October 601
10-09-601 (Tuesday)
Kiril brought me back to the Dancing Dragon inn today. He has been really busy
lately and so he thought maybe I'd like to play with Dusty. Well Heck
Yeah! I've been feeling bad ever since I had to leave on his birthday, and
I was hoping he wasn't too mad at me for it. I found him out back in his tree house...it's
gotten much bigger since the last time I saw it, and he was more then happy to
let me stay with for a while. YAY!
10-10-601 (Wednesday)
Not much happened this morning. Dusty was working with Olven in the tavern, and
so I went out to pick some flowers and romp in the woods. The sun was out and
since I was feeling a bit chilly, the warmth of the sun felt good. I gathered up
some daisies and headed back toward the tree house to put them in some water so
they would stay fresh. I noticed a letter for me that Olven had dropped off. it
was from Kanki. Strange, he didn't seem all that interested in being my friend
when I was in Corvos in June, but oh...it says the lupines are destroying his
home there and he needs somewhere to stay. Of course... My tummy started growling
then, so I headed toward the tavern to get some of Olven's famous taters. The tavern was
busier then usual and so Dusty was hard at work. Great, this meant no playtime
in between customers today. As I munched on me taters and even licked the plate
clean, someone tapped me on the shoulder. looked up to see this big, green
bug...it looked a lot like a preying mantis...shame I had just eaten too. I was
having trouble trying not to drool right there in front of him. Him being the
bug, a friend of Zoie's...Tinker's adopted raccoonari sister. He just seemed to
want to chat, which is difficult to do with him cuz he talks so slow and
disjointed, though I'll admit that Zoie has taught him talk better then when I
last saw him. He wanted to take a walk and so I obliged, still being a bit
chilly, and after some time came upon a few fruit trees. I didn't care for the
first one...it just was in a bad spot...and so finding another, I climbed it and
threw down some apples for him...seeing as how he couldn't reach them. I really
like having claws sometimes. I jumped down and started gathering apples, talking
to the mantis scavenger guy about all sorts of things...mostly bugs, when a
small rustle in the bushes caught my ear. Looking up, I saw a troll rush over
and pummel the poor guy before he even knew what was happening. I pulled my
sword out and leapt nimbly to the side as another tried to bring his axe down on
my head. Facing off with them, we traded blows back and forth...they tried to
circle me, and forced me back into the woods. The trolls fought me one on one
now, thinking I was an easy target...I would prove them wrong. At one point, one
of the creatures left and returning laughed as he dangled the arm of the bug
from his hand. Great, now I have to deal with trolls that claim to have a sense
of humor... As his companion turned to look, I swung my sword true and sliced
his head off at the neck. The remaining troll roared in anger and, dropping the
arm, rushed toward me. I was ready. He swung furiously at me with his claws, but
I ducked and avoided them all. He jumped at me and again I moved out of the way,
placing myself behind him, and with one mighty stroke I felled the beast by
slamming my sword through his back and out the front. My foot on it's back, I
pulled my weapon free, and cleaned it off. Then, pulling out my flint and
tinder, I set about burning the bodies of those disgusting things. Had Kiril
been here, he might have been able to add them to his army, but...well...yeah.
Anyway, I grabbed a vial from my pouch and swallowed the contents. It amazes
each time I see the cuts close over and heal before my eyes. Then seeing the
arm, I rushed back to the bugman. I had no idea if he was dead or alive, so I
poured a vial down his throat anyway. Nothing happened! I was frantic, and as I
stood to grab his body and drag it into the inn for Olvie to patch
up...hopefully anyway...he shook his head and began moving. Whew! He was just
sleeping I guess. seeing as how he had no arm now, I reached in and pulled out
another small vial. He drank it eagerly and within moments his arm was back. He
seemed a bit disturbed by the recent events, and so decided to take his leave
while he still could. I don't blame him...I needed to sit too...
