3. Maya's Journal

Maya's Journal


  • Entry 59

    Was in Jiyyd other day when orc attack come. They put ladder on walls and send many over into Jiyyd. It was pretty good battle, with many scout, many archer, and many heavy orc soldiers. I could almost see Tempus smile during battle when we all fight brave and defeat the orcs. After defend Jiyyd was successful, large group of us search plains for catapult. After much searching we find, and wizard lady make big ball of fire and destroy after kill crew. Then strange thing happen.

    Group of us start walk back to Jiyyd in plains south of village, and spy couple straggler. We kill. But then others of group start hunt down more straggler, all over plains. It was no longer battle, it was murder. I walk away from this. Tempus want battle. Murder is for evil god, like Bane and Cyric.

    –

    Entry 60

    Nathen give me so many roses today that not know what to do with! Was so sweet, and make Maya feel like woman instead of captain of militia. I take all rose, make wreath, and put on head. Nathen spend rest of day staring at. Made Maya feel warm inside.

    I miss great battle with dogmen at Gypsy camp. Is terrible shame. Hear so many have die. Maya should have been there to help. I know Tempus want to kill as many dogmen as can.

    –

    Entry 61

    The handwriting is heavy and thick, as if the quill were pressed in great force.

    So much happen today that no know where to begin. Day start off good when run into old friend Uthger! We go back to Boarshead and talk about how much trouble he in and have many laugh. Chancellor Mecc come and give Maya militia pay, and then Uthger and Maya walk toward Gypsy camp to fight dogmen. Then vision happen

    Was strange vision. I see two panther made of silver metal. Then big lion come, strong and powerful, and stand between panther. Panther guard, but sneaky shadowy thing come up from behind and kill lion. Many see later that lion is dead, and all blame panthers for kill. Panthers slink off.

    After speak with Uthger, think maybe was Jandor, and shadow thing was assassin. Panthers be Maya and Mecc, or maybe Maya and Lucius. We run back town and warn, but Jandor not take serious. I wish Tempus would speak plain. I think Tempus think I smarter than I think is.

    Then run into Zyphlin in Norwick. He ask Maya if is “part of collective”, but I not even know what mean. Ask if I touch crystal, but have only heard of. Never even see. Then shadows go around Zyphlin.

    I have seen before, and first thing think of is maybe he was shadowy thing in vision, but he run out of town, say is not safe, and say is ring. Same ring Maya let borrow. Ring once belong to Adam. The Muse.

    I ask for back. I ask many time to give, but each time he make excuse, say is dangerous for Maya and Norwick. Is funny, because it never behave bad or make shadows for Maya … ever. I tell this, but he not believe. Then he make magic not see, and run … with Maya ring.

    Is not for Zyphlin to decide. RING BELONG TO MAYA, NOT ZYPHLIN!!! I make report in Norwick, then go to Peltarch. I will try handle Peltarch way. If not work, will resign from be captain of Norwick and not be citizen, because Maya not want bring dishonor and stain of blood on Norwick for what Maya do next.


  • Entry 58

    Nathen tell good story to me by gypsy fire yesterday. Was story of duel between Wizard Ro and Nathen. Was much fun to listen to as he describe each magic and each attack, and when win in end. Nathen say had another duel later, and was tie.

    Lead of defenders of Gypsy camp name Tero was there too. Earlier, pick fight with Nico, and make threats to Meril. Nathen try go talk with, but not go well. Think is bully with chip on shoulder. Someone should take down a peg I think. Is one of best warriors Maya seen though, so maybe full of self for reason. I remember saying from grandfather - Is great to have strength of giant, but is not good to use it like one. I wish was wise like grandfather.

    Was great day of victory for Tempus too! We march on dog men to find portal. Was many, many dogmen, and some were great warriors, but many fall to Maya’s axe. Meril, Merin, Nathen, Mingal, Sierra, and Nico there too, and all use sword, bow and magic for great victory. Was even many demon I think part of SHOOSUVA. All those fall before us too.

    Today I made great prayer to Tempus, and hope that I do right in his name.


  • Entry 57

    I have been neglecting journal. Is first time I pick up in long time. Last entry is about fight Zargothis, and this seem like so long ago. So many things happen since then. I try to write them all down in one entry and make sense of them.

