Jin Lun Lee - Diaries.

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Of Tegan and Spiders
{An on-the-fly quest}

A strange occurrence, Tegan and I had entered the drift lands caves to aid some young adventures who had got themselves trapped their, having been separated from their party.  The adventures were easily rescued by Tegan using her invisibility magic.  I was last out of the cave and was beset by ogres as I left.  Tegan and a strange dark one named Avar came to my assistance.  Then all of a sudden spiders and snakes were upon us.  The battle was swift and deadly, with one wrong move and a spider bite could become fatal.  The noise drew Hawklen, who is often mining the caves for silver.  Tegan though deadly afraid of spiders is also a curious creature.  Thus we tried to determine the source of the spiders.    Tegan made a discovery; they were being controlled by mechanical devices.  Hawklen lost his sword to a strange beast of acid; it dissolved as his stuck the creature.  Then as we were leaving he lost his life to a snake bite.

Tegan and Hawklen returned to the cave invisible to find Hawk’s grave.  I don't trust Hawk, but losing ones life is something I would not wish on a friend of a friend.

I pray they return safely.

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Farstriders

The Farstriders are continuing to evolve.  Some old faces are not seen as frequently, while some new faces are appearing.

Berilu
After many years without a word Berilu is back, she has found her husband Korgo!  Korgo was not killed at the sacking of stone, but was taken as a slave.  The story of his escape and Berilu’s deeds in finding him is one of great heroism and bravery.  Berilu has hung up her adventuring boots to rebuild her family with Korgo.  They are now regular fixtures at the Den.

Karana
Karana is back from her time in the North.  However, her betrothed Quilus is missing.  I believe that he left to find her, but has not returned.  Perhaps he is on Voltrex?  I miss the gentle sorcerer.  Karana herself is busy restoring her armoury and weapons business, the unnamed.  She still manages to find time for adventure.

Coyote ( Nyeaeana Irylanam )
We have a new member of the Farstriders, Coyote.  This irreverent Elven druid is a true hunter with a great love of the hunt.  He is a good match for the Farstriders.  I hope he will be able to do much good with us.  He has aided me in gathering mushrooms and sapphires for healing potions.

Grena Rockbasher
Grena is a potential new member of the Farstriders.  In many ways she reminds me of Karana.  She has a great heart for good, but a fierce temper.  With time and wisdom she would be a great asset to our cause.

Kalin Sundar
Coyote has a close friend called Kalin.  Kalin is driven by a dark past to do acts of good.  Coyote believes that he would be a great asset to our cause of good.  I agree, but first he must meet his past and take responsibility for the own darkness.  This small step accomplished and he may become the cause’s greatest asset.

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City Wastes
{Weekly Standalone Quest: Shadow}

I am never lonely for I have the company of Wolves.  Yet sometimes I crave human company.  The city of Hempstead is one of the greatest and prosperous in the world with statues and marble abounding.   Yet every great city has it dark side.  These cities produce vast amounts of wastes.  The wastes enter the sewer system, then where, into the sea?

I seemed that city was having trouble with the wastes in the sewer.  The sewers were filled with acid, and strangely mutated rats and mushrooms.  A group of freelance plumbers and adventures had gone to investigate.  Concerned for the impact that these wastes were having on the local region I followed.  The sewers were deadly, one hero a young swordswoman died.  The source of the waste we discovered was pipe, coming from the hall of weave.  Waste magical products I deduced.  

Heading to the Hall of Weave it was clear that there was a division in the group of adventure-plumbers.  The conflict was fuelled by my old nemesis Daralith Delmar.  Eventually we were able to identify the source of the wastes, a mage working to mass-produce acid resistances.  The acid affect of the waste we were able to neutralise though magic and alchemy, adding chalk and powered limestone to the waste.  

Acid and alkaline counter each other to make salt, can the same be said for good and evil?  The solution to this quest taught me much about the properties of these.

