3. Maya's Journal

Maya's Journal


  • Entry 20

    Tonight I am angry. Was going to write “mad” but Johan say is proper write angry. Only animal get mad he say. I think about this for awhile, and think mad is right too.

    I was south of Norwick and meet Mirk, Tando Gears and two women I not remember names to. We talk much. Tando has amulet I want. I offer buy but he not want to sell. Was funny watch Mirk tease Tando, then little Tando jump on Mirk head and beat with fists. Was most fun I have in long time, until someone mention pirate.

    Word pirate makes my blood sing in ears ready for battle.

    It seem that some people think man named Deacon is pirate. I will find out from Deacon and if true, will be dead pirate. I know this person. See on Sam Hill a couple times, and in town couple times too. I know face and will find. I ask group where can find Deacon, and they say is often drunk by docks in Peltarch. So I go.

    When get into town, ask group in commons where Deacon is. Talgrath ask why, and when I say going to kill, Talgrath give long talk to.

    Talgrath say cannot kill without proof. Of course not! I was going to ask him if he was pirate, and when say yes was going to challenge to duel and then kill. Then Talgrath say words that I still not believe hear.

    Talgrath say Peltarch docks full of pirate and slavers, but is no proof. No proof, no arrest. No proof, no kill.

    I get so angry, that Tempus belt sing in my ears. Can almost hear Tempus tell me go to docks, kill every pirate in big glorious battle. But Talgrath make listen. Tell me that would not be worthy of knight, because would be murder to kill everyone without know who is and who is not. Would maybe kill innocent people.

    Talgrath is older so I listen. He is right. I will need proof. But then he say words that make me think much. He say, “The sooner accept that world is not so easy to tame to your will, the better off you be”.

    I think of these words much. I think of these words in long hot bath. I think of these words before go to sleep. Then get up in middle of the night when words bother me.

    Words maybe true, but think people who take words to heart are reason why pirate still in Peltarch. I have simple plan to find proof. When find proof, I hope pirate and slaver resist arrest so can stain docks with their blood. Tempus would like that. So would I.

    Let other people accept not change things. Not Maya.


  • Entry 19

    I meet Uthger and Gildor yesterday by lake south of Norwick. Was long and nice talk about life, family, and love.

    Gildor try talk Uthger and me into be mates. Was nice for Gildor try to find new mate for me, but know in my heart would not work. Fire is gone from Uthger heart, and I need man with fire. Uthger say has been around and through too much shit. Adam be around for much longer, through more I think, and still had fire. Is all depend on kind of person is.

    Uthger will always be friend. I always find great honor to fight beside Uthger in battle. Just not be mate.

    What I not understand is why Gildor not be mates with Uthger. Both love each other. I can see in Uthger face, and in Gildor’s eyes. Gildor says would be complicated. I think Gildor hide behind words so often that cannot see own heart.

    It makes me sad for her.


  • Entry 18

    Was very slow day today. Was person sleeping under bench in commons. Guard did not notice, so I try to find out of vagrant, as is law against. He give me lot of argue, but have more than 10 gold. I tell was silly place to sleep.

    I continue to mark days on calendar can open chest for gift from King of Damara. I wonder often why make wait, but think perhaps way to test honor. Maybe if open too soon, things inside disappear.

    Met person name was Hoy-Chin. He report was Kobold right outside west gate, so I went investigate with him. By time arrive there, guard take care of and was no longer problem. He seem to hate kobold much though, so traveled in west hills with and killed many. He even show me cave I not know exist, and we go inside and kill many there too. Maya think is obsessed (is good word Johan give me. It means crazy about one thing)


  • Entry 17

    I had strange dream last night. Was in dark hallway with Gildor. Man give me swords to blood, and goblins keep coming out of woodwork.

    I woke up and went to commons to watch over, and was funny thing meet Gildor there too. Gildor was with son named Alex.