    Many of Heyokarr tribe have try to teach me Damaran. Is language of tribe and many people here. It help some that I spend so much time in Damara and listen to language much, but is still hard for me. I wish was smart like Adam or Zyphlin, and could learn to speak many tongues like they do.

    Order finally come from Nico Black. I ask him sell Adam harp for me and use money find good armor. I suggest maybe Damara, as king was good friend of Adam. He was able sell harp, and king have armor made for me. Already have clothing size so was easy I guess. But merchant get ambush by giants on way to Peltarch on long road, and have to go rescue. Was long hard trip but many come with to help and rescue merchant including Kara and Nate. We fight many giant along the way and come to town be siege by giants. Merchants there inside of town. Was only able to escape because witch sacrifice life to use magic get us free

    I look at above writing and is so short for great adventure. Was very much snow on journey, and most giants we fight live in cold and snow. We fight many wolves and giants, and have to laugh but hardest fight was be ambush by sneaky and much experience goblin with many arrows. Fight so many giants was great honor in name of Tempus. Kara is good warrior. Not as tall or strong as Maya but is more experience and defend better. Together we able to defeat many. I even see Tempus once, and Nate say was much lightning, but I remember little other than speak to. I will not write much of, because my simple words cannot do honor to him.

    Armor is very different than what used to. Think not protect as good as Black Dragon armor against mace because is so light, but have many clever angle and have finish like mirror or still pool of water. Arrow and spear cannot find purchase and always seem slide off. Mirror finish also good at distract enemy I notice.

    Have been more dogmen come with magic portals now, and Tempus give many visions about stars that fall from sky and word SHOOSUVA. Tempus is very displease with dogmen, and want to make sure dogmen understand this by send champion to fight them. He send me many vision to tell others, so that dogmen can be defeat. I spend much time in Gypsy camp so be there when needed to fight them.

    I have very strange day few days ago. Just cannot remember. Is like day that wasn’t. People say I do things, but not remember anything of. Think maybe someone do witchery on, but wish knew who so could cut in half.

    Was rumor in Peltarch that Nathen was dead, and I spend much time looking for but cannot find. I ask Tempus for vision of Nathen death, but Tempus was silent. I spend whole month look for and was about give up, when he just show up in Norwick one day. I hug very tight and hold close for long time and was like never gone.


  • Entry 56

    I not write any of battle with Evil Knight. Tempus want me to be example, so should put in words so when die and go to hall of heroes, others can read. Is not boast, because journal only for me until die.

    I was wander in Nars and see woman in trance with many who follow. When find cave in Nars, many demon appear. Was good thing was there I think because demon was much evil and need me to kill. After kill all demon though, Evil Knight show up.

    I remember last time face evil knight. I almost kill, but was knock unconscious along with Talgrath and many other. But now is different. I have knights’ training and blessing of Tempus. Evil Knight have evil grin and ask if I feel lucky. Would attack right away but many friend there, and not want to see many friend die. I know Evil Knight is dangerous. So I ask all to leave, so can face Evil Knight in duel.

    Was Nathen, Meril and others. They not leave. They look at me and say will stand beside. It bring heart to my throat, and make me proud have friends like this. Then Evil Knight see friend stay, and summon evil undead thing. When evil undead thing appear, I ask Tempus to bless axe. When evil undead thing make magic fire, is time decide to attack. I shout Tempus name and charge.

    World become slow for me. I remember when Adam do, and make easy to duck blows. I think Meril or Nathen do this time. Is great bard trick. Evil undead thing try to defend self, but fall quickly to axe bless by Tempus. Evil Knight is sneaky in mean time though and slash under arm while face undead thing. Is now time to face Evil Knight.

    Evil Knight is good swordsman, and I cannot face before. Think now is good time go to Hall of Heroes. Friends fight beside, and I know Tempus watch. But things different now.

    I have knight training from Johan and Koreth. Tempus has bless me, and Jore teach great trick turn and make backhand swing. I make feint to swing at leg to make shield lower, then try back swing over shield Jore teach. Axe come down and bite deep through armor. I was reward with cry of anger from Evil Knight and think maybe…maybe….

    …This time Maya win.

    Friends distract. One person duck into combat and try help, but Evil Knight swing and almost kill him one blow. But Evil Knight look slow to Maya, and pretty soon Evil Knight cut in so many places I wonder how stay together. Finally take shield and pin to wall and slash hard and close. Evil Knight gurgle and fall.

