[SteveJW]

The rift will be put off for a while...

Honora...Anna and Galen will go to Imjam. To lay our cards on the table with Athalia Imjam. Maybe if Baroness Imjam sees that we are remorseful about having caused the rift...we may be able to fix it with her help. We were going to try and fix the rift...but Anna said that without one of the gems as an anchor...we may get lost forever in where ever the rift goes. So...they will go to Imjam first.

Ferrit returned to Imjam. To see what else she can learn before Honora and Anna see Lady Imjam. She got away long enough to tell us what she did learn and...well..let's just say she missed me too. When I learned they will go to Imjam first...I rode Eldarin as fast as I could to try to catch Ferrit and tell her she should leave the castle...but I was too late...the boat for Alindor had left. On second thought...a little more information can't hurt.

My head aches...time to lie down...

*Kyle opens a bottle of Will-o-Whiskey and drinks a little before going to bed.*

[SteveJW]

Time to catch up...

First...Athalia Imjam isn't the enemy. She is just a mother who loves her son deeply. As any mother would. And that is Challum Imjam. And she had one request of us. To bring her son home for burial if he were dead. Or he himself if he were alive. Then she would tell us where the portal is in the rift so we may fix our mess.

However...he was said to be within Milara's territory and Ferrit...Jil...and Honora went in the Iriand Mountains to find him. If they were caught...Milara would have an excuse...like he needs one...to restart the war. I kept vigil at Bloody Gate with the dwarves there for company.

They went in stealthy...no magical enhancements...and actually succeeded in finding Challum...but freeing his spirit. With a price...they tell me Mist showed up...and while what they did doesn't cancel our debt to her...she allowed 3 items that Challum had in a chest to be taken by us. Ferrit...Ilsare love her...gave up her prized hood...the one the Keeper gave her...to gain a 4th item. That was a big sacrifice on her part.

Now we have 4 of the items we think will cleanse the challice and break the curse. But now...Ferrit tells me Milara was waiting as they left the cave and knows they were there. This could be the thing that brings Milara down from the mountain earlier than expected. We will have to deal with it when it comes.

For now...we have a rift to repair and a curse to break...

[SteveJW]

Laestycenyeana el Ceoa...

Simplicity in Life...

That was what it was about. We succeeded in not only repairing the rift...but returning King Briant to the throne of Erylin after 250 years. The voices have ceased. And I find myself not wanting to look at a whiskey bottle for a while.

Simplicity in Life...

It was the plain and the ordinary that were the key. The least gaudy of the items were needed to fix the rift and bring King Briant home. As was speculated by Storold...just removing the mirror from the rift sealed it and brought us to the very spot it happened in the first place. We concentrated on Briant...and I felt compelled to go back into the rift. I was carrying the sword. Briant's sword. It was puling me..drawing me forward to where Briant was. By placing the items in the right order...we freed Briant and broke the curse as well. There will be celebrations in Erylin for a good long while.

And to top it...we find out that Honora is a decendant of a Knight of Erylin. She is a great-great-great-great-great grandaughter of Aleander Kartin...King's Knight Councillor. She has genuine status now. Deservedly so. And to think...she needed mine and Ferrit's help all those years ago when we first met. A half-orc wanderer who barely spoke common. She is and always will be Honora to us.

The world just got a little better now...Simplicity in Life.....

[SteveJW]

Another child???...

Ferrit has become ravenously hungry lately. She can't seem to get enough food. Last time she was like this...Aylana was born. So...Ferrit thinks she may be pregnant again.

How did this happen? I mean I KNOW how it happens...but I thought the herbs she took were preventing her from getting pregnant. I just don't understand...

If she is...we'll just welcome another child. But...Cole is 15...Aylana is 11...to have an infant now...

Something just doesn't make sense...

[SteveJW]

*Kyle look out at the water outside his home in Krandor. The familar sight of the moon reflecting off of it makes him smile*

A perfect night for a reception...

In all the excitement of restoring the Kingdom of Erylin and the upcoming reception...I forgot to mention one little fact...

The sun has returned. The Cloud has disappeared. 18 years after the Blood well was destroyed and spawned it. It has been shining for a few weeks now.

It surprised me that morning. I saw light under the front door. Dim at first but growing in brightness. Then I heard it. A rooster crowing. That hasn't happened in 18 years. I opened the door...half expecting to see a magical battle...but the sun hit me square in the eyes...blinding me for a moment. When I realized what it was...I started to weep. Cole came out behind me with his sister next to him.

I remember Cole looking up at the first sunrise and asking..."Dad...what is that? It is so warm. Will it hurt?" He and Aylana were squinting at it...not knowing if it was good or bad. I just smiled and picked Aylana up.

"That Cole...is the sun. Something I thought I'd never see again. Or you would ever see. It means the end of something that will be told for years to come. Now...let's take Eldarin for a ride. Enjoy it as I once did a long time ago."

That was a few weeks ago. Now...to see other children marvel at it. To see my own children playing in it...I am happy.

Maybe...just maybe...it is the dawning of better times ahead....

[SteveJW]

The reception was magnificent...