    It warm my heart to see young boy, and I play with for time. It makes me think what I would be like to be mother, and wished again that I could have given Adam a son. I give him three things. I give him ring of light so that he will not be afraid of shadows. I give him coin, so he will not be without, and give him feather Tempus give me so that Tempus will watch and he grow up to be strong warrior.

    If cannot have own child, can make other children happy.


  • Entry 14

    I lose journal for long time. Look everywhere, but not see. Then see Brin read (is in platoon), which makes me angry. Journal is for me only, and maybe other friend if I give to. So I walk up to Brin and hit in face with every pound of strength I have. Blood go everywhere, and Brin lose a few teeth. I grab journal and leave, but after he get up, I hear sword clear sheath. So I pick up axe next to bunk.

    I could see look in Brin’s eyes. Brin would be good match for me in fight with armor and shield. But here in barracks and both with no armor, he sees that I am not afraid to die. Fight not happen except with platoon leader Johan. He call both into office later. Johan is only person I know who can yell at someone and not raise voice.

    Entry 15

    Is 15 entries already! I wonder what will look like when get to 100. I will probably need another journal.

    I went into kobold caves with Gildor and Zyphin and Roland. Gildor run around like tribal warrior, jump kobold from behind and cut before can count to 3. I have not seen Gildor like this, and was good side of her. Then Zyplin take aside and tell her to calm down. I do not understand why Zyphlin want to spoil Gildor fun. If Zyphlin try to tell Maya to calm down, I would tell Zyphlin to stuff it.

    Entry 16

    Wizard Sky is back! I am so happy to see! I tell her wait in commons because was on duty help citizen, but she not wait and head south to find Zyphlin. After help citizen, I go south to catch up.

    I meet up with Zyphlin first, and we go look for Wizard Sky. It turn out that she use no-see magic, and was probably there whole time. Is almost as bad as read journal without permission I think, but think perhaps Wizard Sky just do to be safe and not nosey. Was great fun watching Zyphlin get hug by someone who cannot see.

    All of us go to hunt great warg, but was warg who hunt us. They setup great ambush for us, and Zyphlin almost die. Zyphlin and Wizard Sky have to retreat, so I finish kill. Was great and worthy fight, and my blood start to sing.

    When regain senses, Wizard Sky and Zyphlin help kill more warg, wolf that breath snow, and even more warg. We sit in Ormpur and talk for awhile, then go back. Warg smell blood, so come to see what go on with litter mates, and have to fight even more. When we reach Jiyyd again, my blood is singing in ears hard, and Tempus belt is making me feel like could lift wagon over head.

    Fight is over. Trees look greener. Air smells better. Is time to celebrate life.

    Adam would understand when I was like this, and just smile and lead to house or nearest inn. Often not even make upstairs. Now is no one. I look to Zyphlin and many thoughts go through head, but Zyphlin have Wizard Sky. So I run to Norwick and hope Uthger is by fire. He is only person I think besides Adam who understand. But is not there. By time I go back to Pelarch in commons, feeling is mostly gone.

    Then find out, Uthger have mate anyway. Kalina be Uthger mate. Have long talk with, laugh with, until Kalina say not want be mother. I cannot understand how would not want to give Uthger child and waste gift of life. I would give much to have given Adam a child

    I spend long time in bath house that night, just sit in hot water and think. Was the first time I cry since Adam’s death.


  • Entry 12

    I write this in morning, so try to remember. I had fun tease Zyphlin.

    Zyphlin is good friend of mine. Probably one of best friend outside of Knights. Zyphlin is fun and have heart of fire. Everything adventure with him.

    I meet in commons. First thing he do is come over and hug. We say hellos, and then he say getting ready for turn in. I try to think up something to do, because have not seen in long time. Then he decide want to go east plains to kill cat and get food.

    First, I not like cat. Is stringy and test terrible. But we go, and have fun in combat, though cat not challenge for me. Then while adjust armor, Zyphlin do silly thing and wander off. I spend a long time looking for, but lion find first. Good thing Zyphlin have magic.

