Strange to walk around outside the Guild Hall these days. Towns seem vacant, the streets filled with strangers. Fartown is but a memory, Branishor and Ryndall bear the scars of horrors that took place there. Milltown and Valorn feel lifeless. At least Scooter still lies contentedly in his bed and lets me scratch him behind the ears when I visit. I wonder if the world has not simply passed me by as I've spent these many years in Laleldan village tutoring young students. I certainly feel far removed from my youth when I aspired to join the Iron Order or took pleasure in roaming the lands looking to fight swaths of vile creatures. Refining a young pupil's prose or mathematical skills isn't quite as thrilling as rushing to defend a town from a demon raid - but I do find it to be more fulfilling! The joy that comes from seeing your students learn a new skill or master a problem brings me hope for the future. True victory in life comes from the conquest of knowledge, not of war. I have heard from one of my students that Fall Festival is approaching, and I think that I will attend this year if I can. I am quite certain that the faces there will be mostly those of strangers, but perhaps a little celebration will be a good break from my tutoring. Maybe I can even find a few treats to bring back for my students.

It is strange to read these scattered notes that I have tucked deep in my pack. I have been away for so long that it almost seems as if these writings describe dreams I had long ago. Much has changed since I last explored Valorn. Many faces walk the streets that I do not recognize, though it was good to see the familiar faces of Purazon, dear Vardian (who blessed me with yet another gift -- I will never be able to repay her for her kindness), Brisingr, Ferno, Isoyami, and of course Azure. If I ever should come to see the day when the distinctive blue feathered hat and its wearer disappear from these lands, I am not sure I would be able to bear it. I spoke with Ember the Wise Warrior in Fartown, and was given a tome that will give me an advantage in battle, though I do not do much fighting other than to defend the citizens from demon raids. I must be getting old, but the prospect of spending countless marcs training in the dark lands or other unpleasant places just to get a little stronger is losing its appeal.

I am concerned about my guild brother Purazon, as he has fallen ill with a mysterious fever or illness of unknown origin. He is in the very capable care of Vardian, but it still troubles me to see my comrade ailing.

Alas, looking through my notes always makes me long for dear friends that have not returned, and now is no different. Waterfall, Tienchi, and of course my dear friend Meriel. I hope they are happy and content, wherever they are. I do wish they might return someday though...

It has been far too long since I have written in this journal. Not that I have much to write -- I have been spending much of my time these days seeking peace and quiet in the area near Fartown. From trying my hand at starting a small garden in the grasslands, to exploring the granite spires to the northwest of town, I have been away from the hustle and bustle of the towns to the west. I do not know much of what has transpired in recent weeks, though it seems that the winds bring whispers from conversations far away. Something about a plume of smoke high above Valorn, more about a festival approaching, and even the return of a long lost love to one of my dear friends. Alas, I will continue to stay here among the spires for now. My need for a bit of peace and quiet is coming to an end -- but I have not yet had my fill of it. Soon.

Hey, what a day! I defeated great foes today and acquired two new items for my efforts. I'll write about the second first. I decided to venture deep into the granite crags to the far north of Fartown. I saw signs of a failed expedition throughout my journey in the flint colored canyons. After dealing with the local wildlife (goats, bos, and cougars), I finally ascended to a bit of a plateau where I was confronted by what I assume were the men from the failed expedition -- only they were different. Crazy, almost. The had the look of wild men and they were certainly not looking to be rescued by me. I made my way to what I can only assume was once their leader. He did not give me a chance to speak, but charged at me the moment his eye met mine. After a fierce battle, I defeated the crazy man and secured for myself a nice pith helmet to go with a safari outfit I had picked up along the way from one of his lieutenants. This adventure of mine would not have been successful, though, had it not been for the first item I gained earlier today.

I have spent quite a bit of time recently pondering whether or not it was proper for me to utilize the blood of a powerful demon to make my armor crystal stronger. I have pledged to forsake all demon weapons or equipment, and I was very wary of this process of upgrading my crystal because it utilized the blood of a demon. After MUCH consideration and discussion with people whom I admire and trust who were on opposing sides of this issue, I made the decision to go ahead and make the journey down to try and secure the blood that I needed to make my crystal stronger. While I cannot comment with full accuracy on the exact process that this blood and crystal go through to become stronger (only the artisan Margpot Grassrunner can comment on that), I cannot fathom how a process which makes the bearer able to better defend him or herself against attacks could be of evil origins. Much of the demon armor and equipment that I have seen seems to have some benefit to the bearer, but only at the expense of some other area where it makes them weaker. In any event, I am not smart enough to know how or where this crystal draws its power from in the first place, but I know that by utilizing some or all of this demon's blood, Margpot has made it stronger, and I will wear it. I traveled to N'Rolav Dundee and secured another crystal, untainted by demon blood, just in case I find out at a later date that the demonblood crystal is evil.

In any case, Anu was gracious enough to escort me down into the abyss and used his precious scepter to help me get by the Golden Age demons that tried to block our passage. For that I am ever grateful to him. I hope that I will find another scepter with power left in it so that I can repay him for what he sacrificed for me. Once we descended the passage was dark and crawling with demons, and the powerful demon from whom I was to extract blood was nasty and it gave me great satisfaction to dispatch of him and watch the last breath escape his wretched chest.

I can only hope that my decision will assist me in doing my part to defend these lands from whatever evil it is that Balthazar is up to. Any advantage that I can gain to do that is well worth it, in my opinion.

I feel like I just wrote an entry, but it seems like so much has happened since then!

