3. Maya's Journal

Maya's Journal


  • 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.


  • Entry 30

    Feel strange to be in house now. When Adam was here, whole corner of library was big mess. But Adam know where everything is. Sometime put books into one pile, sometimes into another. When Adam die, I leave library in big mess think would remind of Adam. But now dust collect on top of book, and is just big mess. There no touch of Adam on books. Even scent of Adam is gone. I spend afternoon make neat, and cry for bit.

    Think even if find new man, will always love and miss Adam. Is way love is, it go inside hearts and stay forever. Just have to learn to make heart bigger to put more love in.

    Johan take me to library other day. Was first time ever in library, and was amazed to find place with more books than Adam. Johan ask what go to library for, and I say want to find book of love. I laugh now think of face he make. Johan only see Knight and Soldier side of Maya, and not see heart. For wise person live long time, Johan should open eyes.

    I find two book, and spend all day read, even though story is short. First book is about knight who rescue woman from bandit, and look into man heart about all pain go through to rescue woman he love. Second story is about soldier who in big war, meet woman in town, fall in love, and never see again, but think about when soldier die at end of story.

    Next day go back, and open more books than can count to get piece of stories. Is same in most story. Man rescue woman. Man fight for woman. Man write poetry. Woman wait for man to come home from war and try not be dishonor and have other man. I only find two story with woman warrior, and both story have man warrior too. Man warrior still stronger.

    Is not any story like Maya and Adam. Is sad, because was good story.


  • Entry 29

    World for me turn upside down. I find out Black Dragon Knight are gone. Senate make long words and say, “Suspended Pending Investigation”. Is long words for just mean gone.

    Koreth not around say much. Think he is angry. Johan and Kalin speak to knights instead. Some go speak with Koreth. Some leave, find work elsewhere. Few decide stay and startup business here in city. Some, like me and Johan become defender.

    Was given offer to join Peltarch army as officer. I not hear about offer until later, when Vino wife give news. Johan accept position as Peltarch army captain, and want me join as officer, work for him.

    Johan words what make me decide. After hear words of offer to join army, think better maybe become militia of Norwick. I speak Uthgardt, and would be good teach ways of people. But words of Johan speak of how I work and fight with honor, and would be proud have me fight for him again. So I become member of Peltarch army.

    I am now Defender.

    I not sure how Tempus feel of this. Tempus give me no sign, no vision. Tempus is very quiet, let me decide for self. Also not sure how feel be officer. For first time in life, will have people to command. People be responsible for. People life in Maya hand. I am not afraid of much. Am not afraid die. But afraid of this. Johan says is good thing

    Now must recruit people I trust. Recruit people can follow order. So recruit Sam. Sam is knight of god of law. I know can follow order. Sam is also more experience. Will be good offer wisdom when make decision.

    I hope do right thing. Is new experience for me.

    I still need good man with heart of fire. Maybe find one now. Everyone love woman in uniform.


  • Entry 28

    Travel with Sam today to look for clue for Thayan Wizard. Go to kobold caves, and then try go Ogre cave. Many white bear and manticore near cave, and all get too hurt go on. Bear is not bad to fight, but fight manticore is like try to fight porcupine size of siege engine. Have so many holes in armor that smith for Black Dragon be angry. Must learn hide behind shield better.

    After report, spend much time in bath house. I look at self, and wonder why don’t have scar like Talgrath. Only scar have is on wrist and neck where wear chains when slave. These scar never go away, even after reborn by Tempus in Peltarch. This is legacy (Johan help with good word) of Uthgar son of Tempus, and first time hear him speak to me. Johan joke is part troll. Say only way woman be so tall and not scar. I say too pretty for troll, make pose, and Johan have good laugh. I have good laugh too.

    I need find good man soon. Has been too long time make pleasures. Need person with heart of fire, or is no fun.


  • Entry 27

    Spend much time try find Elord to try find why Gasun not allow inside Jiyyd. Not find. Also speak to Maythor, try find out why Rary not allow inside Norwick. Maythor say Rary interfere Militia business, and Rando say Rary must stay out until make decide.