    Finally, cook lots of meat, and he hugs again. Zyphlin always hugging me today, and wonder what go on in head of his. I write in journal entry many days ago that think Zyphlin look cute, and would like to lure to grassy field and pin to ground. Make pleasures with.

    Here I am, in grassy field with Zyphlin hugging me.

    I laugh to self for many moment, then tell Zyphlin is not wise hug me when all excited after combat. I lean arm on shoulder, get face real close, and tell him I am much bigger, think is very cute, and wonder if he want me pin to ground.

    Was first time think see Zyphlin not talk for few minutes. Eyes get big as dinner plate, then Zyphlin have many words that ramble together

    I have to laugh. I would not really do. Zyphlin is try be mate of Wizard Sky, who is friend of mine. But I did think about. Would be fun to pin to grass.

    I think I will ask Wizard Sky if OK, just for fun.

    Entry 13

    Oh, I forget. Zyphlin try teach me make magic light. It was very silly.


  • Entry 11

    Had very strange letter. Was from Erik Olafson. He upset that Anakore not write, and ask Maya to speak to.

    I been write Erik long time now. Demi start with help when letter come from mother to Erik, and letter find me. Was long time ago, when I try become Black Dragon Knight for Troth. Is long story, but I find out that father Jahr not real father, but was man named Jahn. Grandfather knew this from birth, but not tell father Jahr. However, tell Jahn that great dishonor, and forbid trade with tribe. This make brother Erik very angry, and not speak to Jahn again. It also explain my yellow hair.

    Erik was Robyn uncle, and is my uncle by blood. Is my family, though not.

    I explain this to Robyn on hill many years ago, when younger. Robyn not listen to my words of dishonor father. I try explain is truth, but see woman not trust me, and not like me. I think in heart she know truth, but not want to think of father this way. Now I lose blood relation who not even know, and this saddens me.

    Erik is even sadder though, that Anakore not write. Erik want to know Robyn while Robyn alive before die.

    I wrote two letter once to blood cousin call Selandra, was Erik daughter. Was tall like Maya, and was warrior of Tyr. I never meet, but think would have been of same spirit. I hear she die too facing great evil.

    I think perhaps, that die in combat become family tradition.

    Anakore also say some things about Koreth that Maya not like to hear, that act with dishonor. Maya only see Koreth as great leader, but will speak to Johan about. Anakore admit that Anakore is man without honor, so I take words with smaller value. Perhaps is better then that sister of blood Robyn die than become mate of man who have no honor.


  • Entry 10

    I make very hard prayer today. I pray to Tymora to tell Adam, or maybe Adam listen, that is time for Maya to begin go on with life and no longer grieve. Love for Adam will always be in my heart. Love it like this. It stays even when person is gone.


  • Entry 9

    It is very strange walking through pass now. Eastlanders sit and talk, and do not attack. I tried insulting one, and could see he get angry, but then turn and ignore me, and continue to talk to other Eastlander. I speak to Johan about this, and he say that Norwick and Eastlander have truce. I ask that mean truce with Peltarch too, and he say he ask Koreth about. Black Dragon Knight under orders only fight if attacked, so I will leave Eastlanders alone for now.

    There are other friends I will tell journal about.

    Kalina work with Anakore, and is young Cerulean Knight (thank you Johan for spelling). She uses axe and shield, and always seem eager for adventure. I travel with her from Norwick to Peltarch and back many times and seem like good person, but have feeling in heart that she enjoy trouble. I do not understand why feel this way, but do. I think maybe is way she laugh.

    I have traveled with Anakore many times when younger. He and I went hunting spiders once many long days ago, and is still a good memory for me. He is a very good person, and tries to do duty well. I even made pleasures with once long ago, though only once. I think was because he go after girl named Olivia who also warrior. Anakore is person who easy to talk to like Ereb back in my tribe. Sometimes people just easy to talk to. I try to be like this for others, because is good quality for person to have. Anakore lose mate, and go through hard time like me. I can see now in his eyes, that heart is wounded. I will try to be good friend and listen, and be easy to talk to for him.