Here are the highlights:

+Ended up being a bit melancholy from training relentlessly, was invited to enjoy a home cooked meal from a dear, dear guild sister (an invitation which I accepted readily, I might add!), sat and talked with her as she prepared the meal in the Hall kitchen like a son would sit with his mother or older sister -- it was the most fun and therapeutic time I'd had in quite a while! The only sad part is that we didn't get a chance to eat her dish (she called it 'bear not so rare') because we had another engagement to attend.

+Attended Summer Stories, fell asleep during them (I couldn't help it -- the stories were great, I was just so tired!), awoke and saw a Peculiar Portal with many folks' footprints heading into it, jumped into the portal (I can't help myself -- portals and I are like bees to flowers), found myself in the Hall of the Archmage, and then listened to his tale about how Balthazar is developing a weapon that will destroy our Life Monuments and we probably can't do anything about it.

+Spent quite some time out and about hunting with Rae and Anu. Even searched the whole continent for a Green Guardian for Rae, but no luck.

+Got to spend a whole evening with another dear, dear companion who helped me pick out and pay for my new armor from Hilga's forge. Then we spent the rest of the night talking and enjoying a roaring fire with Summerfaire berries and lemonade.

I feel like I'm flying. What a day.

Tough way to start my day today. Stopped by the Remnants archives to see if any new info had been added recently. Found a parchment written in Alexander's handwriting, the ink still not quite dry, that described a raid on the Enchanter's Academy that was led by Balthazar himself. Alex's report said that the EA was completely destroyed, and that Balthazar had taken some sort of relic from within and that he had declared that 'this Age was coming to an end.'

I quickly traveled through the desert to view the destruction for myself. It was worse than I had imagined. There was nothing left but a crater. It was almost as if the EA had never even existed! I spoke briefly to Groob and White Beard to see if they had any more information, but they appeared to be trying to go about their 'business as usual.'

I guess that there are Summerfaire events going on still, I stopped by the lawn earlier to see one, but I just don't find myself in the celebratory mood at the moment. It is almost as is this event is already forgotten, and folks are still playing games and spending their plat at Corlan's Summerfaire food stand as if nothing has happened! It is almost too much for me, and so I have retreated to a comfortable place, one where I can see much of Valorn and keep watch for anything suspicious.

I attended my first ever Summerfaire Opening Ceremony yesterday -- it was beautiful. Words spoken, prayers offered, gems of all kind were scattered around radiating the light from each person's rings (thanks to dear V). Simple yet elegant. I can't wait to see how the rest of the events go, I will try to be at as many as I can.

For now, I am working hard to keep myself in top shape. I am training hard in the depths of the N'Rolav tombs, taking breaks only to nap or attend to a raid. I have enjoyed brief conversations with Knight Hojo, and though he is a busy man, he has been kind enough to check in on me from time to time to see how my training is going.

It has been pretty quiet around the hall these days. Mostly just Bris and Rena and Rae wandering the halls, keeping things tidy and presentable. Many of the senior members are off on various errands and excursions. I look forward to the day when more brethren are around so that we might begin construction on the new washroom and adjoining courtyard with a garden. I can't wait until I can begin to plant a patch of Korunga seeds to see if they might grow! But alas, I get ahead of myself.

It is hard to write down here in these poorly lit corridors, and my eyes are beginning to hurt from squinting. More later.

Well, I got bored a bit. So I decided to resume training a bit in the desert tomb in N'Rolav. But, I have promised myself that I won't get obsessive about it like I did in the past. I forgot how much work it is to train! Plenty of breaks, I think will serve me best as I ease my way back into it.

Had a nice time watching Sunrifter rise over Caer Laleldan today with another. Except that I found a stem in my fruit and nut bowl -- very disappointing. Spent almost 7 marcs just sitting and musing over life. It was a nice break. Well, now I'm back to my Squire duties. No more time for idleness.

My life is all about simple pleasures these days, it seems. Being semi-retired from training has allowed me to be free to observe and appreciate the subtle beauty that is all around Valorn -- but often is overlooked in the hustle and bustle of activity.

For me, it is pure joy to be able to traverse these lands without fear of being cornered by a nasty beast or creature of some kind. Having trained very hard for quite some time, I am now free to move through most places without being bothered by a confrontation. It is this freedom that has allowed me to enjoy the simple beauty of a full mug of lemonade. Not to be fully imprudent though, I have taken to carrying a solid pirate hand axe in my left hand just in case...

I am also spending more time around the RoK guild hall. I am trying to utilize the training hall more often to stay in shape (and to strengthen my left hand, so I can better wield my axe), and recently took my first bath in the very nice RoK bath house. Though I was not sure what to do with my wet towel, as we don't seem to have a laundry facility...

I have also been able to enjoy good company in the local Inns these days. Just the other day I had a splendid little conversation with Meriel and Vardian about bees and honey and the like. I have been spending less and less time hiding in Cerbie's to avoid social encounters, and more time relaxing in the company of others.

And of course, there are still my Squire duties to attend to. Mostly these days that seems to be responding to the Crier's calls for help. This usually means arriving at a location, assessing the threat level, and dispatching messengers to try and get other adventurers to aid in the defense. Lately there have been valiant efforts made by Talon, Zeldin, and the wonderful Desarae. And my, she is wonderful -- she got her final blessing the other day! She fights bravely and tirelessly, with a fierceness that many of her profession lack, and yet her healing touch is as soft and gentle as any I have ever felt. Yes, she is Desarae the Wonderful.

And so it is with my semi-retirement. From the simple pleasure of a tart beverage in hand to the subtle beauty of a young cleric, I must say that for now, life is good!