    I shout Tempus name again! Is great victory! I spit and lean over, look at Evil Knight eyes stare up to nothing. I lick finger and make pretend chalk mark in air and say, “Tempus win. Evil god lose”. Then go to behead….and Evil Knight gone. Just disappear into red circle of mist and vanish.

    Is pity. Have vision of put head on gate of Norwick. Make evil think twice about come in. Meril say name of Evil Knight was Zargothis

    So we walk home. Was tired and hurt. Was going to go Mermaid and celebrate life much….But hear evil laugh instead. I look up and see Zargothis on hill, as if Maya never kill. How can be? Zargothis then summon so many demon that Maya cannot count. I yell for friend to retreat. Tempus about smart battle, not die stupid.

    Some retreat. Some not. Many friend die. Was able to bring back with Daisy help, but while Maya win first battle, Evil god winning war.

    I think about this much, and pray to Tempus for answer. How can Maya defeat Zargothis if cannot kill?

    Before stand beside Tempus and grandfather in Hall of Heroes, would like to have answer. Tempus must win. Evil god must lose.


  • Entry 55

    _The fireplace burns hot in Maya’s room, radiating heat over her semi-clothed form. She lies on a pile of furs on her stomach, a plate of meat and cheese on her left. In front of her lies her journal, a small oil lamp illuminating its worn pages. She puts the quill down to write, stops, and tries again before lifting the quill off the page and scratching her head. Finally with a sigh she pushes the journal away and puts her chin on her hands. Her hair still partially braided, her gaze follows the outline of her newest feather before turning her head to stare at her axe, which lies next to the fireplace drinking its warmth. Absently, she plays with the chain bound gold ring around her neck. Finally her eyes drift closed, and sleep takes hold of her.

    She dreams of many things which will not be remembered come morning. She dreams of Rhajin, the man who helped her in the slave camp. In this dream, she wonders whether he is still alive after all this time. She dreams of Roubanes and Anakore, of Sam and Zyphlin, of adventure grand and small. She dreams of Adam, of happier times when he would lie next to her, and whisper stories until she slept. In her dream she also dreams of places far away, of cities of wizards and battles grand, much like the stories Adam told. She dreams of Nathen, of adventures unwritten and untold, and of tall grassy fields that hide a barbarian’s passion.

    After a time, the fire in it’s steady decline turns cold, the axe having drank the last of it. Maya absently pulls a fur over her and the journal, now forgotten in the night, is pushed to the side. The lamp continues to illuminate the journal, but it too turns cold. The light flickers briefly in a last gasp for existence, revealing the one word that languishes on the page before the darkness hides it…_

    Love.


  • Entry 54

    It has been few days now I learn from Jore, and am sore in many places. Is not easy to fight when cannot see! Also, Jore show me good trick to reverse swing on one handed axe that I do not know before. Maybe if lucky, can catch enemy by surprise.

    I think much on Jore teaching me, and look at young warriors. Some have father who can teach, but many do not and just learn from each other. I can see where one will not do right, and will teach others to not do right too. So I decide to talk to fathers and mothers of young warriors, and offer to take them on goblin raid. It will be good to learn, and I will be there in case too much trouble come.

    I travel north yesterday, and speak to Eastlanders. It seem was large undead attack, probably from evil wizard. After I go more north, was group of people look for more undead. I was going to go with them. Tempus has given me a great gift to fight undead. But group had been marked by Eastlander as enemy. Eastlander warrior sneak in and almost kill two people Maya know, and was force to step in and defend friends. I make oath to not attack because Norwick has treaty, but will defend. Eastlander should know have treaty with Norwick and me.


  • Entry 53

    I speak to Jore today about problem people come into town invisible. Jore look at me and laugh, but then see am serious. Then Jore say meet by north wall after Maya rounds and duty done.

    When meet, he have two big stick and heavy sack. I look at funny but then he put sack over head so can see nothing. Then he say to listen, and swing stick through air. Then he walk around and tell listen to footsteps and grass while swing stick. Then he tell Maya get out shield.

    Can hear footstep, and can hear swing of stick, then feel stick hit shield. He do over and over again. He run around behind, and make me turn and try block stick with shield. Was so much fun that time go by fast and he say is done. He say that sometime, people use eye too much when fight, and sometime need learn fight when cannot see.