Back into the tavern I went. It was still very busy, and so I took a seat at the
bar and ordered a drink. Finally, I could relax, or so I thought I could
anyway...It was then I heard a familiar voice call out my
name. Eric... What did he want now? He tried to make some small talk and then,
as usual, began questioning me about things that have happened. Things with
Seith and Al'more. Right...he's not here to probe me for information. It was
then I saw Dusty look in my direction, and after removing his apron, he leapt
over the bar to join us. He always seems to know when I need him... I was really
needing to just relax and think, and seeing that, Dusty made excuses for us to
leave and we quickly parted company with Eric.
10-16-601 (Tuesday)
I had planned a quiet day reading and maybe writing letters today, but the fates
would not have it. Do they ever? As I nestled down in a pile of pillows to get
started, I felt that icy grip of death clutch my heart and my head swam until I
could no longer see anything but black. My Masters call is cruel if anything,
and when my vision cleared, I had stumbled to regain my balance before him. He
was in need of my help, and after commenting on how slow I was in my training,
he suggested that I get help...no he told me to get it. In fact, he went so far
as to name the lucky person...Dusty. Since Zeek had taken a liking to him, I
guess Vengeance felt that my friend was fair game. Right, Dusty a grand choice!
Cuz it's not like he doesn't hate everything to do with this whole part of my
life! Yeah...let's get Dusty to help me... I wanted to cry, but instead I merely
nodded. It mattered not what I wanted. I was merely a tool, a means to an end.
After a few more harsh comments from him and a warning to be quick about finding
my companion, I stumbled again as my head swam, and before long I found
myself back at the inn. My masters words echoing in my head, I ran toward the
tree house to find my foxen friend and hopefully prepare him for what was to
come. He was there, and having no clue what was about to befall him, he smiled
as I approached. I quickly relayed what little information I was able too, and
with Vengeance screaming in my head to hurry, I literally dragged Dusty out.
Now...if only I had known what was to happen before I did this... Had I and
Dusty would never been found in time. I will never forgive myself for the events
that soon transpired.
As I dragged my poor friend out of the safety of his home, Vengeance grabbed us
both, and sent us to another place...I know not where, only that I had been
there before. It was a ruined elven city. A small army of undead could be seen
wandering through the streets, and the magics being used were so powerful, that
even this far away, my fur stood on end. I was disheartened. How could we win
this battle? Vengeance told me that he would help us, but in order for Dusty to
survive, I must give him some of power that I use. I had no problem with this,
but I did not know how to do it. It is true that Vengeance is a cruel and cold
hearted master, for his answer to that was for me to shove my weapon through
Dusty's chest. Only then would he be safe. I hesitated...I could not do that!
But if I did not, he would die... I may not have the capability to love, but
there is no doubt I can hate! This was unfair. Dusty could sense there was
something wrong. Maybe it was because my fur turned black and the familiar glow
of my eyes that he has come to hate were apparent now. All I could do was ask
him to trust me. He looked like he wanted too, but couldn't. I tried to delay
this, but Vengeance would not have it, and so before I even knew what I was
doing, my sword fell, and the blood sickened me. I fell to my knees not wanting
to look at what I had done. If Dusty did not get back up, I would abuse the
power I had been given. I slowly stood and as I pulled my sword free, the wound
healed up before my eyes. Dusty's fur darkened until it was black and as he
opened his eyes, they glowed, as did mine. What had I done?!? He stood and
looked at me. I wanted to say something, but the words would not come. Acting as
if nothing had happened, he shrugged and headed off toward the city. I followed
closely behind, just watching him for any sign...any at all, but he gave none. I
went over our instructions in my head, we were to make sure, if nothing else,
that the child abomination did not survive. There was, as always, no option for
failure.