I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off of me today. It was a self-imposed weight, to be sure. But none the less, it feels good to have it lifted.

Today, as I slayed the last few trolls and eagles and descended out of the tree-tops in Verthedge, I practically floated through the grasslands to the Fartown trainer. And as he finished the final pieces of my training and advanced me to the next level, I was so excited. I ran across the square to the banker and loaded up the heavy green crystal and a lighter brown crystal into my pack and started my search. I searched through the ogre cave, and the grasslands around Fartown without much success. I wondered if the Kilican ferry might be running, and hurried to Caernivale to see. It was, and so I hopped the ferry to Kilican to see what I could find. I ran into my dear guild mate Tusonee, and he and I split up to search the island. I went west, and he went east. I didn't get far before I heard his voice yelling after me. I turned and ran back to the road just outside of Port Perfadis, on the eastern fork and there it was!!

I nodded to Tusonee and stepped into the mysterious portal. I found myself inside a beautiful hall. I had been here before, but never with such a sense of peace. The two times prior to this, I had a feeling of nervous dread because my naive and foolish feet had carried me to certain death at the hands of the Forge Guardian. But today as I approached him, I held my head high and nodded respectfully at him. As I passed and made my way into the depths of the hall by the great forge, I was overwhelmed with joy. I have longed for this day for what seems like 10 lifetimes! As I activated the forge, I nearly dropped the crystal because I was so nervous and excited. Once I had the weapon, I carefully placed it in my pack, and slowly made my way towards the exit. As I went, I admired the simple beauty of the place, and then I stepped through the portal and found myself in the middle of the desert. From there, it was a quick trip to the snowy plateau, and the Obelisk of Light, where I again used an ancient forge to add more ancient power and brilliant light to my weapon.

There are still many things that consume my thoughts, but this quest is no longer one of them. I am excited to spend less time fighting in far away places, and I look forward to being present around town more often. I know that my guild mates will be happy to see me around more often. Though I am sure that they will be sad that they cannot give me grief for being gone so much!

Anyway, I must rest now. Today has been quite a long day already!

Today has been a trying day -- more mentally than physically, though there have been frequent raids and bouts of training up here in these trees.

I tried my hand at poetry today to take my mind off of things. Its not very good, but I entered it into a local contest that Azure's running.

There once was a young Squire in a tree,
Who tried to write prose while bidding the trolls to flee.
He eyed the eagles with care,
Worried that they might join up in pair,
And make the young Squire fall out of the tree!

Well, it made me chuckle, but I suppose that's because I'm the one sitting here on this wooden plank high up above the forest floor!

Anyway, I have found myself training quite frequently lately. Mostly spending time in the Hunting Preserve and up here in this Arboreal Aerie of sorts. My hope is that with enough time up here, I will soon visit the trainer again and be strong enough to begin my search for the Mysterious Portal that I've been hearing about. I am excited about the prospect of wielding such an impressive weapon as the others around me -- though I do thank Knight Hojo for lending me such a remarkable sword as I currently have!

On a side note, I have begun to consider a side job as a lemonade broker here in Valorn. I am all too disappointed with many Innkeepers who refuse to keep mugs of lemonade in stock at their establishments! Just the other day, I had a distressing conversation with Venteli in Milltown, who would not budge on his desire to not make it a part of his regular offerings. I think it might be my duty to distribute mugs of lemonade to each Inn that does not have it on the menu each day -- even if that means I am taking a substantial loss on the proceeds! It is not about the plat, but rather about the fact that citizens of Valorn should have equal access to non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages alike whenever the stop by an Inn for a bit of rest and relaxation. In any event, I am only considering it at this point. I have not spoken to Wil at Cerbie's to see if he has any input regarding this potential venture...

I have not much else to report -- only the good news that dear Kaz and Desarae have become fellow members of RoK! I was very pleased that they both decided to join our family -- and they have already been impressive in their short time as guildmates.

Today I took a break and decided to spend some time exploring Laleldan Village and Caer Laleldan. I had only spent time there for two other reasons: to fight off creatures during raids, and to attend the High King's memorial service.

It is a very impressive place, Caer Laleldan. It is a very peaceful and tranquil setting, one that I am sure the High Queen enjoys taking brief walks in. And yet, from experience, I know that these walls have seen their fair share of battle and bloodshed...

I have seen the Throne Room and the adjoining balcony which looks out over the lake -- a very spectacular view, I might add. And now I am here in the Grand Hall enjoying the comfortable window seat that allows me to look out over the beautiful courtyard.

It is hard these days to find quiet. I have spent time at Cerbie's, which is good when I need a cold mug of lemonade (which seems to be hard to find in most of the Inns), and a little bit of time atop the tower of the Remnants. And now I can add this spot to one of my favorite escapes. Not that I do much when I've "escaped", I may write a little on these parchments, or scratch out a quick note to Meriel, but mostly I just enjoy the quiet.

Ah.... quiet.

I thought I had made it to the top of the mountain. But there was no one there to greet me. I waited for a while, sitting and enjoying the view. But still no one came. I poked around looking for a rock to collect or a momento to remember the occasion by. But I found nothing. After much stalling, and still no one to greet me, I raised my eyes to the horizon. And what did I see? I saw mountains taller than the one I was standing on. So, I did what I always do, I set off for higher peaks.

Today was the darkest day of my life. It started with some very strange calls from the Crier, and some very unusual activity by the local wildlife (mallards trying to migrate but getting lost, beach vipers swarming Port Perfidis, wolves in the forest that all looked like Scooter) -- they say that animals can always tell when a catastrophe is coming, maybe they did today.