    He say will see me tomorrow same time.

    Wish had know Jore when young. Would have been great honor fight with on field of battle. I know is great honor learn from him now.


  • Entry 52

    Tempus choose Maya

    I write above words and look at. Words not enough. I cannot write in word what feel. I cannot write in word what honor was given. I not have words to write what happen. Is more than words. I could write pages describe what happen, but would dishonor.

    Maybe priest of Tempus understand.


  • Entry 51

    Not make journal entry long time. Is too busy with militia papers to want to write for self. Rando papers all mix up but will say have good handwriting. Is easy to read.

    It seem both mountain person not much happy with me be captain. Foilir, who make me laugh much just quit, and have words with Maythor. Maythor not like much that was Black Dragon Knight and come down with Koreth long time ago. I try explain that was Maya duty then, and is important to do duty and keep oath. Now I make oath to Jandor to protect family and people of Norwick, and will keep oath here too. I hope Maythor understand this. If not and he leave, have to hire more militia. Have to hire one more anyway though. Norwick is begin be busy. Even see Kanen Knight here yesterday.

    Am so angry at Wizard Ro. He change self into monster, then run through town and scare villager. I try to make stop, but then duck into Boarshead and make self invisible. When say he under arrest for cause trouble, he say not want to be and taunt…then leave. So now not only have to put on report, but must put out order for arrest. Cause trouble was little fine. Resist arrest be big fine. Add together make even bigger. Is like spoiled child who need discipline.

    Now is busy work with militia and Jandor make law and punishment better in Norwick. Much law is silly in Norwick. Not even allow person with pet bird. Will fix. First tell militia not use jail so much, and make person work for Norwick instead. Maybe help Fine with farm or carry grain for Waldt. Not even have jail in Griffon tribe. Should only be good for cool off or hold evil wizard.

    Come up with good idea what do when break law. Will make punish fit law better. If steal, must pay back double, or maybe cut hand off if keep steal. If refuse disarm, then will take weapon. If attack militia, then lose weapon, armor, and pay fine. Think is better than jail. Think warrior cause much less trouble if know lose thing he use to cause trouble. Warrior take pride in weapon, and not want lose pride. Will also make all crime public and announce in Norwick so everyone know who troublemaker is.

    People best learn settle fight with fist now that I captain. I understand need fight, and sometimes person need good punch in nose. Wizard Ro be one. Maybe with mail gauntlet.


  • Entry 50

    Is nice round number for important entry. I become Captain of Norwick Militia. Is position of great honor and responsibility, and was proud to accept. I hope people of Norwick be proud have Maya be captain too.

    Last night start go through many paper Rando leave behind, try to figure out who in militia and who not. Papers out of date and be big mess, but many still make regular report, which be good. Still, think it would be good have big meeting and make roll call. Need to find out who really here. When Jandor say even he not know who in militia, I try not to laugh.

    Have to meet with Chancellor soon. Here is back in Norwick after be gone for few month. Jandor say is Shaman with dark past, but can trust. Will be work with him much I think.

    Nathen come by with big grin and “I told you so” face. He always kept say that Jandor make me captain, but I not believe. We sit on rock and talk for much, then have to rescue little wizard who get in trouble with Goblin soldier. Winged wizard pet come in town and ask for help. Was going to shoo out (is law) but just in town to ask save wizard life, so was OK.

    Is glad Johan help make keep journal. Is good practice for all papers have to write when be captain.


  • Entry 49

    Was very quiet last few days. I hang around Norwick and talk to few people, and help Fine put roof back on shed after wind take off. Wind so strong that when Maya try go North visit friend, keep blowing Maya back. Even watch chicken get blow over wall.. Fine is good person but think is grumpy, like Talgrath. Is strong, and not take gruff from anyone. Maya like though, and Fine always give Maya work when first escape slave wagon. So now pay back by help around farm.

    I talk some to Foilir yesterday. Is funny mountain person. Make laugh so much that walk away with grin for some time. When think about even laugh when write this. Think was maybe underground too long mining and eyesight go. Is always squint.

    Maya teach has become good. Many children come now and not always expect honey biscuit. Now also see many grown up too hang at back of crowd. Maybe what Uthger not do with axe, Maya can do with word and smile.