    Thought was going to see duel at Norwick south gate between man with axe and merchant wizard woman. Then big bugbear show up, scratch head and wonder what fuss was. Was so surprise that not attack, did not fight evil bugbear until Maythor try kill. Then wizard cast spell on, I hit too, and bugbear die. Now will never know what bugbear try say.

    Wizard Ro in thoughts much. When go through things in pack try find key to Adam house, find lock of white hair belong wizard Ro. Is funny, but can smell laughter in hair. Wizard Ro was first person in this land Maya want be mate to. Wizard Ro always make me smile, was always so funny make my heart smile too. Wizard Ro heart get dark in end though, before leave and never return. Never know why.

    Wizard Ro make me think much on why people not say words of love when love in heart. Wizard Ro have hard time say to Maya, even though could see love in heart. Gildor have much love for Uthger, though know not say.

    Sometime think maybe people so busy hide behind words, they hide behind heart too.


  • Entry 26

    Have been talk to man named Gasun. Is mercenary captain of group with no name, and is also inquisitor to Barrim. I take to Jiyyd and try find out why not allow inside, but Elord not there. Then he want to know of Wan-tee from Rando, but talk to Uthgor instead. Uthgor say Wan-tee treat well, and seem have honor, but ask to mate with human. I try think about mate with snake person, and end up make face.

    I meet teacher Demi yesterday in Gypsy camp! Was so sad she not have time stay and talk, so hope very much she be around later. She was one who begin teach me read and numbers, and owe her much. Is one of best friend have. I miss very much. I hope she stay for while.

    Kalina was in camp too, and can tell is lost. Uthger gone, and think she miss him very much. When grow up, grandfather Bjearn teach to always speak true, and never hide behind words. Always do true thing, and never betray heart. Grandfather Bjearn very wise, and I try always live be his words. I wish everyone had grandfather like Bjearn. World be better place, full of honor and no lie. Best can do is be true to Bjearn words, and hope others see. Think is late for Kalina, but maybe see Bjearn words inside Maya heart, and want to do too.

    I have hope.


  • sheds a tear


  • Entry 25

    I want to write of Sam

    Sam used to be best friend. When first came to Norwick after escape from slave wagon, Sam help me much. He get me first good axe. He help with gold when need things, and give much advice. I always see stand on hill in Nars and fight off bandits. I always see run around from place to place try save people and fight for good. I call him “Hero Sam”. I still smile when think of.

    When I die fighting giants, Uthgar, son of Tempus take me into Hall of Heroes. But then Tempus show up, take me, I know I am his now, and both appear in Peltarch. Tempus make great earthquake and lightning, then disappear.

    I find out was Sam doing. Sam was very angry I die, and curse Tempus. Tempus listen, bring me back, then punish Sam.

    I was very angry at be taken from Hall of Heroes, from arms of grandfather. I was very angry at Sam, and almost come do duel. It take long time of thinking about this before realize should be flattered. Will be plenty of time for Hall of Heroes later. Friends only here short time…mostly. Sam and I reach understanding.

    Was until Tempus give me vision…give me vision become Black Dragon Knight.

    Sam and Koreth not get along. I work for Koreth, and Sam see as betray friendship. Friendship still never same. I know never will be. I am not young for Sam to mentor. Sam is older, and is Knight of Helm, god of make laws. Both Sam and Maya fight evil. Sam just do different than Maya.

    I see Sam now. Is true older, but not just in lines and scar. Sam is older heart too. Duty of god of law weigh on Sam heart. Sam lose many friend. Sam even lose wife on day of marry. Yet still Sam do duty.

    Sam gain many great treasure. But Sam fight much for god of law, and lose all of what gain. Even lose piece of heart. Lose self. Is older. Is more tired. Cannot fight as good as used to. But still Sam do duty.

    When Adam die, I think of enter battle for last time. See Adam again. When on wagon, was easy let go. But Sam never let go. Now know was why Tempus give me vision of Sam. Sam never quit. Tempus not want me quit either.

    Sam not as strong as was. Maybe even could beat in duel. But Sam still be “Hero Sam” to Maya.