After taking a nap in Cerbie's to rest from all the drama, I awoke to screams of fear and the Crier calling for help. Everywhere. I hastened to Milltown and saw Azure trying to direct a defense of the town. She looked me in the eye and said two words "Boy, Caernivale." I took off as fast as my feet could take me, though they felt as though they were running through the wasteland swamps. When I arrived in Caernivale I saw the streets littered with demon carcasses, but no threat. I received a message that I was needed in Verthedge, so I took a deep breath and began running across Valorn. After what seemed like an eternity, I arrived in Verthedge and fought my way through the forest, eventually clearing out 4 or 5 nasty demons. As I returned through the mountains, I heard cries from Branishor, and went through the gates to find a group of demons infesting the town. I killed a few, but the rest were too weak for me, so I called for a fellow guild-mate to come and finish the job, which she did. All the time doing this, hearing the Crier call again and again, portals near Caer Laelden, demons in the castle, protect the Queen! I hurried to pass through the wastelands and Wall and down the Royal Road to find a group of adventurers near the Queen's castle, but no threat. Azure told me to go check the gremlin tree, and I began running. As I got near the tree, I received a message that Ryndall was in desperate need. I reversed course and headed deep into the desert and into Ryndall where Pallas was guarding a group of demons, which I quickly dispatched. I returned to the gremlin tree to see if I was needed there, which I was not.

By now I was physically and emotionally spent. I dragged myself through the south gates of Dundee, and thats when I started to hear the rumors. "He lost his hands...They were just bloody stumps...He can't heal himself or anyone else...We couldn't get there fast enough to defend him..." I made my way into the town square where a group had gathered and Azure and Raffe were trying to give any information to the group. The rumors were true, Nyril the Holy, the cleric on Kilican, had lost his hands. I was shocked. And as the group reacted to the news, something strange happened. A strange green flash lit up the sky, and we began to smell a foul odor that was wafting in from the Dead Zone. Immediately an expedition was formed and portals opened to explore the Dead Zone and see if we could find Nyril's hands. Initially, I hesitated, waiting to take my cue from the Knights that were there, and Raffe said we should get going, so I jumped through the portal and found myself standing next to the dark river that separates the Verthedge from the Dead Zone. Groups of strong and weak teamed up (Anu was my escort) and we searched all through Balthazar's territory. It was slow and tough going -- I've never seen Anu fight so hard. I was useless. I only used my sword once, and the undead warrior merely cackled at me and sent me reeling backwards with a nasty wound. As bad as the situation was, the landscape absolutely forboding, the worst part was watching Anu die. I was following behind him at a safe distance while he led us through the area, when two creatures startled him and he put up a fight, killing one. But the other struck Anu down, and then he just stared at me, waiting. I was petrified. I tried to send a message for help, but no one came. I knew I had no chance to fight him, and before I could decide to make a suicide attack, Anu returned! We finished our exploration, no one found anything relevant, and returned to Dundee where the crowd had dissipated.

Others have said they've been through these type of attacks before, and that they can feel a bit overwhelming. Well, I am overwhelmed right now. I hate Balthazar.

It is funny, this thing called life. As I sit here atop the wall resting from my near constant training, I "stumbled" upon this old bundle of parchments and began to read a few. Reading the most recent one (which is now no longer recent, it would seem), I found myself smiling at how much has changed since I decided to take a walkabout...

Maybe that plaque I "discovered" on that first day meant more than I knew at the time... The light of the people of Valorn may conquer any darkness.

I do not really know how to bridge the gap between that day and the current one, but I will put down on parchment what I feel will probably become one of the defining moments of my life. I was training in the Eastern Mountains -- training hard, I might add -- slaying so many bears and centaurs that my wrists and hands were sore from the repeated impact of sword on flesh. My back ached from lugging heavy centaur helmets and cumbersome mountain bear cloaks back from the mountain passes into the Temple of Miranda to sell. It was during this period of intense training that I noticed a note had been left for me at the entrance of the Temple. It was written in a hand I had never seen before, and at the bottom was the seal of the Order of the Iron Knights and the signature of Iron Knight Macleon.

Now, once I had gotten strong enough to explore the northern pass of the Eastern Mountains, I had taken a moment to investigate the public areas of the Strifegorge Fortress, and had been in awe of its contents, but I had not had much interaction with the Knights at that time -- and I most certainly had never run into a Knight Macleon! The note requested my presence at Strifegorge immediately. My heart racing, I hurriedly struck down a centaur and bear and headed the short distance into the Fortress. I stood, nervous and awestruck in the courtyard, feeling horribly out of place and yet secretly desiring that this summons was for good news. I was so awestruck that I didn't hear the footsteps of Knight Macleon's boots as he approached, and I didn't even hear his first question! As he barked at me a second time, I snapped out of it and was able to focus on his words. The long a short of it is, I was selected to be the very first Squire in association with the Order of the Iron Knights! I was floored. Now secretly, as a young warrior, I had often dreamed of being an Iron Knight. But I knew in my heart that was just a dream, something all young warriors dreamed about and wished they might become. But here it was, a path presented before me. I accepted that path as I accepted my blue Squire clothing and listened to my newly appointed mentor Knight Renoch Blosno describe a bit about the path before me. Eventually, the meeting was over, and I was left to wander back out into the gorge and into Miranda's Temple, a bit overwhelmed that I was now a Squire.