As we neared the city, the undead turned to swarm us. This close, I could feel Al'more,
Mize, and Tiffany within it's walls. Dusty jumped into the fray like a madman,
killing everything that even looked at him funny. I beat at all who blocked my
path to my goal, and slowly I had carved a path strewn with the bodies of those
who should have been lain to rest years ago. These creatures were merely
distractions for those in the center of the city, and slowly we made our way to
them. At first glance, I could see Mize and Al'more staring at each
other...again my fur stood on end. Tiffany opened portal after portal, allowing
in all manner of strange creatures and undead for her 'mother'. Al'more, upon
seeing me, ranted as she usually does and with a wave of her hand, the corpses
of the dead rose up from below, grabbing at my legs and feet. Mize to saw us,
and with an evil grin, he opened a portal of his own and sent those horrid,
winged creatures after Dusty. I cut myself free from the grasp of her minions
and started forward, destroying any more that sought to stop me. Dusty wrestled
with the creature for a while, and finally defeating it, charged toward Al'more.
He then stopped...suddenly, as if paralyzed. No spell had found it's way to him
though, and it was then I realized that Al'more must be controlling him...or at
least stopping him. I didn't think she could while he was under Vengeance's
protection, if you will, but it seems she was able to exert some small portion
of her will on him. That was enough! All I could do was finish this and hope we
survived. If not...well, I would deal with that when the time came. If was
able... Al'more saw me heading toward her, and she opened a portal herself. Out
stepped Leslie! NO! I shook my head, she was trying to delay me yet again. The
black cloud she traveled with had already begun to swirl about, encompassing
Tiffany and herself. Dusty was still there...standing motionless, almost frozen
in time. I would fail... Leslie charged toward me with his usual vigor, only
this time, with a little help, I managed to crumble him in no time. Dusty began
to move then, slowly at first, but as he gained speed, it was as if he had never
stopped. We both headed toward the same goal, swords raised. The cloud became
darker, and ignoring everything else, our swords fell in unison...Tiffany was
dead... Al'more wailed within the darkness and then suddenly she and what
remained of the child were gone. Mize still stood there...almost an amused look
on his face as he watched us panting in exhaustion. He saw the look in my eye
though, and before I could even blink, a red bolt of lightning struck the spot
where he stood. Once the image burned into my eye had faded, Mize was gone. With
the fight over, I couldn't even glance at Dusty, not that I was given the
chance. Once more I felt his icy grip crush my heart, and soon I found myself
back with Dusty in the inn. He seemed to find it better to pretend that nothing
had happened. That may work for him, but I could not deny the things I had done.
I just don't know what to do now...
10-17-601 (Wednesday)
My mind still on yesterdays events, I sat in the common room in my own self
pity. Dusty was as cheerful as ever as he went about his daily tasks for Olven.
It was almost as if he mocked my pain. I doubt that was his intent, but it still
felt that way. I wanted to talk to him, to say something, anything, but instead
I got up and left. I kicked at a pebble that happened onto my path as I wandered
aimlessly through the forest around the area. I liked walking through here as
often as I could, but I am more and more wary about doing so now. I only do it
now because the trees have been calling to me and I no longer care what fate
befalls me. A few strangers passed me as I walked the main road for a bit, and
none paid me much attention...except one...and he was no stranger. The raccoon I
saw steadily making his way in my direction was none other then Lardas, or
Xanatos as he likes to be called now. His last encounter had been
rather...unpleasant and right now I really didn't feel up to the challenge of
dealing with him. As was my luck these days, he stopped me to talk. He wanted to
apologize for his behavior last time I saw him. Well...that was a good start,
but still...this wasn't really the time... He headed off toward the tavern
keeping me in tow with his conversation. I looked for a way to escape, but it
seemed the more he talked and the more we walked, the more interesting the
things he said were. I guess I could use a break from my worries for a while,
right? So I sat down with him and let him buy me a drink. While Xanatos
continued with his story, I watched Dusty from the corner of my eye as he ran
back and forth carrying this or fetching that. Then Xanatos mentioned his
parents and wondering whether or not they were alive. I snapped back to
attention and quickly agreed that it would be best if he did. After all, he had
said they lived nearby. I offered to go with him, emotional support and all, and
that seemed to make him happy, though I would have done anything right then just
to leave the general vicinity of the inn. Just being there caused a huge lump to
sit in my chest, and until I was far away engrossed in other things, it never
went away. So off we went...strange that his parents lived only a few hours from
the inn in Drakemyre, but hey, I guess someone has too. After a while we cam
upon a small wooden shack. It looked to have been abandoned for a while. I
watched Xanatos as he knocked and then finally, when he got no answer, went
inside to find it empty. Behind the house were two unmarked graves, so it was
safe to assume that his parents had long since passed on. I felt bad for
him...here he was trying to make amends for things he had done, and he was not
being allowed to. Still, he shrugged and got to work cleaning. He planned to
stay there guess, at least have someplace to call home. I decided to leave him
to his thoughts and after offering my condolences to him, I hastily left. It was
getting dark, and bad things always seem to come out when the sun goes down.
