Hmmm.... it's very hard to work out where to began. I still really can't remember why the Shamanish turned up or where from. He seems ok but he seems to procrastinate and beat around the bush finding it difficult to get to the point. Perhaps he is so full of ancient memories he struggles to make sense of it all. Seems pleasant enough and for now unless otherwise I really don't mind him being around.
I find myself becalmed by the sternness of my step-sister the Steward her simple straightforwardness is strangely comforting. Although annoying, the ongoing attention of the maids still raises a smile from me most of the time. But I cannot let one near me the thought of what would become of her and me is something I do not relish. I wish I could find someone to share life as an equal and not get hurt (I delude myself there is no chance of it I know that. Maybe the Gods will send me a sign).
A rape of a maid in an alley near the tavern, the suicide of a rival Baron I captured and the recent illness of the Aerl. Times are not good the omens do not bode well. I struggle to sleep with my worry for the Aerl, I cannot let him die it would be too much to lose damn the old fool. His guidance and support get me through my darkest days.
The Shamanish has earned my respect as long as what he says is true about the poisoning of the Aerl. Off to the nearest, what can be classed as a city in this region. to try and find a 'seeker'. The journey was good and it was nice to be back on the road and share a fire. And then from nowhere the most curious and beautiful creature. A 'flying lizard' and he came looking for me. The gods smile good fortune on me surely.
The regional capital was an overcrowded place of unpleasant smells, grumpy guards and the smell of human filth was almost overwhelming. But still to see somewhere new is good I like the people of the west that I have seen so far.
We ran into Miguel in the regional capital, a strange man of unusual passions I am sure the Gods do not approve of him but he is a mercenary with...... 'Honour' dare I call it. I immediately like the man and if he can confirm what the Shamanish said is true then I am indebted to the pair of them.
We return to the Aerl and low and behold Miguel confirms the Shamanish right! I owe the Shamanish much. Miguel also announces that the Baron's suicide was in fact a murder and knows who has committed the crime and knows where to go. The cure for the Aerl and the murderer of the Baron lies north in the Royal Enclave.
The Royal Enclave and the Capital City of this northern realm is a curious place, I did not feel at all comfortable within the valley it seems to me to be a tomb waiting to happen.
The gnome at the "magic shop", I did not expect to be so friendly, I have spent virtually every last penny I have securing his services and still, he gives more than a normal shopkeep would entertain. I hope our paths will cross again but next time in more favourable circumstances. Miguel's vendetta and my drive for revenge nearly got us killed, "fools wade in". I'm just relieved I have the cure for the Aerl it eases such a burden.
Then things took a turn I don't know why when I visited the royal tomb it felt right to tell the Guard Captain who I was, I know I should be more careful but my gut told me to take a chance. Wow I did not expect such an immediate reaction. The Captain has guided me well. It feels good to have so many loyal and trustworthy guards to be heading to the Aerl’s estate. My only fear is that it will draw too much attention to the Aerl, but I need allies if I can find my sister and put things right in the land.
Now either the Gods have cursed me or blessed me I am not sure... It all began with a maiden in distress (anything but that and I may have chosen a different path; I think the Gods know me too well). I regret the Shamanish being hurt but admire his bravery in the fight with the Assassins. By the Gods, it felt good to spill blood to smite down my enemies........
What is this creature I have been party to rescue? She is disguised.... She is a freak like me...
Her attention stirs my blood and I struggle to think straight. Can I let her close? Will she betray me or am I just a toy? I will study her for now and when the time is right I will make my decision. She strangely accepts my offer to accompany us back to the Bannock Estate, I am surprised by this "Crystal" .
What a nightmare this trip to the Royal Enclave has become too many things have gone wrong we were not ready or strong enough for someone with such power. Like cowards, we fled but I will not actively seek the ire of the West I think one day I will need them and their Queen. My foolishness and trust in Magic have left my friend Miguel at death's door I hope he can be saved it would not bode well to lose him.
Miguel is healed and lives praise the Gods I just hope the cure will save my Aerl.
The Gods have blessed this day and the Aerl is on the road to recovery (woe betide his would-be assassin I will mount his head on a pike).
Crystal has made more advances toward me and I feel tempted, however, I know the temptation will not lead me down a safe path, for now, I resist.
The Shamanish is showing an interest in Lady Silla, I feel I should warn him off but find I cannot as it will only confirm what I think I am feeling.
The festivities began so well, one of the finest feasts I can remember I hated belittling the men with the spear run and hoped I would fail.....
That night Crystal came to my chambers and my mind turned to fire, I was so beguiled by her... I hated her for taking away my choices but in the same thought, I knew I was doomed and my heart for the first time reached my brain and pounded it to dust. A pang of guilt toward the Shamanish briefly crossed my mind and then the dam broke I poured myself into her. If she was going to hurt me then, then let the Gods do their worst.
When I awoke the Crystal was gone... Curse the Gods what was I to do... then I realised the only path I was headed down... I sought the open air to clear my head and plunged my head into the icy water of a trough....
No sign of the Crystal was to be found I searched frantically but no clue was to be found, not even the stoic Miguel could track her...
I am sure the Shamanish hates me but to be honest I care little and as long as he does not betray me I would gladly have his council.
The weeks passed she did not return and I returned to my life in the Aerl's castle.
For the first time in a long time, I felt truly calm as I lay there..... I heard a noise from across the hall, my adopted sister was weeping in her chambers, I knocked and asked if to what ailed her, no response, I tentatively opened the door expecting a coiled serpent to strike at me, but the strike did not come... Secrets were shared that night be they right or wrong it was at that point what we had both felt but denied for many years, the wall came a tumbling down, perhaps there is a chance for us.
Now my thoughts turn to what is to come.
I still need to find the rapist and punish him but the trail has gone cold.
I wonder what became of Crystal from time to time.
Looking over at my betrothed, the swell of her burgeoning belly pushing against the cover, soon I must journey to the Royal Enclave once again on the Aerl's behalf...
The future was to bring about much anguish and joy, the closing of many doors and the opening of so many others but that is another tale.. "The Tale of the Warlord" and the future of the whole of the Kingdom...