At first, it was a bit much to handle, being the very first Squire and all. Many folks were surprised to see my new clothing, and I hinted a bit of jealousy from a few others, but any negative response was overwhelmed by the support from my guild mates! Oh, those dear RoK'ers! I cannot thank Knight 'zon and Knight Valera enough for all the support and guidance they've shown me so far, as well as from Bris, Alexander, Roseden, Ferno, Vardian, Anu, and all the others! They have embraced me and given me their full support. I am forever indebted to them all.

And then, not too long after the memorial service for High King Deek (a story for another time, I might add), good news came -- a second Squire had been appointed! And lo and behold, who would it be? None other than my friend Meriel! When I was sitting in Miranda's Temple after my meeting with Knights Macleon and Blosno, I had wondered whether or not there would be more Squires, and my mind immediately thought of the young warrior Meriel. I knew she was less experienced than I, but I had thought she would make a wonderful Squire and eventual Knight. Well, she has been a wonderful companion on this journey through Squireship, and I am very grateful that she and I have been able to communicate and support each other through the highs and lows of this adventure.

I am now nearly half way done with my training requirements set forth by Knight Macleon, and my travels have taken me into the Verthedge Forest for the first time (where I defeated a handful of Brown Crystal Guardians and obtained my first brown crystal, which is now full and ready for my trip to the Forge), it has taken me off of the path in the Tall Grasslands (though I don't like the way the Grass Stalkers and Tiger Spiders team up together). Additionally, I have spent time training against the prisoners being held deep within Cory's prison down in Aldwythe's Landing -- though I think that I will spend less time there now that I have visited the trainer -- it is an awful place! I have even taken a couple of steps into the Dead Zone, the home of Balthazar. It was a very unsettling place, and I quickly retreated back into the lush foliage of the Verthedge!

All in all, I would say that my life has changed quite a bit -- and I have changed quite a bit, too. I think that the pressure of this Squireship has forced me to grow so much, and I am not even halfway done! At times, I still feel like the young warrior -- in awe of the shimmering armor and fancy weapons of the Iron Knights -- but I am growing to learn that they are all real people, with real strengths and weaknesses like myself. I am growing to understand that it is not the armor or weaponry that make me a capable warrior, but rather it is the inner character that defines me and will allow me to represent the Order of the Iron Knights with honor as I work to complete my training.

Well, I started on my walkabout yesterday. I began where all new adventurers begin, outside the gates of Dundee. I took in all of the town of Dundee, as well as the area just outside the southern gates of Dundee and the Guild halls located near the Worldbuilders' Lawn. I ended my trip with a tour of the guild hall of the 22, more exploring of the renovations to my very own RoK Guild hall, and discovered that Lake Valorn has an island!

Highlights from my trip:

-Noticing the plaque next to the fountain outside the gates of Dundee. I'd never seen it before.
-Discovery of the theatre above the Dundee Mayor's office. I would like to see a performance there sometime.
-The realization that Ryandall has a sort of "embassy" in Dundee near the guild halls. The poor enchanter that sat there on his stool looked mighty bored.
-The discovery that Cerbie's is now seeking a Bouncer in addition to the Server it has always been looking for. I thought of applying, but figured that I won't have enough time to dedicate to a job right now.
-Realizing just how beautiful and magnificent the guild hall of the 22 is. I'd never really taken time to explore it, and I must say I'm very impressed. I very much enjoyed looking at the doors of each of its members and seeing how they've taken time to personalize the decorations.
-My favorite part of the trip was discovering the island in Lake Valorn. I'd never been there before, and I even took time to sit down on the dock and enjoy a tuna sandwich and mug of lemonade. It was truly peaceful. I should say that I would like to return here more often when I seek peace and quiet.

I also had the privilege of playing tour guide, and taking Meriel Lightfellow on her first trip to Fartown. She was supposed to go by portal with Anu, but something came up, and he couldn't make it. So, I offered my sword services and we hacked our way through the eastern mountains and grasslands to Fartown. Meriel seemed to enjoy looking around and even bought souvenir pouches. She really is quite a nice warrior, and I'm glad to have made her acquaintence.

I have had an idea.

Very recently I made my 29th visit to a trainer, and it got me to thinking -- is that all I do: train? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy getting stronger, but it got me to thinking about what else there is in this land. Recently, even, I expressed just how little beauty I found in this land (I believe I used the term 'yucky' to describe what I had found here). And I thought to myself, when was the last time that I took time to truly observe all that is in this land and actually search for the beauty? Have I ever?

And so, I have decided that I will take a walkabout. I will take time to journey through the lands, slowly, taking time to look intently at what is around me. I plan to go unarmed -- journeying only to places where my presence does not antagonize the local flora and fauna -- probably starting with Dundee and the plains, forest and swamp nearby. Eventually moving to Milltown and the grasslands west of it. Even taking time to slowly re-explore such "nasty" places as the rotten farm and catacombs at the end of the Excavated Road in the desert. Someday I will move into the western mountains and eastern mountains and Branishor and Ryndall, but that is for a later date.

I am excited to see what I see.

So much is yucky about this land.

For a long time, I spent my time training in the Trodden Village, and now I find myself surrounded by dreariness and gloom while training in the Black Wastelands east of the Wall. So, for a brief moment of quiet, I have returned to my most favorite perch atop the Wall and to write down a few thoughts.

Reading over past scribblings on these pieces of parchment brings back many memories -- yet they all seem to be a bit fuzzy, as if trying to view them from a distance and unable to focus on them. It seems like just yesterday that we were running around worried about "bandits", and yet now as I travel around, there doesn't seem to be any sign of them.