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Hunters Become the Hunted
{Hunters Become the Hunted: Dezza}

The disease had emerged again, in a virulent and deadly form.  Half-breed were-wolves were once again sweeping across the island of Ceasin, killing or infecting everything in their path.  Watching the rapid progress of the disease fascinated him.  There was still much to learn on the lore of were-wolves.  This strain of the lycanthrope virus was not native to Ceasin.  Harikan knew what steps needed to be taken to cleanse this infection.  Moving through the forest without trace of passage he returned to the docks to inform Jin Lun Lee of his observations.

The adventurers had gathered on the docks.  A mixed group, some had come to aid the Satyrs, most had their own reasons for begin here, fame, fortune and the thrill of the hunt.  Jin Lun Lee stood still watching from the shade of a tree.  He recognised, his brother Xandrian Mor; the veteran solider standing out from the crowd of adventures in his humble confidence.  The priest of Mist Muireann was on the docks as well, why was she here, a whim or the call of chaos?   There were four others he didn't recognise, two swordsmen, one fair and clean shaven, the other darker, a dark robed and hooded man, and a hooded female druid with elven build.  When Harikan arrived Jin stepped out of the shade.   Rubbing the old scar on his forearm, a wolf bite that never healed, he listen to the woodsman's lore on the lycanthrope problem.  After listening to Harikan it became clear that Alpha-Male behind the outbreak must be slain.

...

The fey-folk of the forest were surprised and fearful of the group of adventures that arrived at their secluded valley refugee.   The retreat from the furious onslaught of the were-wolves had taken their toll on their lives, and fear and caution played on the minds of the fey folk.  The adventurers had disrupted the Treants that guarded the forest proper, and a pixie had been killed almost instantly when it decided to play a prank on the adventures.  The adventurers knew how to kill, and it was killing that was needed to end the were-wolf plague.  There was also a good chance that some of them would die fighting were-wolves.  Better to send adventurers to do what they did best.  After some tense and difficult introductions the adventurers left the valley headed in the direction of the Alpha-male werewolf.
...
The bear was furious. Rising onto its powerful hind legs, it gouged a massive set of lines onto the cliff face.  The were-wolves had invaded its territory.  They ignored the boundary markers it had placed.  They were not foolish enough to tackle it, but they had driven or killed any other prey.   The next creature that wandered into its territory would feel his wrath, and fill his belly.

...

Jin noticed the claw marks on the cliff face.  They looked liked claw marks from a bear; except they were gouged into the granite cliff at four times the height of a man.  He looked back at the bedraggled group.  They would not be able to move silently through the bear's territory.  They had barely survived the sentient mushrooms in the valley, and the later ferocious attack by the beta were-wolves.  Jin wasn't here to hunt bear; it was the alpha were-wolf that was his goal.  He would attempt to empathize with the bear, and allow the others to pass.  With an iron will he stepped forward arms hands empty he approached the bear's lair slowly.  Jin was greeted with a thunderous roar and the bemoth bear charged forwarded.  

The man smelled of wolf, a were-wolf most likely then, and his promised meal thought the bear.  The meal stood their passively waiting to be eaten.  His massive paws cut open the man's flesh, his jaws closed around its torso.  He would have eaten then, but more men creatures cut at it back and side with their metal weapons.  Magic filled the air burning stings into its side.  It turned and cut down another of the men things, but there were more.  Pain filled it back and sides.  The centuries of the ancient bears rule came to an end.

Jin awoke to consciousness with a start; agony tore through his torso and limbs.  His heart had stopped he recalled.  The man called Lucas had saved him.  The powerful healing potions restored his body to function yet he still felt weak.  I looked across and thanked him.  He glanced and saw the dead carcass of the ancient bear, and sadness touched him at the loss of the magnificent hunter.  Standing weakly he rejoined the others as they hurried to leave.  The hunt for the Alpha-Male still continued.

...

Xandrian watched Jin closely.  He knew his brother Jin was still weak, yet he continued to push himself.  He was likely to do something heroic and foolish again.  With his silvered longsword in his right hand and shield on his left arm, the warrior and solider that was Xandrian Mor was more then a match for any single beta were-wolf.  But these creatures came in the dozens, wave upon wave.  They had been fighting for days now, but the Alpha-Male's lair was close.  Xandrian watched as Jin spoke in wolf growls and slight motions to the great true wolf that was at his side.  The beast had been invaluable in finding the path to the were-wolf's lair.  Jin exhibited many strange wolfish traits these days.  Xandrian remained silent as the priestess Muireann lashed Jin with her acidic tongue, her barbed and unsubtle jabs at his brother's wolfish habits.

