*In the dim candlelight of a small rented room a weary young man writes his memories of the day*
[INDENT] With the end a long trip, I've finally arrived in the city of Port Hempstead. After leaving home I was able to talk my way onto a small caravan heading south. The master was reluctant at first to take me on but showing him some of the skills I've learned over the years with my bow, and the fact he didn't need to supply me with weapons, was enough to convice him. It probably had less to do with me though and more to do with his expectation of little trouble on the roads.
This being our final destination it was decided we would make camp for the night as it would allow for the wagons to arrive well rested in the very early morning. Even now the sounds of the people echo off of the city's tall stone walls offering clear sign of the port's readiness to begin the business day. In the middle of the square inside the gate stands a massive monument, a memorial to a group of valiant knights who sacrificed all to save the city in times long past. I'd never seen such sights before, throngs of people rushed this way and that. Moving from storefront to temple to market stall, nobility, merchant and commoner alike. Pulling from my awe I turned my attention back to the task at hand. If I were to make my way in the world I'd need supplies, food or a good skinning knife to prepare my own game, something more protective than what my simple tunic offered, a sturdy shield, medicines and bandages just to start.
I said my farewells to the other guards, collected my pay and began exploring the city. Wandering from shop to shop I browsed their wares making note of the stock and price of each item I sought. I'd planned to make my way around the common sections of the port and return to the places who offered the best deals. I continued my sightseeing with the smell of salt growing stronger in the air and as the sun rose above the horizon I found myself at the edge of the docks district. If the memorial district was bustling the docks where down right hectic. It'd take hours to write down in all it's detail the activities, sights and sounds of that dawn. Wind rustling through the sails of mighty ships in the harbor, the lapping of water against the seawalls, the call of dockhands directing the loading and unloading of cargo and the chorus of seagulls mixed with music drifting out of a nearby tavernhouse to create an almost electric atmosphere. I spent several hours seeing what I could along the water's edge.
Finding a healer I purchased a handfull of healing vials and a roll of bandage cloth at a fairly reasonable price. I then made my way back to a small collection of shops I'd passed earlier. From the armorer I purchased a large copper shield and while I would have liked at least a shirt of chain, the cost was simply too much. I went instead to the tanner and bought a suit of studded leather armor. I didn't care for the cut but I could fix that later. At the general merchant I found they offered a collection of fishing gear. Knowing the bounty lakes and rivers would provide and at almost no expense I took a pole, a shovel for bait, some heavy line and a small lure. I also took supplies needed to build a fire, no desire did I have to eat raw fish, and recalling the small pond we passed on our way into the city and with my small cake of cornbread nearly gone I set out for an afternoon of relaxing in the grass to catch dinner. I decided in the end to spend only half the afternoon fishing. While I still had true in my purse, I wanted to start looking for work before it began running low and it had been mentioned earlier in the day to me that workers were needed to help clear blocked pipes in the sewers beneath the city. The thought of the smells alone gave me pause but I knew I'd have to start somewhere if I wanted to make it on my own.
Making my way to the southern edge of the city I met with the Sewer Keeper, a woman named Martha, who accepted my offer of assistance and explained my task. Simple enough I thought, unclog some pipes, I didn't expect so many rats though. I understood then why there was a need for extra help. From almost the second I stepped in they came, claws and teeth opening dozens of tiny wounds until I just couldn't go on. Falling back from this war in miniature I tended to my wounds before setting back to my goal. Each time I'd make it a little farther before it became too much and I needed to rest. Finally the last of my vials empty and bandages used, I returned to the surface and made my apologies to Martha. I need a few more supplies I told her and I'd be back shortly.
Returning refreshed I made my way back into the tunnels. Going was a little better for me this time, I'd learned a lot from my previous attempt. Simple but valuable tactics for dealing with multiple enemies like trying to keep all of them in front of me at once so as not to be surrounded and attacked in my blindspots and targeting the largest at a distance with my bow so that it is weaker when it gets in close. In spite of the bites, scratches and stench I couldn't help but smile. 'How odd', I thought, that in the actions of such a mindless group of creatures was contained the basics of training for the mightiest of armies.
There'd be no "victory" for me today however. I made much progress in my work but was unable to complete it before being forced to turn back. Assuring the Keeper of my return tomorrow and with night falling long ago I've retired to a room at a local tavern to rest. The enemy may have carried the day, but the "war" is far from over.[/INDENT]
*Dynisan chuckles at this idea before placing the journal in his pack and lying down on the coarse fabric of his bed, drifting exhausted into a deep sleep*