I whistled to myself as I walked back, hoping that by breaking the odd silence
that comes with dusk around here, it would ease my fear some. It was beginning
to work when a dark figure stepped out onto the path. By now it had become quite
dark, so I could not make out who or what it was, though by the glowing hands, I
knew they could cast. When the stranger talked, I did not recognize the voice,
nor the name when he introduced himself, though by now the pointy ears gave away
his race. He was a traveler, from Ashbury. Now how did he get here? I was a bit
hesitant to speak with him at all, but he had nothing but nice things to say and
he didn't really seem all that dangerous. In fact, he was quite brief in talking
to me, and after only moments, he bade me farewell and disappeared back into the
tree line.
Instead of whistling, I decided that maybe silence really was best. that way I
didn't draw anymore attention to myself. In fact, I even clung to the tree line
(once I was a safe distance from the last encounter) and took the long way back
through the woods. Surely even Diakaryu himself wouldn't be able to find me
there, and he claims all kinds of stuff. Once the inn was in site, I adjusted my
course so I would arrive behind the tree house. Dusty had to be finished with
work by now, so maybe he would be willing to talk with me. Now I just hoped I
could find the words. I evaded the more treacherous parts of the path and slowly
climbed the ladder. From the balcony, it was easy to see the rest of the inn's
courtyard, now mostly filled with Dusty's obstacle course. It had been a while
since I played on it with him... And off in the distance was the stream where we
go fishing, and where I used to go to relax and swim... Ok ok ok...enough
stalling. Taking a breath, I rapped on the door and waited. A few moments later
I heard Dusty tell me to come in, but feeling a little uncertain, I peeked in to
judge his mood...and then I quickly shut it again. He had been just laying there
with nothing more then a towel on. Oh my... I heard him laugh a little, and
after a few more moments, he asked me to come back in. Ok, this time I peeked
out of precaution, and seeing him dressed now...well in shorts anyway, I went
ahead and slipped inside. It was very tense inside, at least for me anyway. I
could not bring myself to look him in the eye, and he seemed not to notice how
uncomfortable I was being near him now. He tried to just idly chat with me about
stuff, but I was too concerned with how to bring up the real reason I was there.
He babied over me for a bit, seeing how my fur was all matted and I hadn't eaten
since yesterday, but eventually he stopped and waited. See...he knew. It was now
or never, so I just blurted everything out...all in one big sentence, though it
was more like bits and pieces of stuff all hurled together in some incoherent
apology. He just sighed though and told me it was ok...it was ok? How could he
say that? I mean, yeah I wanted it to be, but did he mean it? We talked for a
little while longer and when all was said and done, I think we are better off
now then we ever had been. And even better? I don't have that lump in my throat
anymore. We had just settled down and everything was going so well, when
suddenly someone called out our names from outside. Now who could that be? Dusty
jumped up, grabbed his sword, and raced out the door. I got up too, though not
as quickly, and followed him out. What I saw outside was odd indeed. Kanki, the
white fox from Corvos was standing there talking with Dusty. I guess he decided
to take me up on that offer to stay in the inn until he could find somewhere
else to live. Dusty discussed the lupines with him for a few moments as I
listened in, not truly participating in the conversation at all...was just too
tired. Kanki finally said his goodbyes, and headed back toward the inn to sleep.