  • Maya sits in the bathhouse in Peltarch, her long lanky form spread out over several towels away from the pool. Her hair is uncharacteristically absent of braids and ornaments, and instead hangs in loose wet sheaves along her back and shoulders. A basket half full of fruit, cheese and dried meat sits beside a large double-bladed axe next to her elbow, the remainder of her possessions piled in a heap in the corner. With quiet deliberation she dips a quill into an open ink bottle, and begins to write…

    Entry 24

    I know not where to begin, except maybe on wagon. I try think of how to describe things but will have hard time. Has been long time, so think this be long entry. Good thing new journal is large and of many pages. Old one soaked in Maya blood and not good for much except look at old entry.

    I remember write in wagon. Then remember dreams. Not dreams, but maybe vision of Tempus. I see many things not understand, so will write down and figure out later.

    I stand on empty battlefield. Uthger walk by turn to me and say, “Hi ya sexy”, like always do. Could tell was lost though. Very much lost. Could see in eyes that every bit of fire finally gone, but still walk even though not know where walk to. Axe was cover in blood.

    Then was pit. Gildor was in center, and man make auction for audience of many demon. When look over, Gildor just shrug shoulder and smile. Was funny. Gildor make big shadow on ground and shadow not look like Gildor.

    See hero Sam. Was dress like farmer with old clothes and work in endless field. But instead of horse was Sam. Sam have yoke on and plow field with book the size of wagon. Book have big eye on it. When walk by, I offer help pull book, take turn, but Sam not hear and keep plowing.

    Then was Talgrath. Talgrath in big arena and fight many things that shriek and gibber. Talgrath have ball and chain like prisoner though, and make hard to move. I turn to go help, but he laugh and say can handle, and continue to kill gibbering things.

    All this while I walk through strange land, Zyphlin follow. Know he follow, but every time turn around he not there. Finally get annoyed and manage grab, and he laugh and hug like always do. He say have more secrets, and ask if I want know two or three. Then melt from hands into shadows.

    Then see Adam

    There was big bridge of stone with many torch. Adam was on other side, He wave and smile. I see grandfather Bjearn too. He have arm around Adam and shout something about teach play cards. With big smile go see Adam and Bjearn, but when try cross bridge, far half crumble and fall into chasm.

    Tempus appear and is angry. Very, very angry with me. I feel small, like child under father gaze, way he look at me. He just point back way I come and I turn and go, crying because is so sorry make Tempus so angry…and not know why.

    Then all fade away. I wake up in room with candles and three knights with Griffon tabbard who look at me strange.

    I spend much time in room, because feel like bear sit on chest. I pray much to Tempus, and ask forgive for what I do to make angry. I pray for three day before bird messenger come from Tempus again, and make me see what Tempus have to say.

    I see myself and many friends on endless field of grass fighting great battle. See off to side Uthger standing in grass. When look at, he wink at me and walk away. Tempus is far behind, watching from great height with arms folded. Has big smile smile on face, and then clenches fist. When do, fury takes me very much, and enemy cut down like wheat. Tempus laughs, and is pleased.

    Visit in Damara go much better after that.

    Everyone say bandit I kill was great bandit leader, and many people happy to know I defeat. Was many gift of flowers, letters of say Hi, and people want to meet. Was very much great fight, but not worthy of so much pay attention to me. Even had five offer of be marry. Was very silly.

    Three knight show me around great city of Heliogabalus. Was name Elias, Kegan and Jerred. Became good friend while there. Will maybe write letter to.

    See King for little while, but had emissary from Thay and Tethyr, and not have long talk to me

    On day ready to go home, three knight friends give gift. Elias give new journal and Jered write poem. Kegan give greatest gift though. He fix axe.

    It was amazing what Kegan do. He take axe handle, cut down, and make balance. Was great crafter, maybe even better than Adam. I hug for long time, and pick up swing around. Was sad to see go, but know come back again too.

    Now am back in Peltarch. First thing do after come back was check calendar, and see can open chest from King. When open, was expecting axe or sword, maybe even piece of armor. Instead, find large jug of oil with note from court alchemist. Was too hard read for me, so Johan help.

    Part of instruction say put axe in wood trough, put oil in and wait overnight, so I do. Johan very excited about this, and say bottle is very, very old, and is great treasure. We do all instructions, and wait.