I have heard that many things have changed since I last awoke, but I'm not really sure where to look for those changes. It all seems to be the same as it always has been -- unfamiliar faces, ugly beasts, and very little beauty. And so, I go with what I know to be true -- my sword and my training. I am still a bit too weak to fight my way through the Wall to travel between Milltown and Branishor, and so I have to use the Huge Cannon in Fartown -- even though it is QUITE unreliable. I hope to be able to grow strong enough to travel freely throughout these lands and to be more useful during raids.

My gift is gone.

I awoke today and felt the silence. It was like a heavy blanket over my body. I arose and began to travel around the Trodden Village -- I could hear the sound my footsteps made on the dirt, and I could hear the sound of my sword tapping against my side -- but I couldn't hear them. I thought that maybe they weren't speaking, but the more time that passed without a sound, the more I came to the realization that my gift -- the one that Vardian had somehow blessed me with -- was gone.

So it was with little joy that I responded to the Crier's call for help at the castle of the Iron Knights, swinging at nasty demons whose breath seemed more vile than usual. I stopped by the Dundee Inn but it was empty. And now I am here in the Ogre Temple feeling a bit depressed and not in the least bit excited about training.

I am hopeful that I will pull out of my dark cloud soon and return to a more positive state of mind. But for now, I am all raindrops and puddles.

Lunitari has a new title -- Enemy of Style. I think it's pretty funny, but I'm not sure that she's super proud of it. In any event, it is a blessing to receive a title, so I am sure that on some level she appreciates that she has been noticed. I really like Luni -- she is one of the nicest people I have met in this land. I am thankful that I am in a guild full of so many genuinely nice people. I think I will try and remember all of the nice things that fellow RoK'ers have done for me recently:

Vardian - blessed me greatly!

Lunitari - gave me nice green clothes, spent time chatting with me in the Desert Oasis, and always offers to enchant me wherever I am in Valorn.

Brisingr Blaze - keeps giving me new armor every time I get stronger! He is quite a nice fellow.

Kralj - rescued me when I got stuck in the Black Wastelands, and he slipped some potions and a nice new piece of armor in my pack when I wasn't looking. FAR too kind!

Anu Shadow Ryder - always answers my many questions without getting irritated!

RoK on!

It's been an odd couple of weeks -- I'm feeling a little out of the loop -- but that's fine with me. I missed the Dockside Faire -- I hear that the Royal Guard and some others succeeded in apprehending the bandit "Merry". There was talk of some sort of bank robbery that they had planned. Also, I heard something about a poet pickpocket who attempted to trade for Azure Greenhills' hat -- but I saw her wearing it recently, so apparently that situation was diffused.

I have set up a temporary camp in the Trodden Village. It is my training ground of choice these days. I don't mind sleeping among the ogres -- they seem too dense to realize that I am a threat to them. I spend some time moving throughout their fortress, dispatching of their strongest soldiers -- and then I retreat to my camp in the SW corner of the village.

Good times!

I have been quite at peace with myself these past few days, thanks in large part to a warm conversation between friends in the Branishor Inn earlier this week. I have managed to stay out of the whirlwind of the "bandit hunt" -- I did attend the meeting in the Milltown Inn, but after being propositioned twice by one man to purchase one of my belongings for quite an exorbitant price (50k plat!), I was very uncomfortable and excused myself. I figured that I would get caught up on the happenings of the meeting by someone in my guild at a later time.

And I did -- something about a big event that will gather a lot of folks, and hopefully some bandits -- nothing concrete planned yet. I hope the event is fun, bandits or no bandits, I think that it might do everyone some good to have a little bit of fun. I hope they plan a festival -- with lots of good food and drink. That sounds fun.

In an effort to avoid the drama around Dundee & Milltown, I've spent quite a bit of time training -- I've visited Ural the Trainer twice recently -- and I am going to continue to press though and build my skills so that I can visit him again within the next week or so. I have secured a nifty Scarab Shield, but I am not yet strong enough to wield it comfortably -- I am hoping that one more visit to the trainer will be enough, I really want to use it!

I am in Dundee now, waiting for the ferry to arrive to take me to Branishor for training. That's all I have to write for now...

I seem to have found a bit of peace here in a crazy land. Amidst all of my swirling emotions surrounding the "bandit hunt", I managed to slip away for a very intense training session in the eastern mountains. It felt good to rampage through the rocky mountain pass, slaying centaurs and mountain bears without ceasing. There must have been something about the crisp mountain air, or the respite from the short walk to Branishor to pawn my bear pelts that provided a sense of calm -- far from the goings on around Dundee and Milltown.

And then, I got a message from Waterfall with a question. I replied with a message of my own, and we continued to trade messages - she from Dundee and I from the eastern mountains. After many messengers had come and gone - I made my routine trip towards Branishor to unload some bear pelts - and there she was, sitting by the Life Monument! We travelled into the city together and I made good on a promise I had made to buy her a round of lemonade some time. We sat and I endured the eerie gaze of the Man-Wench as Waterfall and I chatted deep into the night. I am glad that she was there and willing to listen to me. I think it is hard to find someone in this land who is willing to listen - most are too busy talking about themselves to listen to what another has to say.

I am thankful for Waterfall.