  • Entry 8

    This will be a long entry. I am in barracks now in Peltarch. Much has happened.

    My heart is clear now. There will always be a little sadness, but I am glad I was able to meet great friend of Adam. It is time for me to begin my life again. Johan says it will be a new chapter, like a long entry in a journal.

    The journey back to Peltarch was peaceful. We passed same place ogres jumped up on way to Damara. This time no ogres though. I often wonder why when you've been some place, journey back through where you already been seems shorter. Adam could tell me, I'm sure.

    The King of Damara gave me many gifts to bring home. Knights that come with me get nice swords, but the chests to senators and me are unopen. I am to give each senator gift, then on certain day open chest he give to me. I am very curious and want to open now, but I promise King to wait until certain day, so I wait.

    First day back in Peltarch, I meet three friends. Talgrath, ,Zyphlin and Roland. I would like to tell a little of each.

    Talgrath is great warrior with a heavy heart. He does not seem to enjoy life much, and walks through everything as if walking through mud bearing great weight. However, if in battle or fight I would trust him to be at my side, and not retreat until all is lost. Talgrath is no coward. Just once, I would like to make grand joke to hear him laugh to take weight from shoulder.

    Zyphlin have fire in heart like Adam. Zyphlin is one of my best friends I think, for this reason. I understand hearts of fire. Zyphlin lives on secrets. I think if everyone had to speak plainly and not hide behind words, that Zyphlin would be sad. For him, all of life is adventure. There I times I walk with him, so I will feel this way too. Zyphlin is also very cute. I would like to lure him out to tall grassy field, pin him to ground and make pleasures with. I don't think I should tell him this though.

    I once heard that Roland gave up all pleasures with women for duty to Helm and learn to battle. I wonder at this, but cannot help but respect him. It is a shame though, for of all my friends I think he would be the best father. He is good person, is even temper, and responsible. One day, he should take squire to be his son. He should teach him to be man, and teach him right from wrong. That way, could be father without woman.

    Talgrath and Roland and me went looking for Captain of Defenders outside of west gate. Girl demon show up and try to makes spells on us, but we defeat. Was very hard though, as was protected by great magic. Talgrath thinks that the Evil Knight took him, as the girl demon looked like the one the Evil Knight summoned. Hopefully, when it is time to fight the Evil Knight again, that I will be there. I almost killed him last time.


  • Entry 7

    Today I leave. King has stopped by to wish me safe journey, and says one of the wagons has gifts for me and the senate of Peltarch. I say is not necessary, but he insists and hands me a note to give to senate. I put in my bag and clasp arm of king.

    Some day I will return


  • Entry 6

    I am allowed to stay as long as I wish but have decided to stay one week until caravan returns. I have been given person called page to show me around great city so I do not get lost.


  • Entry 5

    I saw King. Was truly great honor to meet great man, and speak of Adam

    I was laying on rug when woman come and help me get ready. She bring dress, but I insist on wear Black Dragon armor for king. She wash hair, and while wash, tell me of how to act, where to stop on carpet, and what to say and not say.

    It takes me longer to get ready than entire sword practice with knights, but when done I look at myself in great mirror in the room. Sometimes I do not recognize myself when see in the mirror, and this is one of the times. Hair is clean, armor shines, and hands without blood. I hope Adam can remember me like this too, and hope he died proud of his wife.

    Then I go downstairs and wait outside large doors. I wait some more.

    And I wait more. It is a good thing I peed before coming downstairs.

    Finally my name is called and the doors are open. There are many people on each side of the carpet all dressed in bright colors and the king sits on the throne at the end. I walk down the carpet, and four people behind me bring the kegs. I stop where I am supposed to and kneel.

    The king is older man like Adam was, but heavy and has full gray beard. Then he tell me to rise and speak my message.

