I set out looking for support and counsel, and was only rewarded with partial answers. I wish Gray Master had told me more about the priests of Agathalos; if he had I might have been able to read that priest better.

As I said in my last entry, I returned to the temple to find someone to speak with. The brother there was courteous till the last. I asked him what he could tell me about the city, and he told me that it ran smoothly under the new lords and that justice was dispensed quickly. He wavered not the least bit when telling me this. I then mentioned the execution, telling him my low opinion of it, at which point he seemed to become slightly upset and left, saying that it was truly not an ideal way to dispense justice. Damned right. I suppose he’s not all bad, then. I intend to return there at some time, to speak with that brother again if possible. It could be that he reported me to his superior, though, so I suppose they may be watching for me. And that is an inconvenience I have no use for right now, with things so uncertain.

For all his seeming candor, though, I don’t believe he will turn from whatever single-minded path he’s been put upon by the other priests in this city so easily. If I intend to gain an ally in him, it will be a slow process. I believe Gray Master gave me a book to read that mentioned briefly how difficult it is to wear down a fanatic.

And I was still unsure of joining the Church. I left the city again and picked a spot to meditate in. I neither slept nor ate for forty-eight hours at least, spending all that time in my armor. I thought perhaps the lack of comfort would sharpen my focus, but all it served to do was distract me. If ever I subject myself to a vigil again, I must remember not to do it in my armor. Doing so was a mistake. I reached no different decision than what I made as I walked from the temple: some other time. But not right now. Later, perhaps, but that remains to be seen. If I can talk some sense into that priest, so much the better. ‘Tis unsure if I can manage it, though.

When I returned to the inn I was half-dead with weariness and hunger. I brought a waterskin, for I’m well aware that thirst will kill me much faster than famine. But I was starving. I took off my heavy gear, then went downstairs and ate two large helpings, much to the dismay of my purse. I must come into some money soon. I finally met Cog, at a bad time, it seemed. He was giddy with drink, to put it mildly. Arnor and Kywyn also came in. NaShae seems to be much more comfortable with him, now, yet I’m unaware if someone has tested him yet--I had no chance to, and I’m too weary right now to attempt the touch.

To bed with my pitiful carcass.