Dusty led me back to the tree, and now with that weight finally off my
shoulders, I was able to relax and sleep. Thanks Dusty...
10-18-601 (Thursday)
Not much happened today...for once. I stopped by and talked with Kanki about the
lupines, but partway through our conversation, the smell of apple pie was too
great, and we ended up following it to the source. Wouldn't you know it, Xanatos
had been baking it seems, as we caught him napping while his pies cooled off.
Well at least he was doing better, and once we woke him up, he was more then
willing to share them with us. Mmmmm, they were pretty nummy too. I'll have to
get him to give his recipe to Olven.
10-19-601 (Friday)
Another night of friendly reunions it seems. Strange how it all hits at once eh?
Well this time is Zander...granted he was a glowy Zander, but it was him
nonetheless. I couldn't mistake him anywhere. Seems he was wanting some
information about things happening in Elan and was hoping Dusty and I could
impart some of our almighty wisdom on him. Sadly, I had nothing to offer for
once. He did, however, kinda update me as to what was going on, and for that I
was grateful. Seems Arainyn's scouts are getting fat and lazy. I will have to
remedy that...
10-21-601 (Sunday)
Seith called to me today, and upon answering him I found his home in shambles.
At first I was concerned and then worried as I saw him stagger toward me. I
rushed to help him, but he waved me off and after a few moments seemed to be
fine. I think he was more concerned about my well being then I was for his, but
I was no longer his student, so I was curious as to why he had brought me here.
It seems he is still in need of my help, but until Vengeance is done with me, I
am off limits to him. Great...so now I'm stuck with that mean old geezer until
he let's me go. Just another reason to finish what I started as quickly as
possible.
10-22-601 (Monday)
I have no idea what place of consequence this little inn is, but there are too
many strange beings that wander these woods. As if one man from some other Plane
were not enough to be just a little odd, but two...yes, today I met another one.
A lion Sarr by the name of Aris. I am unsure of his intentions at the moment,
but he sure does like to hunt. I really don't understand. Sure I like hunting
too, for play and sport, but this guy wants to kill every little bunny that
crosses his path. Can we say bloodlust? Maybe he and Diakaryu are working
together...hmmm.
No matter, it seems that was just a prelude for what I would have to do for
Vengeance later. I swear, there is no rest for the weary.
10-26-601 (Friday)
I had wanted to go with Dusty this weekend, but a couple of days ago, what's his
name ever so politely asked me to stay and help him out with a few projects.
Yeesh...and now it's as if he's forgotten his request and left be to die of
boredom. I mean...nothing. Some emergency...
It was too late to try catching up with Dusty, in fact, I had no idea where he
went...so I decided to try my luck at helping that Mazzlock (or whatever his
name is) guy. After all, Max
said I could go on his ship, and seeing how ships are fast, I might still
make it. I think ships are safer then horses too. Horses are pretty mean. Wish me
luck...
10-27-601 (Saturday)
Max's ship, Revenge, picked me up at the docks late last night. I couldn't wait
to find my cabin on board and snuggle into my blankets...I was really tired. The
captain of the boat, however, told me that everything below deck was off limits.
OFF LIMITS?! That was nuts! I mean, what were we all supposed to do, sleep on
deck? Max was going to hear about this... Good help is so hard to find these days.
Anyway, I had no intention of sleeping up there, so I looked for a way
downstairs. Would you believe it? Every single door, nook and cranny was
magically locked. I don't know whether they were wards or wizard locks, but
really...did it matter? Not like I could do anything about it anyway, so on the
deck I stayed along with everyone else. I'll admit it wasn't too bad. The stars
were really neat to look at and the rocking motion of the boat lulled me to
sleep in no time. The only issue I really had was trying to comb all the salt
outta me fur the next morning. That, and Danrick was having nightmares I think.
Tried to run in place all night...like he was chasing a bone or something.