With a nod Jin confirmed that they had reached the Alpha-Male's lair.  They were high into the mountain now.   Shadows broke away from trees and dark shaped moved towards them out of the night.  Screams and howls echoed out of the night sky.  Xandrian saw the Alpha Male then.  It's monstrous form blending with a small tree.  The group of adventures surged forward.  Xandrian lead with his silvered sword engaging the Alpha-Male.  Jin flashed in landing strikes with his fists his feet and the magical banner he carried.  Xan's sword cut wicked blows, but creatures rage was incredible.  Three blows and Xandrian was needed to retreat as jagged claw rents appeared in his amour and flesh.  Jin paused in his attack to aid his brother.  He called on his god, the Prince of Wolves to heal Xan, instantly the wounds closed.  However he paid the price of attacking the Alpha-Male's fully fury.  A kick to the creatures head resulted in powerful jaws closing around his thigh.  A finger strike to massive muscle behind the jaw caused the jaw to loosen.  Jin rammed the butt of his staff into the mouth, freeing his leg and breaking a few of the jagged teeth.  Bleeding badly he still managed to tumble of the creatures reach.  As he spun back he saw the tip of a silver sword protrude out of the creature's chest.  The beast collapsed dead revealing the form of his Brother Xandrian Mor standing behind it.

The lycanthrope plague was over.

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Sunlight

Sunlight.  Not just a glimpse as the clouds part for a moment but true sunlight.  I was not involved, but brother Coyote was, the Wizardress Sabrissia was there too.  From their accounts I gather it was the contributions of many heroes that made this possible.  Each gave a little of themselves, their magic or the symbol.  Some like Chanda unwillingly.  Sabrissia said they cut off her hand when she would not give a fingernail.

Evil, the term commonly used for selfishness is self-serving and ultimately short-sighted.  The Longstrider teaches that all are part of the pack.  Small sacrifices on the part of the self for the good of the pack will result in the long term for greater rewards for all.

I can hear the birds calling in the trees outside.  Spring is here, joy and light.  Spring is not the time for spending time indoors writing.  

Sunlight.

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Stone Headache / The Dagger of Corath
{Quest By Shadow, with appearance by a plot related NPC}

The hand of Corath has shown himself.  Pendar and I were assisting Professor Periwinkle to retrive part of a stolen statue, a great stone head, from a group of bandits.   The adventurers included, Ian Wrath, Yori Marblefist, Vlanin, Eghaas Treebringer, Arynne Liadon, Sasha Tomyris, Alleina Shiante and a hooded woman who didn't give her name.    We had just left Dalanthar headed for the crossroads, when the half-orc appeared.  He was standing just past the great stone bridge.  He held in one hand a young girl, and in the other a knife which he pressed to her neck.

The half-orc threatened and extorted money from us in exchange for the girl's life.  We retreated from his extortionate demands.  In the end he cast blade-barrier and threw the girl at it.  I managed to reach the girl before she collided with the lethal spikes.  He then cast storm of vengence.  In that moment he left is guard open and I stuck his jaw with my fist aiming to knock him unconscious.  All I managed was to bloody his lip.  His storm struck me, stunning me and killing the girl.  Pendar saved my life, by healing me from the storms wrath.  The good hearted and acidic tongued librarian Pendar then raised the young girl to life.

The Orc escaped, he used great sanctuary.  I noticed in the fight that he carried an unholy symbol of Corath around his neck.  He was there to toy with us.  But all he did was manage to invoke the wrath of the Longstrider.  Both my wolf and Arynne's panther have his scent.  The hunt for evil begins.  

We were joined at the cross-roads by Bumblebee.  The rest of the adventure passed smoothly.  The stone head was recovered from the bandits lair without too much difficulty.

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Slavery and Anger
{Grenna Rockbasher CDQ}

Sister Grenna was engraged.  Trolls had captured and taken dwarven miners as their slaves to work the platinum mines of the swamp.  