    In morning, oil is gone, and axe blade and handle same color as oil. Johan and me try test with helm and melon. Axe cut helm with big poof of flame. When look at helm, was very sharp cut. When look at axe, Johan whistle. No mark on axe. Not even scratch. We have fun all day try different things. Pull out old chest plate. Try dock chain. Try farm plow. Nothing will scratch axe. Johan give back axe and say is axe of king. I tell Johan is wrong. Tell Johan is axe of Maya.


  • Kythorn 5th

    As I make this entry, I am reminded of something I wonderful I saw yesterday.

    I watched from a vantage point in the gardens as Maya and about a dozen of the castle children were playing in the hedge maze. She had tucked a ribbon into the trousers if each child, and several ribbons in hers. She was the “Evil Maze Minotaur”, and all of the children were “Valiant Knights” come to defeat her. To defeat her, they had to pull all the ribbons from her trousers. However, if she pulled a ribbon from a child, they were “slain” and had to go to the center of the maze, leaving their ribbon behind. One of the children however, was the “Valiant Priest”. He was not allowed to try to pull ribbons from Maya, but instead was allowed tuck a ribbon back onto a child and “Bring back from the dead”. There was even “treasure” in the form of pastries and sugared apples, which Maya guarded fiercely.

    I watched as she played with them for a better part of the afternoon. Hiding, roaring, and pouncing on shrieking and laughing children, she made a spectacle of herself. It was as entertaining as any play at the theatre, and it gave me pause for thought about what was truly important in life.

    As simple as she is, I wonder if she may be wiser than the rest of us.

    That said, I was truly sorry to see her depart this morning, taking the caravan east along the Long Road back to her city. She left with several small gifts. Kegan, the artisan that he is, had repaired her axe. It was impossible apparently to replace the wood without destroying the magic, so he had shortened the haft and rebalanced it for one handed use. The delight in her eyes when she received it touched a jealous part of me, for I had naught to give her but a replacement journal, bound in leather and sealed with a Gryphon.

    I hold in my hand a lock of yellow hair. With great ceremony she gave the three of us a small piece of one of her braids. It smells of leather, sweat, and flowers.

    I will cherish it.


  • Mirtul 30th

    It seems I have been neglecting my diary. Perhaps my thoughts have been elsewhere.

    Maya was whisked away by Oster and the Acolytes for nearly two days. When she returned on the 25th, she look tired and confused. I didn’t have the heart to bother her, but she invited me in for an hour to chat, and I couldn’t refuse.

    This “Knight” has been the subject of much gossip around the castle. Not that I can blame folks, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be put in that position. Countless young squires have begged, nae pleaded to see her, and I have no doubt that were I less scrupulous I could have made a fortune in bribes. She had been given permission to roam the castle at will, but chose to stay in her room and pray, and occasionally walk around the grounds outside of her room. I asked her why she would do this, but she had this look of shame, and said nothing

    Several days later she emerged from her room, a bright smile on her face, and asked me to escort her around the city. I was glad for the sudden transformation in her demeanor, but although I was more than happy to oblige, I knew that making it outside the castle grounds unnoticed was futile. I resigned myself to the attention, and together we headed to the gates.

    What should have been a mere 10 minute walk took us the better part of 4 hours.

    It seemed that every soldier, every squire and every castle servant had heard of Maya. She had been built into something larger than life before anyone had even met her. Worse perhaps, her stature and charisma only added to the effect. She stood literally head and shoulders above the crowd, a warm smile gracing her face. To her credit however, she seemed nonplussed by all the attention, and spoke openly and forthright with all who asked her questions, even if they were personal.

    Our time together walking around the city was unexciting and inconsequential in comparison. It was nonetheless enjoyable, and I look forward to it again.

    –

    Kythorn 2nd

    “No, Maya is no married”. How I regret those words she answered to some full-of-himself squire in the crowd a few days ago. I’m a sergeant in his majesty’s service, a knight in the temple of Torm. I am not a chaperone.