Such a strange day -- I have been overcome with so many different emotions today. I was angry at "Pauline" for threatening Vardain. I was scared and nervous in the woods by myself. I was excited and still a bit scared when "Pauline" spoke from the bushes. I was overwhelmed as I retold my story to Purazon and Vardian. And then...I was overcome with sleep. I fell asleep in the Milltown meeting room -- only to wake up with a brilliant idea. I furiously ran across the land and gathered all of the delicacies it had to offer -- I would return to the forest and try and coax "Pauline" back to meet with me by offering a bountiful feast of Korunga fruit, Tree Moss tea, Roasted Hen, and nice tart lemonade. Only when I returned to the forest that night, there were patrols moving through the forest so that I could not return to the specific spot where I heard her voice. I fell asleep in the Forest Sanctuary that night waiting for the patrols to clear out. When I awoke, I heard that Pauline had emerged from the forest and told her stories to others and that the Iron Knights had interviewed her at length. While the details are not all clear, I know that I was not special -- I was not "chosen" to hear her voice. Rather, I was camped in the forest like a buffoon calling out in the darkness while wolves and bears prowled around me.

Now everyone seems to be on edge -- looking out for suspicious folk -- sitting in the corners of the forest just waiting. Waiting for what? It's like everyone is eager to find these "bandits" and string them up -- put their heads on stakes at the entrance to town. I feel like I am surrounded by barbarians. Before Pauline fled into Milltown, everyone assumed she was a "bandit" -- would they have allowed her to speak if they had encountered her in the forest, or would they have drawn sword and struck her down without hesitation? It's almost as if we are putting these people on the same level as Balthazar's demon hoards. I miss the raids of demons and horrors -- for I know in my gut that those are evil. But these "bandits" -- I do not know what to make of them. I feel in my guy that there must be something more to them -- they must have a story to tell. But everyone seems to just want to slay them as quickly as they would a lesser demon raider.

I am conflicted within myself.

I am waiting for Purazon to arrive. I am a little bit nervous or scared, I think. I am not sure what has just occured. I had an encounter with the woman they call "Pauline" (previous entry), but then a man who introduced himself as Deagus Ferreh came walking down the path as I was looking in the bushes for the woman after she had spoken to me. I tried to look like nothing was going on, but I am sure he picked up on my nervousness. In any event, he said that he had heard noises coming from my direction as he was walking towards the "dark tree". He wanted to know if everything was okay. I assured him that it was. He lingered for quite some time without speaking. And then, quickly he said he must be going and continued on down the path. Almost immediately after he had rounded the bend out of sight, I heard the woman's voice in the foliage again! She said "I told you...shove off guv. We'll talk another time maybe. Too many suspicious hereabouts.Still want to know how you learned my name. Ain't told anyone." And then she was gone, there was nothing but silence.

I have called for Purazon to meet me at the very spot where she spoke to me, and where she threatened Vardian. I hope he arrives soon.

I am most certain that I was horribly wrong. I woke up early this morning, before the sun had risen, and I instantly heard in my head Vardian's voice. It was strained, almost in a panic. She said "Milltown Dundee road". I raced out of the Inn and headed down along the road past the Dundee docks, where I picked up the trail of Vardian and others. The tracks led into the woods north of Dundee where a group of people (I only recognized Vardian and digitalis) were gathered. Vardian was visibly shaken -- almost trembling as she recounted her encounter with the woman they are calling "Pauline". She told the story of how she noticed Pauline in Milltown and started to follow her. The woman turned and spat insults at Vardian even though V was clearly not a threat -- she even said she offered money and healing to the woman. Then the woman ran down the road and into the woods. V followed and came upon the woman in the forest, where she threatened and unarmed Vardian with her sword. V was not harmed, but the woman disappeared into the foliage without a trace.

After V had finished recounting her story, the Crier called for help on Kilican. Everyone dashed off, and I stayed. I am waiting here in the forest, writing. I called out to her and told her that I would not harm her, but she has not emerged. I doubt very much that she will approach me -- I probably look like every other dangerous, sword wielding warrior to her.

She spoke to me! It was almost a whisper, coming from the bushes, but in which direction, I could not tell. She said "Psst... hey guv, shove over will you? Don't want to draw their attention. Never know who they could be you know. Forest is swarming with bandits and whatnots, ye know?" I called out to her, asking who "they" were, but she did not respond. I searched in the bushes for anyone, but found nothing. Now, an adventurer -- looks to be an enchanter -- has come along and I fear he may have driven her away for good! Drat!

I hate these bandits. Or maybe it is the bandit rumors I hate.

I have not seen any bandits, nor have I seen any evidence of bandits -- other than the Forest Bandits in the woods north of Dundee. I trust my guild mates who claim to have had encounters with suspicious folks in and around Dundee, Milltown, and the Dark Forest -- I would never accuse them of lying. But I still hate the way I feel every time night falls. Every one is on edge, every one is busy patrolling the woods and the towns -- for what?! No one has been attacked or provoked by any visitors. No one has seen anyone fall victim to these "bandits" -- so why are we scouting the woods as if the Crier had cried of an imminent demon invasion?

I admit that I was caught up in the "bandit" frenzy -- dutifully standing guard outside the Building of Glass, waiting faithfully by the footbridge near the Dundee docks -- even spending the night in the old cell in the woods north of Dundee. And what did it profit? Nothing. Nothing more than to stir up the wolves and bears, strange creatures and prairie dogs for the poor new adventurers that followed after me. And you know what -- the true victims here might be those new adventurers. Every time I went on "bandit patrol", I found myself scrutinizing each new face -- wondering if they had bad intentions. How sad -- that I was immediately suspicious of every new adventurer in town! That is not who I am. I am a man who is willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt upon first meeting.

So I have retired from the "bandit war". I will no longer actively search for things that go bump in the night. If the World Crier calls for help -- I will draw my sword and make haste to the area of need, but I cannot continue to wander about at night looking for mysterious persons who may or may not have any bad intentions whatsoever.