  • Entry 48

    Finally get back with wagon and supplies, and find out part of Peltarch is taken! Is great news and rush to help. When get to Peltarch, all of Civic district is ours, and people ask for help take docks.

    Take docks was not easy. Have to make many hit and run because numbers too few. Had to fight two people who once Maya friend in Black Dragon Knights, and have to kill both. Other Black Dragon Knights Maya not know. Finally get much help and able to push defender back. See many defender flee out west gate to Giant mountains, and by end of day dock is ours.

    Is time for Maya go home. Have another meeting with Jandor, who is leader of Norwick and is descend of founder.


  • Entry 47

    Is much tired, and battle still sing in Maya heart. Is shame cannot find Nathen. Would be fun celebrate life after great battle.

    Battle start by have Ana, Kara, and Maya lead charge to gate. Team with Nico and Zyphlin try go inside and make way for wall be ready to take. Then shoot glowing arrow over wall, siege weapon hit gate and we charge.

    Order is to take wall at all cost. Give life if have to.

    When charge…is big confusion. So many enemy at gate! Some people charge in and get overwhelm, and this include Maya. Maya have to back out quick not be surrounded. Fight at gate go well though, all enemy cut down and only lose couple on Maya side. I charge to stairway and yell for follow me.

    …but no one follow!

    I charge up stairwell and be at top of wall, and surprise many soldier there. Was five, maybe six soldier, all well train, and though axe is sharp and heart is strong, I can see will lose. I cut down two, and think maybe see Tempus soon, when hear soldier scream to right and see large Grag help! Maya heart sing now, Rary come too and heal Maya with great blessing before fall. Soon, we take wall, and is great victory.

    …but not.

    I still not know why, but other Maya friend keep go forward toward commons, as if think can fight whole army. Is brave but stupid. Tempus like brave, but not stupid in battle. Commons is great place get surrounded and be cut off. Maya yell for people come back and hold wall, but no one listen. No one think that wall go all away around city! Enemy could take wall from behind and cut friends off, and all would be doom. So decide will stay on wall and shoot bow. If soldier come around on top of wall, have to get through Maya first.

    After much time, and many hurt, friends fall back to wall. Finally get smart, take both sides of wall, and try hold. Enemy get smart too, gather at market and try take wall back. This battle I remember for long time.

    Was many come around on top of wall, and we kill first wave without problem. We have good strong position on top of wall, and can shoot as enemy gather and try go around. Second wave though, they send good train soldier with Elf mercenary. Elf mercenary use powerful magic.

    Battle was hard. Was much arrow. Maya swing with axe, and cut down many, but Elf mercenary magic cause much problem. I cut down two in front with axe guide by Tempus (Maya behead both), and charge Elf mercenary.

    …I not even have chance

    Elf mercenary cast magic, and I wrap in bands of magic, and cannot move. I struggle hard, but is no use, and Elf mercenary hit with bright lights that sting. Friends come to help, and that when Elf cast great ball of fire. Blast break magic bonds and I remember fly through air. I hit back on head on ground, was all go black. Could hear things go around, but too weak move or speak. Was then hear great prayer. Was like thunder in ears, tell Maya to rise and be whole again. When open eyes, see Anna stand over, and wounds mostly gone. I pick up things, and continue fight again.

    We defend against one more assault, then enemy fall back to get strong. Was then decide best to leave, and go back to camp.

    Even though not take wall, I consider great victory. We kill 40, maybe 50 men, and only lose maybe 10. Was sad to see friend fall. One was Rary, who help save life twice now. Daisy help bring back, so will be able to fight by side again. Maybe get chance to repay debt of honor and save Rary life.

    Now was order to help refugee go Norwick, and bring supplies with wagons. I know is not as glorious as fight, but all job in war is important.


  • Entry 46

    Now know why Tempus too busy talk with Maya.

    Is war.

    Nathen invite to Senate meeting, but was make to later date. So when later date come, I head to Peltarch to be with Nathen and see meeting. However, when get half way, see smoke come from north, and knew was big trouble. Then I start run. When get to tower south of Peltarch, was many tent and people hurt, and was able find out what happen.