I traveled with Grenna, Xandrian, Dalan, Trenton, Keti and a few others on this quest to free the captured slaves.  Our first stop was the dwaven fortress of Ulgrid to deliver an urgent request for aid from the Dwarven General to the king.   Grenna delivered the message in person as the dwarven courier perished on the deadly journey into the mountain fortress.  The king was moved by the plight of the slaves, and the request for aid of his general.  He sent forth his vengence a kuldjargh known as Hulka.

Our group linked with the General in the swamp then pressed on deep into the mines.  The trolls were fierce.  We reached the slave pen with some feice fighting.  Grenna and Hulka were enraged axeweilders of destruction.  Hulka’s presence seemed to send Grenna into a greater frenzy then usual.  

We reached the slaves and managed to free them.  They told us that dark elves were supplying and directing the trolls.  Grenna’s quest for vengeance continued unabated.  The thought of dark-elves rekindled a terrible fire of anger within my core.  The hatred that I thought I had smothered.  My fists and feet joined the choir of vengeance, the dark ones fell swiftly; the last to my fist.

We returned to the surface with but two surviving dwarven slaves.  

Vengeance was the price of slavery.

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Captured {Shadow}

// Jin along with a group of adventurers was captured by pirates.  Forced to fight in the arena Jin witnessed a captured gold dragon.

Dragon Storm
// Jin assisted with stopping the green dragon cult capturing snow tooth.
// http://forums.layonara.com/folian-spae/149782-dragon-storm.html

Rescue Gold Dragon
// Jin assisted Sasha in trying to free the Dragon.  Alandic betrayed the party.  Jin was the one who realised that the dragon was force grown.
// Jin has this note in his possession
http://forums.layonara.com/729552-post13.html

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Dragons

Dragon of around the world are being poisoned.  This is being attributed to the Green Dragon Cult.  However, it is likely that this is deeper and more sinister then any suspect.


Knowledge of the Pack
I started a dialog with the pack.  Together we will be able to survive the coming storm.


Bastion
We continued to investigate the Dragons in Belinara.  I travelled to Phal in Kuhl Kindom with a large number of adventurers.  We broke into smaller groups.  I was part of a pack with Emie and Ranewin and Jacchri.  At Phal we discovered another corrupt dragon - Bastion.  Bastion was the defender of the town.  Dragons are being used as weapons of threat and deterrent by the rulers of the land.  
 
Sederian Navy
An impressive force of pirate vessels had blocked shipping in and out of Audira in Sederia kingdom on Dregar.  I went with a group of adventurers to investigate the blockage.  The pirates were well trained as a fight force and deadly.  But they were ill prepared for sea battle and poor sailors. They were most likely mercenaries or the armed forces of another nation.  I suspect the blockade was politically motivated.  The battle between the Sedrian Navy and the massive group of pirates would have ended in suicide for navy.  However, at the last moment a large Tarnished Orange Dragon appeared.  It single handedly wiped out the thousands strong host of Pirates.  It did not attack us or the Sederian navy.  

Within days of the victory an alliance between Sederia and Kuhl kingdoms was announced.  Thus the use of tainted Dragons by nations has spread from Belinara to Dregar.  It is likely that Sederia has now fallen under the influence of those behind the Green Dragon cult.

Jnaar Itenu Ravorinin of Sedera and Queen Alise Langovale of Kuhl are happy to announce the successful signing of a mutually beneficial trade agreement between the two nations. Both rulers foresee this new trade arrangement and it's significant reduction on trade tariffs as the beginning of a long and fruitful friendship for the two kingdoms. Although a representative of the Jnaar was unavailable for further comment, it would appear the new agreement is to take effect immediately and several merchants have already begun the journey across the Sea of Fury with laden ships.

Another Bastion
Another dragon has appeared.  This was in the city of Ash in Kuhl Kingdom on Dregar.  This dragon was Red.