I got a Weapon Primitive today during a raid of, well, raiders!

Not sure what exactly it does -- Shannara explained it to me -- but I'll have to learn more about it later.

It seems as if I am finding more and more fellowship these days.

I recently returned from a long adventure that rewarded me with two new elements of my enseble: a new Admrial's Cloak, and an Enchanted Skull Helm.

I took a tip from Iron Knight Azure Greenhills about a lighthouse near the Sea Dweller Cave and easily defeated sea rats and ghostly sailors on my way to the top of the lighthouse, where I slayed the Lighthouse Keeper and took his Admiral's Cloak -- it's quite an upgrade over the ratty Yeti cloak I had been wearing!

Then I heard the voices of my guild mates again -- it seems as though I am beginning to harness this gift that Vardian has given me more fully these days -- and it was the voice of Anala discussing Centaurs in the Eastern Mountains. It seems that Anala, Glorina, and Anu were working together to defeat the Fire Elemental so that Anala could get an Enchanted Skull Helm. So I thought I might try and find a way to them to see if I could be of assistance. Not wanting to wait for the ferry, I decided (like the bull-headed warrior that I am -- I can be so foolish sometimes!) that I would try and slip through the tunnel in the Wall and try and fight through the dark wasteland to get to Branishor.

Boy did that turn out to be a disaster. After slipping in behind a rogue who had picked the lock atop the Wall, I fought off a soul leach or two (with many paces spent retreating, I might add!) and finally emerged in the dark wasteland to the east of the Wall. I merely took a few paces east towards Branishor and I was met by a ferocious acid beast of somekind. I foolishly raised my sword and took a swing. The beast responded with a ferocious blow that nearly sent me unconscious. I turned and ran back towards the Wall. After probing the wastelands in all directions around me, I realized that I was trapped and that my only option might be to run blindly into one of these acid beasts and pray for the best.

That, or I could swallow my pride and...ask for help! So, after a few minutes, I decided to reach out to Anu and let him know of my predicament. Graciously (as always) he sent help right away, and the wonderful Kralj came to escort me through the wastelands to the gates of Branishor. From there, I joined up with Anala, Anu, and Glorina. Anala and I travelled through the eastern mountain pass -- killing centaurs and mountain bears until we reached the cave of the Fire Elemental. There I helped Anala defeat the creature and capture it in a jar for use in creating the Enchanted Skull Helm. It was quite a journey -- one that I repeated myself some few days later and now I am sporting my very own Enchanted Skull Helm!

The items are nice, but I think that I gained more than just things during this trip -- I may have made a new friend. Anala was quite pleasant to be around -- even as we were surrounded by vicious Centaurs and Mountain Bears. I found her presence to have a calming effect on me, and I look forward to our next meeting -- hopefully with more pleasant circumstances and surroundings!

So much more to write, but my eyes are getting heavy. I should rest.

Vardian has blessed me greatly today.

I have never experienced generosity such as this in all of my time in this land, either before...well, before I left...nor since my return!

I awoke outside the gates of Milltown today, expecting to spend another day wandering in the terribly dusty desert killing zombies, scorpions, and desert demons until my arm was sore. However, I was not quite awake -- at least I don't think I was -- when I heard Vardian's voice in my ear saying she wanted to see me. I wasn't sure what that meant -- but I know that once she said those words, something happened to me. At once, I was able to hear voices -- voices of friends and guild mates. I heard Vardian and Glorina at first, and it was as if I could talk to them without speaking. Once I began to realize it wasn't just a dream, I began to concentrate -- and it was as if I could not just hear them, but see them as well! I tried to see others - Waterfall, Mylor, and even Tienchi - but I couldn't.

By now I was sure I was fully awake, and yet I was still able see and hear my guild mates even though there was nothing around me except sand and sun. It was as if a new consciousness was awakened inside of me... I am not sure that I have fully grasped what this means for me, but I know that Vardian did something to me, something FOR me.

Well, I headed out into the desert to start my day with a few Desert Demon hearts -- and once I got into battle, I found that my sword felt lighter and I felt stronger than I had in a long, long time. I can't explain it, but I know that whatever Vardian did for me today made me stronger and my sword swifter. It as if she has raised me up a notch and I am still struggling to understand her generosity -- I only hope that someday I can repay her for her gift, though I am not sure that I could ever offer as much as she has given to me this day.

DEMONS!

Once I had pawned a pack full of demon hearts off on Eldahr, I headed down to Dundee, to see if I might be able to find Vardian in person -- maybe at the Inn -- and thank her in person. I headed into the Inn, and wow, a full house! Conversations abounded and then the World Crier announced that demons were attacking in Dundee. Of course, I blindly ran out of the Inn, trying to stuff my Dundee Burger into my pack while pulling out my sword at the same time -- I must have looked like a buffoon. Anyways, I ran down the street following the others, and drew my sword and swung it viciously at the first demon I saw -- before i knew it I was sitting outside of the gates of Milltown sporting a nasty bump on my head and a thoroughly bruised ego. I waited a couple of minutes to catch my breath, and then I sprinted through the forest and managed to finish off a lesser demon at the end of the raid. I decided that a nice tart lemonade sounded good after a battle, and returned to the Inn for a quick drink and to finish writing this entry.

And then, a strange thing happened to me -- Azure Greenhills, an Iron Knight -- whispered something in my ear. She said "You may want to wander down past the sea dweller cave some time..... and visit the lighthouse down there. You may find it useful."

I'm not sure what that means -- but I know where I'm headed today!