All the Erylin nobility was there. The mood about the Fort of Kings was festive. Ferrit was nervous. This is her first audience with a King. Mine too...but I wasn't going to show it.

Honora made it a point to remind us that the night wasn't just hers. It was ours. We all made the day possible. And King Briant was not lost on that fact.

Once he learned I was a katana master...and a little build up on how great a warrior I am by Ferrit...he introduced me to Baron Rilgon. Baron Rilgon is the trainer and commander of Erylin's knights. I'm not quite sure...but I think King Briant made it a point to mention that.

Anyway...the knights have a great respect for Baron Rilgon...and I think I'd do well to spend some time training with him. Even though he is aging...he is still quite a formidable man. I will learn a lot from him I think. I've always believed there is still more to learn...more ways to master the weapon. And yourself. I'll have to run this by Ferrit. It may mean moving to Erylin for a while.

Honora was made a Knight and Councillor to the King. Complete with a cloak of state. She will be the eyes and ears for King Briant. A very important job. Milara is still a threat...and King Briant will need all the information he can get.

But...the night was for celebration. And celebrate we did. I had to keep an eye on Cricket. He kept trying to cut in as I was dancing with Ferrit. He looks like nothing mischief waiting to happen. Honora will have her hands full. Athalia Imjam must have laughed her head off with relief.

After the party...I'll need to write Baron Rilgon personally...after talking to Ferrit of course.

Milara is still waiting in the wings...

[SteveJW]

Ferrit wants to be more of a warrior...

She asked me to train her in the more martial aspects of combat...meaning...up close and personal. Seems she wants to be literally at my side in fights. And she has this armor that is just as sturdy as chain...but light enough to let her move quickly.

It will be hard to see her getting knocked around...like it was hard when we sparred in Vehl. I parried mostly at first...and she did well...she even knocked me out a few times. She needs more training...I did knock her down a few times as well once I let loose.

But...I think she will do well as a warrior. And the extra skills will only benefit her. She still has a devastating attack from the rear and flank.

I think she actually enjoyed it...

[SteveJW]

*Kyle sighs as he looks at the empty bed. Ferrit had left that morning on a trip*

She hasn't been gone for more than a day and I miss her already. All she would tell me is that she may be gone for a very long while and that she was chosen for it. My heart will ache till she returns to me.

I know she would have told me if she could...but that leaves me wondering what other people think of me. I've been on adventures with some of these people. Haven't I proven my trustworthiness? Or do they think I'm just a dumb warrior who is only wanted when a meat shield is needed?

At least I have the guild family. Jako...Rain...Omer...and Sala. She is just about a member without actually being one.

Still...Ferrit is first in my heart. And will always be. Ilsare...if you can...protect her with your love and bring her home to me soon.

*Kyle retires for the night...but his sleep is restless.*

[SteveJW]

This is torture...

More than one should be made to bear. Ferrit has been gone for over a month now. Maybe two. And I still hear nothing. My heart is troubled every moment she is gone. I fear she may not be coming back.

Storold knows. But he isn't saying. They've been sworn to secrecy. For my protection he says. He won't even tell me who she is with. All he will say is...she will be safe with them. Easy for him to say...Mylindra is here. Ferrit is...where she is. Trust doesn't seem to come easy.

What could be so dangerous that my knowing puts me in peril? I've gone on dangerous trips before...put my self in harm's way for others. Why is this different?

There must be someone who CAN tell me where they are and what they are doing.

I must know...

[SteveJW]

It's been 7 months since I last saw my Ferrit...

And I haven't found a single person who can tell me anything. It is like she just disappeared from the face of Layonara. And I have this nagging feeling something is wrong.

I feel it in my bones...maybe I should have talked her out of it. I have never stopped her from going anywhere before...but this time seemed different. But I kept silent and let her go. And now...that feeling is there. And the frustration of not knowing.

Cole is a young man now. Almost 18. He has asked be if he can go live among the Wolfswood Rangers for a while. He feels drawn to the woods and can leran from them. I'm reluctant...but he is old enough to make his own choices. He will probably be gone if...no WHEN...Ferrit gets back. She will be sad to have missed him...but she will find him.

I had to send Aylana to Vanavar to be with my parents. I must concentrate on finding Ferrit and Aylana will be safe there. When Ferrit gets back...I will go get her. Aylana misses Ferrit so much.

As do I. When this group gets back...I will have many questions to ask...after a very long overdue reunion with my love...

[SteveJW]

I have another student...

Abi Firesteed. Barion gave her a katana like her mother's and had asked me to train her. He said for personal reasons he is unable to teach her himself...and as a friend...I accepted. I sent Abi a letter and hope to start lessons soon.

Ferrit is in my thoughts all the time now. Almost a year has passed since she left. Is she alright? Does she think of me and the kids? This not knowing...it is driving me insane. I hope this is all worth it...

[SteveJW]

Abigail is due to come tomorrow...

I placed a few combat dummies in the main room of the hall to start her training. Just to see how she handles her katana. Then if I'm satisfied that she has control...I'll have her spar with me.