Earth Whisper
Argali, Armolas and Abigail also encountered a Dragon named Earth Whisper.  It also had been captured and poisoned.  They had decided to bring it to Fisterion when they discovered a traitor onboard they boat they were traveling on.  A deep-dwarf which kept the dragon's mind poisoned and under control.  This is my first clear indication of the handlers used by the Green Dragon cult.  The deep dwarf was almost certainly working for Fisterion.  When the traitor was slain, control over the dragon was lost.  The voice of Fisterion tried to sink the boat, he said, "if it cannot be controlled it must be killed".  

Earth Whisper managed to escape into the wild.  Armolas believes that it soul is still within the core of it's being, hidden under the madness of the poison.

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Essrantor's Veil
(Wisdom of Willows and Thundering Hammer Quests, Mixafix)

War, the Giants of the Thunderpeaks have descended into Boyer kingdom.  Heros from many nations joined the effort.  They quested far and wide for a way to stop the impending doom.

One small group left to seek the Wisdom of the Willows.  Following the cryptic clues of an elven bard the descended into a perilousness crypt.  There they gained insight into unraveling the mighty rune magic the blocks the use of the weave within the Thunder Peak mountains.

From the shadows four figures arrive at a campsite high in the Thunder Peaks. Two half-elves, one male and one female, a human in wizard robes, and a dwarf. As they enter the light they are revealed, the Mystic Jin Lun Lee, the Scout Ferrit, the Mage Serg, and the Defender of Vorax Argali. How they reached this camp site though the lines of the Giants' army is certainly an epic story.
 
"Greetings Kobal.  The Grace of the Longstrider to you and your companions."
 
He looks over the dwarves in the group.  
 
"Is that Master Grohin?"
 
"Well here I have an artifact for you.  Ragnor's Hammer.  As well as this poem, by the bard Elphonse."
 
"It is likely that this Hammer can be used to destroy the pillars of Essrantor's Veil and restore the use of the weave. The there are four rune on the hammer. The first three we have discovered: Heal-Aeridin, Magic-Lucinda, and Nature-Katia. The fourth rune we do not know and cannot read. Our best guess is that the forth rune is Craft-Dorand."
 
Jin hands Kobal the hammer and note.  He looks across to the tower.
 
" You have in your hands an artifact of rune magic.  May the Longstrider Guide your path that you may use it with wisdom."
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Essrantor's Veil

Looking back down the mountain side from high in the Thunder Peaks Jin spots a falcon.  It circles upwards towards him.  It dives delivering a message before taking wing.

Brother,

I trust this message finds you well. I write from Dalanthar sitting under a tree overlooking the water. It has been a long and tiring month but I am pleased to report to you that we have won many allies in the battle to come. We have secured the aid of those in the Misted Village and with some luck, the alliance with Dalanthar will hold beyond the coming conflict. We have also made contract with a creature called Ilarian who holds control over the spirit of an ancient dragon and have secured the aid of the spirit in the conflict. Lastly we have investigated the disappearances of a great number of people in and around Dalanthar. Our investigations found the cause to be a brood of Werewolves that dwell on the mountain that were trying to assemble an army. It is not known if they were in allegiance to the giants or if they were looking to defend their turf like us, but they had taken residence in a cave system that underlies the crossroads and leads all the way to the Bay of Carocsa. We were able to root them out and free almost 500 who had been enslaved that had not been turned. In the course of our search we were able to find the pack alpha and destroy him along with several strong betas. We have dispatched Dalanthar city forces to secure the cave entrances so they will not be able to be used by the enemy to gain advantage. I can say with confidence that we have done all we have been able to do to insure victory in the coming days. I pray Folian that your efforts have met with similar success and our friends will have sufficient forces to throw down this Essrantor and his minions and bring peace to the region once more. If I do not see you until after the conflict, I wish you well and luck in the days to come. May Folian guide you in your hunt.

In the tracks of the Longstrider,
Armolas

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Shattered Mountain
   
   
  Dalanthar and Boyer  Kingdom are in turmoil following the war.  
   
  The rule of Essrantor is at an end.  The mountain upon which his tower was build has been destroyed.  
   
  Kobal told one of the three pillars within the tower was destroyed through the use of the hammer of Ragnor.  When they hammer struck the second pillar it was the hammer that shattered.
   