  • Mirtul 23rd

    Today I had the opportunity to meet this “Knight”. Even after several hours of discussion I’m not sure what to think of her. She seems to barely grasp the simple trade tongue, and looks upon many things with child-like wonder as if seeing them for the first time. I’m not sure if this is the result of her brush with death, or simply the way she conducts herself. Regardless, she defies any preconception of what I was taught a knight to be.

    She is disarmingly tall. I’m an average sized fellow, fit and trim, and the top of my head came up to her chin. Her hair was loose upon her back, but interspersed with several thick braids tied with leather cords, a few trinkets and black feathers. She speaks with a thick accent I cannot place, and her eyes are almond shaped, leading me to think Kara Tur or parts far west, but they are blue, so I ruled those origins out immediately.

    My meeting began moments after one of the acolytes brought in her evening meal. She opened the door and invited me to share it with her, saying there was no way she could eat it all. She seemed particularly interested in the gryphon design on my chest. When I mentioned it was my crest of the order of Torm she simply said something to the effect, “Torm is of duty and honor, no?”, and smiled.

    We spoke much of the fight with Ralish, and she seemed quite animated in it’s telling. It was difficult to follow her speech at times, but with a little patience on both of our parts we managed. She showed me her armor in the corner, and the rents and gashes made me wonder how she even survived. She seemed particularly upset with her axe however. It was a long handled double-bladed axe, and the handle had been splintered and broken. She said she won it in a duel with someone named “Grax” before she continued her story.

    She also spoke of her Knightly Order, something called "Black Dragons”. Apparently they serve as guards to the senators of Peltarch. I don’t think much of Republics. They are prone to corruption, but her duties in many ways are similar to mine.

    I find myself looking forward to speaking with her tomorrow. Despite her poor speech and obvious lack of education, she’s rather charming. I will pray to Torm for her speedy recovery.


  • Mirtul 22nd

    As I write this, I am not sure how to convey this past evening’s events, but I shall endeavor to do my best.

    I arrived at my post last evening, only to discover that earlier in the day, his majesty himself entered the room, stayed for an hour, then left without a word. Kegan, the knight who has the shift prior informed me that Oster had also come and just shook his head upon leaving. Word was that the knight was not to survive the evening. I offered a solemn prayer to Torm, and prayed again for this man’s soul.

    About three hours into my shift, a terrible storm arrived quickly, the likes I have not seen since childhood. The interior of the hallway was lit as if day, and I was nearly convinced the castle was under siege by the forces of nature. It was then I heard loud weeping from inside the room, and a woman cry out in some odd tongue. Fearing an intruder, I quickly unlocked the door, unsheathed my sword, shouted down the hall for assistance, and burst in.

    The room had obviously been lit with several candles, but most had blown out. The floor of the room near the window was littered with dead ravens. A woman sat up in the bed weeping loudly, muttering the same unintelligible phrase over and over again.

    I laugh at myself to think that my first thought was the disbelief that Ralish Moonblade was killed in combat by a woman.

    I stood there for an indeterminate length of time, as the lightning outside disappeared almost as fast as it arrived. Kegan and Jerred arrived quickly enough, and stood beside me in disbelief as well. Finally, the woman looked up at us from the bed, and switched to the trade tongue.

    “I’m sorry”, she wept. “I’m sorry”

    We all just looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Finally, I stepped forward and introduced myself, along with my fellow knights, and asked if we could be off assistance. I wasn’t really sure what to make of this. My preconceptions had been shattered. I had convinced myself that this “knight” would be older, distinguished, and…male. She looked around tearfully for a moment, a look of bewilderment on her face. She looked down almost shamefully, then looked up at us and pointed to her chest.

    “Maya”, she said. “Name is Maya”

    It was then that Oster rushed in and shooed the three of us out, leaving me with many questions but no answers.


  • Mirtul 21st

    I have taken three evening shifts at the knight’s chambers. By order of the King, the only people allowed are three acolytes and Oster, a priest of Torm. There have been several knights in my unit and a few at the temple who ask of news, but I have little and to be truthful feel that gossip is beneath one of my station. Still, I cannot help but watch Oster’s concerned face, which grows graver by the day.

    After my shift, I pray to Torm again and ask that he bless this Knight, and keep his soul safe.