The trip there was at peaceful at least, until we neared the island. It was then
we saw the ship heading towards us. Considering the reason we had come, to get
rid of the pirates there, it was pretty easy to guess that these must be the
guys. Sure enough...they pulled alongside us, threw over a gangplank and tried
to board. I am unused to fighting at sea, so I was not up to my usual skill
against the foe. Many times, my legs buckled under the shifting boat, and I
would have very nearly died or even lost a limb had the others not come to my
rescue. Good thing we had a bunch of healer's on board I guess, although it
doesn't sound as dangerous anymore if you put it that way. Well, it was a fierce battle, I assure
you, and eventually we gained the upper hand and pushed ourselves onto their
vessel. Knowing they were beaten, they fought bitterly for their lives, and
eventually I turned to find no one else to cross swords with. I looked around at
the massacre...a shame really...the ship had been damaged in the skirmish and
was quickly taking on water. After my fellow adventurers did their best to loot
as much as possible from the sinking ship, we headed back to Max's ship so we
could continue to the island. The enemy boat was sinking quickly though, and it
was quickly consumed by the ocean before we all made it back safely. I barely
escaped the hungry sea, and only then because Danrick grabbed my shirt before I
fell back. Cleo, however, was not as lucky and I still remember the look of fear
on her face as she plummeted toward the shark filled waters below. It was
only a moment before more splashing was heard. Danrick had tossed me to the side
once I was safe and after tying off a rope, jumped in after our fallen
comrade. Quilleron opened his pouch to reveal a multitude of vials all
filled with liquid. After a quick search, he grabbed one, and after drinking it
down, followed Danrick. I never really considered Quilleron the type to do that,
so all I could do was stand there a moment in surprise as I saw the bubbles
below begin to grow thinner, and then stop...
It's moments like this that make me sometimes wish I could swim, especially
since everyone else was pretty much standing there dumbfounded. I wondered exactly
when I had become House Drake again as I ran around the deck looking for a rock,
pebble, stone, anything... I yelled at the others to check their pockets (since
clearly they weren't planning to do anything else) and as I checked my own, I
found the gem Tinker had given me in my little tin. Thank goodness... Grabbing
it tight and taking a deep breath, I leapt over the side and into the black water
below. I froze in shock as I broke the chilly surface, but I soon regained
my senses and peering through the inkiness, I could make out Danrick and
Quilleron fighting just ahead of me. I could barely make out the shapes of the
fish weaving in and out of their reach, but as I swam closer to them, I could
see that a few of them were almost humanoid, but with shark like features. Oooo
this wasn't going to be good, especially with Cleo imprisoned behind enemy
lines. She would drown soon enough if we could not reach her, and Danrick
already looked as if he was about to burst. With a few test swings of my sword,
I swam into the fray and one by one we disposed of the shark men and their mean
little fish counterparts until we reached Cleo. The imprison went down around
her, and Danrick quickly got her to the rope where she was pulled to safety.
Very nearly out of breath, I paddled as quickly as I could toward them. The
pounding of my heart beat was loud in my head as I concentrated on reaching the
rope. Then, suddenly, Danrick looked behind me and glanced in my direction. I
looked over my shoulder to see more shark men speeding toward me. I barely had
time to turn and raise my sword in order to fend off their blows before they
reached us, and in my weakened state, the creatures were able to breach my
defenses more often the not. The water around me soon turned red with my blood,
and as I fought my instincts to breathe, my vision soon faded and then was gone.
I do not know what happened after that, but I woke up still in the water. I hate
swimming, and after a quick pat to make sure my gem was still there, I slowly
made my way to the rope. Looking down from the surface I could see the bodies
from the skirmish quickly fading as they sunk toward the ocean bottom. I
anxiously waited as Quilleron pulled himself to safety. Then without hesitation,
I scrambled up as well with Danrick close behind. Once on board, I found an
empty spot on the crowded deck, and sat to catch my breath. It was then I heard
we had found land. Finally...we were there at last.