  I suspect that the use of the rune magic, and lore surrounding the mysterious forth rune was needed.
   
  The resulting magical imbalance destroyed the mountain, felling both hero and villain alike.
   
  I will mount an expedition into the mountains to seek the remains of the shattered hammer of Ragnor.
   
  This tale is broken, not yet finished.

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Abigail Firesteed - Her Last Quest

Palmer Felch tells the tale of why half-elves are infertile.

"Why are you not fertile anymore? Some say it was done out of spite. Some say it was done out of anger. Others claim it was done out of neglect, or even by ignorance. Sadly, all of them are mistaken."

He sighs slightly.

"Let me tell you what really happened. It was the year 1415, and terrible abominations were starting to appear across the world. From birds with frog legs, to rats with scales, it was clearthat things were not well. It started as isolated reports, some from the Silkwood, others from the Forest of Fogs. When reviewed individually, it did not seem a threat at the time, perhaps some experiments from a wizard that run afoul but nothing more than that."

"However, that turned out to not be the case. It took us the better part of a year to put all the information together and see a pattern. A significant increase of abnormal animals, as if somebody was deliberately playing with their astral locks. The Caring Light had to act himself and sent a physical representation of himself down towards Layonara. He knew at the time that a representation of Corath, Preto Sangue, was walking the lands, and that he was the one responsible.
 His plan? To unlock the Astral Locks once and for all, and be able to change living forms with a whim. Rumours of the aspect were dismissed initially and requests for aid were met with suspicion, even by those who follow Aeridin himself. Perhaps, if they had listened, things would have gone different, but in hindsight everything is easy."

"Truth of the matter is, that when he finally caught up with Preto Sangue in 1417, he had to battle it alone.
 In an act of self sacrifice, the Livegiver's aspect destroyed him, but with it went Aeridin's hold on the elements. The Astral Locks were whisked away from the clutches of Corath and safely returned to the Keeper of the Life's control. If we had acted sooner, things may have gone different."

"This is what happened."

Jin Lun Lee frowns. "Something is nor right with this explanation.  A few year after this event. I saw my first half-dragon."

Abigail Firesteed Continues her questions.
 
"So you told us what happened, now tell me why he wont let me have cubs. He has control over the locks after all?"

"If he opens the locks again, Corath will use them again." Replied Palmer Felch.

"Yet the Green Dragon Cult is still creating half-dragons." States Jin.

"It seems that the astral locks for Dragons are being openly manipulated by someone, while those that allow half-elves to be fertile are closed. We need to find the keys to these astral locks."

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Reach for the Stars (Harlas|Plot Quest)
   
  My lack of faith and conviction has destroyed my city of Leningrad, scarred my friends and aided the evil machinations of those that are behind the Green Dragon cult.
   
  I was duped by a false Lucindite by the name of Arwal.  He coaxed a group of us into recovering the Tear of Orn, a device that could scry the location of the Green Dragon cult.  
   
  I suspected that we were working for the cult and not it enemies.  I asked Sallaron if he trusted the man.  He did.   I was shocked and horrified when Sallaron gave Arwal the gem.
   
  Our foolishness was revealed.  We were captured by the Ancient Enemy.  I escaped through the Grace of the Longstrider and the druid Khuren escaped though his manipulation of natural forms.  Gork, Sasha, Steel, Argali and Sallaron were no so fortunate.  I watched the enemy brand powerless against its might.  They have been marked.
   
  Now we work to at least undo that which we have done.

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Death and Life

Abigail Firesteed has passed into the Forest of the Longstrider. The sorrow that gripped me awoke old wounds, the death of Abi’s mother. Ye my grief for Sa’kura and Abi cannot compare to that of Barion. He has lost both a wife and a daughter. It is a terrible thing when parents out life their pups. Yet Abi’s life was rich. She acoomplished much, she questioned the Gods and they have given an answer. Her quest will be told. I will continue her quest. There will be pup’s again.

Polly - Berilu’s daughter - that young pup is growing fast. She captures all the joy of youth and spring. I have given her my blessing, and guidance. Now she will use her own ears to follow the call of the Long strider.