I returned to no small amount of turmoil in the lands.

Strange sounds from the doors of Altitan, and falls of dust and small rocks from around the hinges, as if something tried to force those doors, closed against us for so long, to open. I joined a few times with others who were keeping a watch, but as luck would have it I'd returned to rest at the guildhall when the life monument near the doors was restored.

Lucius took his apprentice to the temple and while they were there a crack appeared in the wall. Some were able to gain admittance without sponsees to examine the damage, but I found the temple closed to me. By chance Muiris woke at that time. I'd already decided that he was ready to set his feet on the path of a rogue, and we met and spoke of events at the temple. Muiris proved his mettle. Although I could not guarantee that the temple altar would function, could not even be sure that it would be safe for us to enter the temple and attempt to use its power, he did not hesitate to state that he was willing to accompany me there. When we entered I was able to examine the damage for myself. It was no worse than had been reported by Lucius and others, and we proceeded with the matter at hand. As Muiris transformed, the sand of the temple floor shifted and billowed, then settled back down. And at that moment a demon manifested before us. Fortunately Muiris was able to despatch the creature easily, but it was troubling to see that darkness might be falling over the temple.

There had been many raids on Milltown, the gates had been torn down, the guards slaughtered or vanished. A ceremony was held for them, and the remains consigned to a funeral pyre. Some had brought tributes to the guards' valour, but I had nothing to present. Had I known beforehand about the ceremony I could have joined with others in showing due respect. As it was, I happened to stumble upon the ceremony in my roaming of the lands. I stood guard over the funeral pyre as the flames waxed and waned, hoping that the marcs I stood watch were sufficient recognition of those brave guards.

As I stood my watch, I heard plans being made to repair the gates - but even those plans were subject to disruption. I recall Lucius busy labouring at the Shieldwall forge while a few of us fought off an invasion of huge rats.

And continuing since then I've seen glimpses or been sent parchments about other events. The Queen addressing her people. Waves of raids across the lands. Adventurers snatched by the Dark One, to find - or not - a way out of his dark labyrinth. Even, I hear, possible problems in the tunnels of UnderValorn.



It was, I think, the remembrance of the fallen that first unsettled my mind. Having almost missed the event, I was beset by feelings of an enforced detachment from events in these lands which I have, in whatever small way possible, attempted to protect and defend. And as those feelings grew, other dark thoughts came to mind. A niggling feeling grew that my work at Brighttree was not complete, that something was amiss. No matter how I tried, I couldn't shake off those feelings of foreboding, those worries that there was still more to do.

So I returned. I've been examining what I've done, and spent time thinking what else might be done, as I now stand watch over my work here in what was once such a dark, cursed place. I'll have to stay here for a while, trying to make sure the work is complete, that I've done all I can to lift the darkness from my dear lady.

Once I can free myself of these dark thoughts, and find my way through blackness that envelops me, I'll be able to return to the lands. Maybe some kind soul will set a candle in a window at the hall, to help me find my way.