3. Maya's Journal

Maya's Journal


  • 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.


  • 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