    I do not remember my words to each letter. I tell king I am Maya Bromley, Black Dragon Knight in service of Peltarch. I tell king was wife of Adam. Finally, I tell King of Adam's death. I tell that Adam was much loved, saved Peltarch from great disease, was senator, and that die trying to save Narfell from great evil. I try very hard to say without cry, but as I speak, my eyes grow hot, and tears come. Still I speak, for is great honor to see this great friend of Adam, and I know Adam is watching. Then at end, I present kegs of endless ale from Adam house to King house, in honor of their friendship.

    King listens until I am finished. I see sadness in his eyes and he asks me one question. He asks why Maya travels long road on dangerous journey to deliver message in person when could just send note. I say, “To honor husband and his great friend. His heart must have liked answer. I see mouth twitch, and eyes grow soft. Then he speak to thin man at side, and suddenly room clear of all but king and two knights. Then he tells me come with him.

    We travel to great room, even bigger than the one I stayed. He takes cloth from clothing and reaches up to wipe my face, and then offer me drink. Then he speak.

    King sit with me and speak much of Adam I do not know. Mostly good things, sometimes funny. He tell that he and Adam would spend evening deep in their cups together and talk great story about Narfell, Damara and politics.

    We talk and tell stories for very long time. I tell of how meet Adam, he tells of how Adam win in cards, which makes me smile. We talk so long that candles in room burn to nothing. When is time to go he says words that I will always remember. He says it was privilege and an honor to know Maya, the wife of Adam Bromley.

    For first time in many weeks my heart swells with pride, and I am not sad.


  • Entry 4

    Today, arrive in great city of Heliogabalus. Brisby help me spell, write and say. I must say, city is big as name. Is head city of Damara, and could fit many Peltarchs inside of it. I can walk across Peltarch in quarter hour, but would take me half a day to walk across this city, and would maybe get lost many times.

    Like in tribe, I feel like birch in forest. Many people go about in shops, and stores. I see many guards, and people running all directions, but all are dressed different than me. I am head taller than most everyone, and my hair is full of trinkets and feathers. My black armor I wear with pride even if the guards look at me funny.

    Messenger was sent ahead when caravan arrive in city. After wait morning, guard arrive, and Maya can tell is from King. Guard are all strong, discipline men. After work with Black Dragon Knights, I can see in their eyes. They are dressed in polished armor, with blue and black tabard. They escort me and two wagons with kegs deep into the city.

    The castle comes into sight long before I get there. Suddenly, it reminds me of one of Adam’s great stories, and I turn to him, to point and smile. Of course, he is not there. I feel silly for a moment, and truly sad. Adam wanted to come and visit, and take me to see the king.

    Now, I come alone.

    After travel and much fuss, the wagons are taken somewhere, and we enter the castle. I am escorted to a room so large I think I could fit Adam's house into it. The fireplace is enormous and roars, and in front is a bearskin so large it must have taken many warriors to kill. I am told I will see the king this evening.

    Now I write this on bear skin rug, laying here with clothes in a pile, the heat of the fire warming me. I think Adam would be happy to see me like this, on rug by a fire wearing little. I will sleep now, and try to imagine him beating Tymora at cards.


  • Entry 3

    We entered Damara today. I hope Adam is watching.


  • Entry 2

    It is hard to write without Johan helping. Each letter is labor. Sometime I have to look up in book he gave.

    Except for the Ogres, the caravan journey has been quiet. I have had much time to think on life before, life with Adam, and life after. I will try to be a good soldier for Koreth, and make honor on me and family who die trying to protect. I wonder why Tempus choose me to do things, and why listen to Sam when I was in Hall of Heroes. I wonder many things, but have no answers. Adam had answers. I pray to Tempus every night so he will give me answers too.

    The ogres came when we were crossing a big field. The wheat grew forever it seemed, and was very tall. The ogres had stood up in the grass and demanded one of the wagons. I am not sure they wanted to fight. There were many guards, but ogres looked strong.

    The merchants talked amongst themselves too long. Too long for me. I went up to the ogre leader and said two of the wagons were mine. He could fight me, and if he killed me, he could have both, then leave the caravan alone.