    Peltarch at war with self. Many say to me that Koreth bring in Black Dragon into Senate meeting, and try have people arrest. Was big fight, and some escape, but now Koreth try take control of city. Now most of Maya friend in camp outside of city, and Maya have much to think about.

    I not sure about this war. When in tribe and fight orc, was sure war was good. Bring strong out in people. Bring courage and honor. If people at peace all time, then become weak. War in right amount make people strong. But this war about Koreth have much greed. Koreth is strong person, and strong leader and want city for self. In tribe of Griffon when two people want control tribe, both fight. Whoever win become leader. Maybe this is same thing. Koreth fight other for leadership of Peltarch. Can be good thing. Is good have strong leader. But in Peltarch is different. Not just two people fight.

    Is not Maya place to judge. Maya choose to fight with friends. Only matter now that Maya and friends fight with honor. If Koreth win, then city become strong. If Koreth lose, I think city become strong too.


  • Entry 45

    Got into big fight with Eastlanders. Nathan and I walk down from Peltarch to Norwick and group of Eastlander attack Nathen. I step in and defend, and when all done was many dead Eastlander, including 3 priest and wizard. Fight was very confuse at times because was so many. Is good thing Kights teach Maya to use shield. Nathan badly hurt, and after was heal by magic spend rest of night in front of fire in Boarshead.

    Nathen very easy to talk to, and is very good person. Spend all night talk again, until ready fall asleep in common room by fire. We promise give each other gift, just for fun.

    I still not know if Maya heart big enough for love when Adam still in heart, but was thinking last night that maybe is.


  • Entry 44

    Maya turn in Defender armor, and Johan give back old armor. Fight for Peltarch was big part of Maya life, and is now gone. I think much of this, and wonder why Tempus make fight for Peltarch. Not seem to be Tempus way. Was not in big war. Was not even in big battle. I just patrol, and guard people. Think that maybe Tempus want Maya be knight for awhile, and be soldier for awhile too. I learn so much from Johan and other knights. Think maybe is what Tempus want.

    Nathen walk with me down to Norwick to get paper. Is funny friendship Nathen and I have. I not sure if be good friend, or should take Nathen into heart. Is going to be hard to make heart bigger, after have so much love for Adam. But Nathen is good person, and have much care in heart. Say all person have good inside, and try turn from many bad to good. Nathen is knight work for Anakore. After work with many person call self knight, Nathen is small number of people who is knight in heart too.

    I start tell story in Norwick now. Take three day every week and sit beside well. I bring honey roll from Boarshead, and give to children who come. I tell story of strength and honor, and put Uthgardt words into story to see who really listen. When ask, I tell Uthgardt meaning of word in trade speak. Maybe get more person who want learn Uthgardt

    Each time tell story, see Jandor guard name Lucius walk by and watch. Was hoping he come over and listen too, but after many days come over and say want see Maya. Hope stories not cause trouble. Norwick good home for Maya.


  • Entry 43

    Much has happen in few weeks I write. Johan call into office and have papers for me sign. I ask what is, and he say is for another few year service be Defender.

    I not sign

    Johan was very surprise and ask why not. All I can say is not for Maya anymore. I have been to Norwick many time now, to teach ways of Uthgardt people. I teach not hide behind words. I teach keep promise. I teach be strong. Johan say give two weeks think about. Not need two weeks but do as Johan ask. Is time for Maya move to Norwick, and finish job for Tempus and friend Uthger.

    So many people in Peltarch hide behind words. Some even make living from hide behind words. When first come to Peltarch, was amaze at big city. I feel lost, like in big corn maze. But after many years, see nothing change. Senator come, senator go, but people not change. Sometimes I think people move here so can hide behind words.

    Is sad.

    This bring journal to Wizard Ro. Wizard Ro was first love in this land. Was first person truly make heart smile. Even make pleasures with few times. I knew he have Maya in heart. I have Wizard Ro in heart. But then something happen. He not say what, he just leave.

    Now he return, so ask if he still have room for Maya in heart. He could have look at Maya and say yes. He could have look at Maya and say no. Instead, he look at Maya and make fun of, and say no. Is terrible when hide behind words when speak of love, but Wizard Ro do to me. Not even worth challenge.

    I pray much, and hope am do right thing move to Norwick, but Tempus quiet. Not even dream.