  • The following are excerpts from the diary of Elias Tur, 1st Sergeant of the King’s Guard, and Defender in Holy Order of the Gryphon, Temple of Torm, Damara.

    Mirtul 18th

    It’s funny how one can miss the sun. It’s shining for the first time in almost two months, and regardless of the cold the streets are filled with the antics and shouts of children. Despite the long campaign against the raiders my spirits are up, for I have received news that their leader, Ralish Moonblade was killed a few days east of our great city along the Long Road by caravan guards. Though I hope beyond measure that this news bears truth, I find this difficult to believe. I am grimly aware of his fighting prowess. I lost two good friends to his blades. I am to report to my captain forthwith.

    –

    The news is true! At the assembly of the men, Captain Shaer pulled his head from a burlap sack. His head and swords are to be presented to his majesty. It was also reported that his death was not at the hands of the caravan guards, but a knight from our easterly neighbors in lands of Narfell. It pains me to say I find relief in this, for it did not seem befitting that a man who personally killed two of Torm’s finest would taken down by mere caravan guards. My hopes of meeting this man were diminished, when Captain Shaer reported that he lay dying in the castle chambers. He had been ministered by a priest, yet still lay in the twilight between life and death. I was honored to be chosen one of three to guard the room. I will pray for his speedy recovery.


  • This page is fingerprinted in blood. The writing meanders and is sloppy. Words run together and in many places, the ink is smudged.

    Entry 23

    I awake now. I will try to tell of journey and of fight with bandits

    Travel through Giantspire was good and most of journey was safe. We stop many times and have fun by fire. Is music troupe who travel from Bardic college to capital of Damara, and entertain most every night. We have big dance one night and tell stories. Was best time I have in long time.

    Not run into trouble until near capital, was three day…..

    ….

    ….I must have pass out again, will try continue

    Was three day from city when bandit came. Was many, maybe 30. Maybe more. All on horse. All use bow. Was great battle, but many people die who should not. They not even ask surrender. Just attack.

    They come on horse and ride by caravan, shooting bow. I never see person shoot from horse like this, and was amazing to watch. Even as people around me die, could not help be impress. But I have way to fight back. I have Adam bow.

    Adam keep bow in case. Was not good balance, but take much strength to pull back and hit very hard with arrow. I learn to use after Adam go to Tymora, and practice with much.

    Most guard have crossbow. Crossbow easy to use but take time load. Johan show me how to plant tower shield in ground and use as cover. After shoot six men on horse and knock to ground, I make horseman angry. Two ride by with curve sword. I leave shield in ground and pull great axe. First person ride by get cut in half. Second person duck and retreat, so pick up bow again and shoot. Maya now kill eight.

    Horsemen stop. Man in bright silk come forward on horse. He point to me and about 20 pace away, he get off and draw two curve sword. Not say word, just nod head in salute and fight.

    After first few moment, could tell was not be like fight with ogre. This person better than ogre. This person better than many. This person better than Maya.

    With belt of Tempus sing in my ears, I try swing, but axe feel slow next to his swords. He dance and swing so fast that my axe is heavy and cannot follow. After minute, he has two gash from axe, and I cut from so many places that almost cannot stand. He is very good find places where armor is not.

    I remember thinking was good way to die, like this, facing great swordsman in great battle. I remember thinking Adam be happy to see me, and how proud Tempus would be. I knew could not win. So I let Tempus in me one last time, let fury take hold of me, and try last trick Kalin teach me. Is sometimes important to let be hit to win fight

    I am big person. Can look Talgrath in eye. So I scream Tempus name and rush. I know be hit, but not care. When he swing and dance aside, curved sword bite deep, but when he try move away, I am holding great axe sideways. Handle of axe hit in stomach, and we both land in heap on ground. Was struggle when I draw knife from boot, but overpower quickly.

    I see death in his eyes when kill him with knife

    I remember stand. I remember horsemen leave. I remember many guard come and look at me. Then wake up in wagon.

    I lay here now for not know how long. I cannot feel legs and am cold. Holding quill is hard when so cold.

    Maybe Adam not wait so long after all.

    This is the last entry in this journal