    He agreed.

    The fight was not very long. The ogre was taller and stronger than me, but did not have my experience. I gave myself to Tempus, and it was over before anyone could count to 10. I do not remember much of the fights when I give myself to Tempus. The war belt of Tempus sings in my ears, and all I think about is killing. I remember pretending Adam was behind me, and that he would die if I did not win.

    I wish it had been real. It would have been a good way to die. To die defending my mate.

    After the fight, the ogres left. Some of the guards were scared though, and looked at me with much worry. Brisby, and man who sings much like Zyplin made a great funny tale about me that night around the campfire. I laughed so hard I almost peed, and for awhile forgot that I missed Adam.


  • Entry 1

    Johan says to number all my entries to help me remember my numbers better.

    I leave for Damara today. Adam said was friends with King of Damara, so I take leave of Knights for a time to go seek audience with King, and do honor and report death in person. I will also give gift of everlasting kegs that give ale. I think is a great gift for king. It is a gift that would make Adam proud. I hope Tymora gives Adam time to watch from heavens when I give gift.


  • Preface

    My lieutenant Johan says "Preface" means to introduce, like when people shake hands or bow. Johan tells me that it would be good to write things down after Adam die. Johan says this will clear heart. He will help me write so less mistakes made.

    So now I preface me.

    I am Maya, daughter of Caijsa and Jhar, second hunter of the Griffon Tribe in the High Forest. I am also grand daughter of Bjearn, great warrior of High Forest, slayer of countless Orc, and hero to many.

    I grew up a woman with yellow hair in tribe of black. I felt like a birch in the forest and think that maybe father had words with mother when I was born. Life was good in the tribe until my first hunting trip. I remember Bearn’s bearded smile, endless trees, and the sound of wolves in the distance. I remember the men that came and killed my family. The men that came with net and shackle. The men that took me from my home and made me what I am today.

    They were slavers. They were pirates. If I ever see pirate again, will be without head.

    I was slave for many years until escaped with help of friend Rhajin. I arrive in town of Norwick with nothing but clothes. A man name Perence help me, and give me axe and armor. Men there teach me, help me, so that I have a home again. There was much honor there, and I was happy.

    I fought against all peoples who would fight Norwick. I fought with Goblin and Orc, and bandit peoples from the east. Soon, I am respected as best axe woman in the Nars, and I move to great city north named Peltarch. I become elite guard and serve Koreth who is great leader of people of the city, and leader of guard named Black Dragon Knights. It is here I serve with honor, and am proud.

    I will tell of Black Dragons, but must first tell of Adam.

    I meet Adam in great adventures. Adam was a man much older than me, with head full of things I do not understand. But one day, Adam tell me very sad story of great knight and love, then I knew that while head full of things I would never understand, I knew his heart was full of fire.

    I understand hearts of fire.

    Adam and I traveled many places. Even though difference in years so many, Adam and I get married in great country of Damara. Was good marriage. Adam let me be me. I let Adam be Adam. At night, after make pleasures, Adam would press against my back, mouth next to my ear, and whisper stories. Adam would tell of lost kingdoms, of heroes, of deeds great and small, and I would fall asleep and dream of these places.

    Now, I am alone at night.

    Adam died fighting great evil. Adam died with honor. I will always be proud to have been his wife.
    My family now is the brotherhood of Knights. Black Dragon Knight who protect the great city of Peltarch. There are about 30 of us. Three platoons of ten, each with a lieutenant who serve under Koreth. Johan, Kalin, and Uthger. Johan is oldest and wisest, with hair of gray. Maybe not the best warrior, but have the most experience. When approach trouble, all knight turn to Johan for advice. Kalin is maybe the best warrior. Not as strong as Uthger, but full of blade tricks and quick. Uthger is strongest, and taller even than me. Uthger is great warrior with honor who was recruited from Norwick. I call all of them friends, and am proud to fight at their side.