    I meet man name Nathan Windgate. Everyone call him Nate, but I like Nathan. Is very cute, and like Zyphlin would like to pin down in tall grassy field and have way with. Nathan say something make me think much. He say maybe Tempus not say anything because Maya do what should do.

    Think Nathan maybe smart person.

    Nathan is also good warrior. Maya watch Nathan fight Zyphlin in arena under Ferret, and was good match. Both make much magic, and hide from each other. Nathan beat Zyphlin, but was close fight. Zyphlin spend too much time protecting self and not enough time try fight I think.

    I fight Drow person name Braeth in arena. Everyone say Braeth was change into Drow by magic and cannot change back, but Maya is not sure. I ask Braeth before fight if use magic, and he say little.

    Was not little. He use much. Make shadows. Make stinging green magic, and even summon Panther. Braeth very quick, but much smaller. I knock him to ground many times with shield when he try run around arena too much, and win. Maya thought be much harder.

    Will turn in Defender armor soon. I hope Nathan and Zyphlin come visit when move to Norwick.


  • _It’s been awhile since Maya’s journal entries were last published to the forums. For the most part, Maya has lived her life quietly. There have been no grand adventures, journeys to far away places, or desperate fights for survival. For her, the struggles that follow are those that plague her heart and memories. The journal entries have been brief, her duties mundane and routine. She does her best to run the squad she’s responsible for, and honors those who have died in service to her and to Peltarch

    She spends much of her free time in prayer. She can often be seen within the tower south of the city, kneeling, axe in front her, eyes up to the sky. During these times she is silent. The tower guards only comment that she can be seen there often, and appears to be waiting for something…or someone.

    Despite her quiet demeanor, those that see her on a daily basis still bear witness to her simple manners and warm, charming smile. A look in her eyes however, makes some folks wonder where the warrior inside has fled. Other say that it sleeps, and awaits for it’s time to awaken._


  • Entry 32

    Talgrath not happy with Johan be captain, have to report to. Say will quit Defender and many Defender quit too if Johan be Captain. But in same breath say never meet. Remind of small child see food on plate and say “Blah! - Taste Yucky!” before even try food. Think child should be happy have food instead of no food. Think Talgrath should be happy have experience Captain instead of Captain no experience.

    Meet person in Nars yesterday name Jeff, but not remember last name. Say Maya remind Jeff person know of name Angel. Say come from Jiyyd. Is funny. Live in Jiyyd for long time and not know any woman name Angel. Maybe was child.

    I finally track down!

    Many week ago, I see little person name Gears have strange amulet, look like slave collar with skull. When put on, he do what people say, but is complete protect from many kind of magic. I watch two wizard try put spell on Gears but could not. I try to buy from Gears, but would not sell to Maya.

    I find out later, Gears sell to Mirk. So finally find Mirk, ask to buy, and he say not have, and sell to Uthgor for freedom. Mirk do something bad in Norwick, get in jail. So now have to find Uthgor.

    So find Uthgor, and he trade for Whispering Ring. Was getting tired of ring anyway. Every time pick up magic thing, it whisper in Maya ear, even if already know. Try to tell ring to shut up, but ring not listen. Now Uthgor problem.

    So now have great magic item for fight evil wizard. After see what Gears like when put on, maybe not best wear until evil wizard around.

    I tell Johan about and learn new word today. Word is “IRONIC”. It mean things that happen that can be opposite of what should. Like prepare for big war and enemy not show up. I spend whole life after grow up try not be slave. Come to Norwick and have slave collar remove. Now spend weeks try find slave collar so can use.

    Is Ironic.


  • Entry 31

    Have feeling something wrong. Grandfather Bjearn would say “too quiet” when Orc not make raid and sit in village. Last time happen, Orc was quiet for almost full year. When Red Tiger clan was raid, every Orc had chainmail and good metal weapon.

    Think maybe Eastlander do same thing.

    Last year spend much time in village, teach young people Uthgardt tongue, and Jandor seem to like, and allow me wear Black Dragon Armor in town. So Johan send me to Norwick collect rumor, and bring information. Now when go down to Norwick, see so many Eastlander. What they scout for? Why so many patrol? Even Peltarch and Far Scout not patrol so much, and Peltarch much bigger.

    Think maybe why see Tempus laugh in vision. Tempus know much fighting will come. Would not be surprise if this time, Eastlander infantry all have chain too.