I had such a wonderful evening the other night! I must have had a very good time, because I dozed as I wrote and when I woke, nearly everyone was gone and I had more ink on my face than on the page! I was recounting the stories told my Ixon Fier and Xanthias...though I know Doyle also shared a story, but I had fallen asleep by then. Earlier, I had just woken and received an invitation from Xanthias to come and listen to stories at the Sheildwall Guild Hall. I was, of course, delighted, as I am so rarely awake for such occasions. I got lost on the way, once or twice, but I think perhaps no one noticed, because there were others entering just as I found my way...perhaps I blended in with them. When I arrived, I immediately settled in to listen. Ixon told a very daring story about himself and two other adventurers from the very early days and their battle with the Zombie creature below the Mayor's quarters. It was frightful and he spoke brilliantly. I was very pleased to learn all about the events. Next, Xanthias told a wonderful story of bravery when there seemed no end in sight for he and the others fighting along side him. As they were weakened by attack from beast after beast, BEN spoke to them! Can you imagine!? I shall have to ask him about it in greater detail sometime...contact with the gods absolutely fascinates me. Ben sent down a bolt of power and reassured the adventurers. I was very moved by the story. Perhaps it was a bit too much wine and a bit too much excitement, but it wore me out. Embarrassingly enough, I dozed right there in the guest hall, in front of everyone! I awoke just as excited as I was during the story-telling, but soon realized I had better go and wash the ink splotches from my cheek ....

**There is a large smear of ink on the page and some faded looking words that look unfinished...**

Good Gods, what a night! I am exhausted...but I feel satisfied. Upon waking, I had expectations of training and perhaps even gaining my level. I couldn't have been more wrong. Isolde Eberstark was awake and I sent her an invitation to share refreshments when she had completed her farming, but it was not to be. I was on my way to N'rolov when I spotted my worst fear...demon spiders, and in the dark forest of all places! I fought one off, then heard the crier's call about a raid near the Continental Doorway. Xanthias and Lady Reesa were around to assist, and my help was but a few strikes. However, Reesa was able to finish the work Xanthias and I had begun, so I was grateful for her efforts. Both of them left to rest at that point, but the further into the dark forest I went on my way to the dark tree, the more demon spiders I saw. There is only one person I can think of who detests and fears these creatures as I do, and he was not around. I struck and retreated, and used my powder SO many times to get myself back to the healer in Dundee. I finally managed to clear what must have been a raid, surely, but I caught no word of it from anyone who was awake when I arrived, not even the crier. The bandit camp was full of the beasts and the bandits themselves were of no help. I take pride in the fact that I cleared the spiders on my own, but I worry because if I had not happened upon them,what evil would they have woven upon the bandit hideout and the forest? I was blessed an lucky to be able to clear the whole thing alone...I do not know that I will be that lucky in the mid-night ever again...

With the help of some blessings and enchantments, I finally defeated the Death Phantom and I have my Mask of Storms! I was so excited.....terrified at possibly being sucked into the muck and drowned by the mud demons, but thrilled at the prospect of triumph once more and the completion of a big achievement. The only problem is, of course, I am not the right level to wear the mask yet. Its is such slow going these days. I know if I can just dedicate myself to my training, I will get there and then be rewarded by being able to use the mask I worked so hard to get.

It has been a day full of raids, since the moment I woke to the crier's call...I was so glad to be of help to Cody and Akassa. I caught sight of Silver Darkfire after quite some time and I made a new acquaintance by the name of Katryna. She seems like a helpful sort and I think she will go far in these lands.

As I open this book again, after all this time, I am reminded of the day Korba gave it to me. I miss him so much some days.