We jumped aboard a life raft and paddled out to the island. At first, we thought
the island deserted, that maybe this guy had made some kind of mistake, but
after a brief exploration Danrick encountered some lizard men, who eventually
ran off. Cleo also found a strange human hiding in some nearby bushes. He told
us that he was the only one left from a previous expedition, and about four
distinct tribes of creatures (one of them the lizard men) who lived there. We
offered to let him leave with us since he would surely die if he stayed and that
maybe he could stay on the ship until then. He said that we could not leave here
by boat...that it would sink in the bay...they always did. I am not going to be
the one to deliver that news to Max... Anyway, this guy said the only way to
leave was through a portal...or at least that was the theory. Since he had never
tried, he wasn't sure. Great... He was willing to show it to us though, and so
after making sure it was safe, he crawled out to show us the way. We passed
through a graveyard, where he told us to make camp. It was apparently the safest
place on the island. As we continued into the forest on the other side, I
suddenly realized I was alone with him...everyone else was gone... This made me
a bit uneasy for obvious reasons, but it seemed it was not the human I had to
fear...
I stopped, ready to turn and leave when a sudden jolt made me stop to grab my
head. A whispering wind...from Arainyn. The human had stopped by now as well,
and was watching me curiously. I will not repeat here what was said, but the
words were harsh and uncaring. I was in shock, what could I have done to make
him say such things to me? I waved the man to continue, but as we walked I could
not help but think about what my liege had said to me. I was confused. Again I
felt that sting in my head...another message? This one from Kiril and...Meissen?
What?! No! Why? When I looked up, my companion was staring at me in concern. I
told him I was fine and once more we continued. I was expecting the next one,
but that did nothing to ease the blow when I got it. Dusty's words were even
more harsh then the others, bringing tears to my eyes... I could sense the man
nearby was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, and unsure of
what to do. It was then I stopped and suddenly looked around...something was
watching...other then him. I glanced in his direction, he had noticed as well.
Then slowly my friends rounded the corner behind us. I sighed in relief...maybe
they could explain what I had done. I wiped my face with the back of my hand so
no one would know I had been crying, and the human took a step back...maybe a
little fearful of such a large crowd. After all, there were just a few of us
when we first met, and now everyone on the island was apparently searching for
me. I tried to calm his fears, but his eyes only widened in sudden fear as he
pointed behind me and ran. I turned...and suddenly understood why... Weapons
raised, my 'friends' headed toward me. There was nothing else around, but surely
they meant me no harm...or did they? Oh my gosh! What had I done? I would make
it right, whatever it was, I swear it! They were deaf to my pleas though, so I
ran... What else could I do? I could hear them behind me as the chase began. The
things they said...the words they used...I cannot even bring myself to think
about them now. They are unforgivable and malicious... Through the trees I ran,
leaving my pursuers to find me within it's cover. Then, finding a hollowed out
tree, I crawled inside, closed my eyes, and cried. Why were they doing this? If
they would but give me a chance to fix whatever I had done, I would make it all
better. They would see...
Footsteps nearby caught my attention then, and I held my breath until they
passed. I sighed softly and forced myself to relax...that was close. I was
alone...very alone, and no one cared what happened to me. I grabbed the grip of
my sword...the one Rand had given me to use...I didn't want to use, but if they
gave me no choice, what would I do? Little did I know that I was about to find
out. The footsteps returned and again I held my breath. This time, though, they
remained just outside where I hid. I willed them to leave, but they did not. n
fact, another set of feet appeared, and another, and another... Had they found
me, or were they just gathering here? I was still holding my breath when someone
suddenly reached in and grabbed my leg...I had been found?!? I fumbled with my
sword, but I could not draw it in such close quarters. Instead I kicked and dug
my claws into the hart of the tree. Another pair of hands reached inside and
grabbed the other leg. I screamed and pleaded with them to let me go. The only
answers I got were insults and profanities. Please! I could no longer hold on,
and soon my hands slipped. I tried desperately to grab onto anything, but my
claws only made tracks in the dirt as they slowly pulled me out. Please I
begged...I begged! The looks of hatred were terrifying, and as soon as I was
free, a hundred hands grabbed me. I cannot even begin to describe the pain that
fell upon me then. They made sure I would not die quickly though...and that it
would be as painful as possible...that I remember. How could I not?