This has gotten me thinking...the katana is a graceful weapon. To see one who can master it in battle...it is a beautiful sight. A lost art if you ask me.
Maybe I can open an academy for the Mastery of Weapons...to revive it. It is just a thought.

It will be a busy day tomorrow....

*Kyle closes the journal and sets the quill in its ink well.  He walks over to a small table against the wall. It has a portrait of Ferrit he had made with a candle on each side and a single fresh red rose in front of it. He kneels in front of it...says a prayer to Ilsare for Ferrit's return...and kisses the picture. He rises and goes to bed...a tear forming in his eye...*

[SteveJW]

Praise to Ilsare...

Her love has brought Ferrit home. I was puttering around in the guild hall...cleaning up after Abi's training session...when the door opened and in walked Ferrit!!! My heart leapt for joy as Ferrit leapt into my arms. We held each other for almost an eternity it seemed before she spoke. She's back safe and sound. We spent the night celebrating.

Abi began training today. And I worked her hard. But she seemed to like it. Her moves were crisp and fluid. And she looks so much like her mother. I swear she is the spitting image of her. And she will be a fine swordsman...er...woman...er...person.

She will do well...

[SteveJW]

I have been neglecting things...

I've been on Vanavar a while....visiting my folks. It started like any other visit...the usual gossip over the dinner table...ale flowing like water at the  tavern...

It was before I left for Mistone that something...odd occurred. I could have sworn someone was following me...watching me. I looked over my shoulder once and thought I saw someone looking at me from a distance. Just as I turned to look in that direction...what or whoever it was vanished.

Trelan...one of my best friends from youth and the officer on duty looked at me like I had a few too many ales...told me he'd look into it but he doesn't think it is anything. Maybe a thief sizing up a mark but thought better of it. "And as well he should...Kyle. He'd be a fool to try you." He laughs and walked me to the dock...he reminded me of a dart match I owe him to recoup a bet he lost last time we played. We chuckled and I boarded the boat for the Dregar mainland. I needed to get back to the guild and catch up with everything.

Still...the thought of someone stalking me...leaves me wondering...

[SteveJW]

My whole world is in danger...

Cole and Aylana were almost killed by asassins. If not for Ferrit and Storold...Jennara and others...they would have been.

All Ferrit told me is that they were monk assassins sent by a wizard turned lich. And that we are all in danger. Everyone. Friends and their families too. I must send word to my parents...they may be in danger too.

The children are safe for now...but I must watch the shadows from now on.

My whole world depends on it...

[SteveJW]

I've had little time to write but now is as good a time as any...

First...I'm helping Kat Hommel with a personal matter. Something to do with her father and music. The answer lies in some music and books her father left for her...but we simply haven't put together the pieces. We'll figure it out eventually...it is driving Kat near crazy.

And...a very rare event happened...the entire membership of the Angels guild was in the same place at the same time!!! We seemed to converge on the guild hall at the exact same moment. Ilsare must have been working hard to get us all together. It is a message to us...get together more often. And we shall.

Ilsare's work indeed...

[SteveJW]

Catch up time...

First...Kat Hommel has learned how to use her voice to be persuasive when dealing with others. It was there right in the music her father wrote. She made the music her own..since her father couldn't sing or play music. And it persuaded Cassandra to leave us be for now. But...you know Tides...

Second...vampires have targeted the Angels guild for some reason. I haven't had the opportunity to see one...but it has lead to someone accusing Hanna of being one. I admit...I don't have all the facts...but I know Hanna. And if anyone goes to harm her...

I really must stay on Mistone more...the guild family is in danger and I should be there to help protect them.

[SteveJW]

Tariana Poetr has gone to Rofirein...

She was taken in the Forest of Fog. What was told was she never reappeared at the bindstone and that means only one thing. The Soul Mother claimed her last bit of soul. I am filled with great sadness...for a few days earlier...just outside Prantz...the myconids had confused me with their gases and I struck Tariana down thinking she was one of them. I could have ended her there...but for the grace of Ilsare or Rofirein or whoever...she did return. And forgave me. That was her way. The way I will remember her.

The wake was somber...Rain's eulogy spoke of the joy of her life rather than mourn her death. Guess that is how we cope and carry on.

And carry on we will...

[SteveJW]

There is still no shortage of ignorance in the world...

The other night...Honora was in town with her kids...they are getting big...and we had a nice visit with them. One thing...why does Jesse 'moo' everytime he sees me? Can't get an answer from Honora or Ferrit. The just smile and giggle a lot. Women...

Well...anyway...I'm talking to Sil'via...when this guy dressed in a black hooded ouftit ups and spits at Honora!! I wanted to confront the lout...when Honora called over that it isn't worth it. That and Ferrit grabbing my arm stopped me. Sheesh...and this was done in front of the kids. I know Honora wanted to tear his head off too. Guess the kids didn't need to see that.

I've been moody lately...don't know why. Just feel...lost. Like a leaf blown in an autumn wind. Maybe that is why I go off for periods of time...to the sadness of those I love most. Ferrit even confessed to me that she was getting lonely. That just makes me even more moody.

I will figure out why I feel so lost. Ferrit shouldn't be lonely...