The next thing I know, Cleo is standing over me. I looked up, waiting. She asked
me if I was okay, they had found me laying here in the road asleep. Right... The
human walked up then...cautiously. So they would pretend nothing happened eh? I
looked toward the human for confirmation, but he had already left. Clearly they
wanted me to think this was all a bad dream. Sure it was. I guess that's why I
still winced at the unseen blows and cuts. That is fine...I can play that game
too. They would all be sorry...
Back at camp, I found Tinker setting up his things in my tent. He too acted as
if nothing was wrong, though he had been there. He was going on about us all
being in his dream again, and then looking at me made mention that I was covered
in what he called Dream Goo. Ok, it's official, the man is just nuts.
It was not until later, when we met with the NightStalker that I learned what
had truly happened. We had gone to this creature in order to gain our skills
back as we were told we would need them in an upcoming game we were to play for
our survival. It seemed a good reason to me, so I followed the others and waited
outside for my turn. One by one the others went in and out. Some, like Cleo wore
fearful faces as they left, but no one said anything of what was happening
inside. Finally my turn came, and inside I saw the human...or at least he
resembled him. What was he doing here? He bade me come closer, and when I did he
reached out to touch me. I felt refreshed...as if I had just slept a full night.
Then he looked me in the eyes and said something about not telling me the
truth...whatever that means. I shrugged, clueless as to what he was talking
about, and walked away. Before I reached the door though he threw a spell at
me... What did I do now? Never mind that...I wasn't going down this time! NO
MORE! And with that I dived into the dirt as it passed over my head. I turned
over just in time to see another leave his hand. I quickly backpedaled out of
the way, and then jumping up ran outside before he had the opportunity to throw
another. Those still in line, grabbed at me asking what had happened, but I
never stopped until I was back at camp. Moments later, the lizard men who had
been acting as guards for the NightStalker came in looking for me. Apparently my
presence was being requested. Those in the camp (and there were actually quite a
few at the time) stood by as the lizard men grabbed me and dragged me back
kicking and screaming. In fact, those in line still awaiting their turn also stood
by and did nothing. Some friends...you'd think they could at least continue with
the act. The human, or should I say creature, threw several more spells at me
until finally I lay at his feet sleeping. I do not know what he did, but when I
awoke, everything had been made clear to me. I said nothing to him, merely stood
and left. I could not look at him. He had caused me so much pain already and I
would not let him cause me more.
As we had now learned that the portal required four scrolls to open, and we were
only missing one, I began actively helping the others in the search. As I said
before...I would make it all better... By now we were fighting all manner of
things. Sarr-like creatures, orcs, and a variety of other things. It was chaos,
and it seemed the fighting would never end. Someone mentioned we would have to
play a game later. I was ready...a game sounded fun right about now. there was
too much blood everywhere, and not all of it belonged to the opposition.
The night came early this day and as we neared the hour when one day became the
next, Tinker pulled me aside. He said we had to leave, we were needed elsewhere.
Ummm ok...and how did he propose we leave? The answer was so simple to him. We
were in his dream right? Right... So he merely shifted his thoughts so that we
were no longer in that dream. The scary part? It worked! The world around us
blurred as he talked, and when it became clear again, I was standing in the
woods just outside The Dancing dragon Inn. Tinker was nowhere to be found.
Odd... I didn't really want to think about it. This was too weird, even for me.
With a deep breath, I walked toward the tree house. I really needed some
sleep...maybe this really had been a bad dream. One can hope...
10-30-601 (Tuesday)
I thought I was surely dead this day. My own stupidity nearly cost me my life as
I know it. I had just had yet another enlightening encounter with my friend
Diakaryu. As I lay bruised and sore in the woods near the inn afterwards, I
begged for Vengeance...and it was given to me. I will never do that
again...EVER!