Entry 16 -

Jubei has shown his face in the town again. I had just stopped at the well, and I see Jubei trying to get Kanen's attention. Seven came up to me and whispered for me to be careful, and I nodded back, whispering that I noticed Jubei. I listened attentively to Jubei and Kanen's conversation. Jubei, of course, still wants to kill Jade, and I think he was trying to find her through Kanen, since he had heard Kanen knows her. Kanen, however, held no trust for Jubei, since he knew Jubei had killed Steele, who was a fellow paladin and Jade's mentor.

Then, with uncanny timing, Braeth walked into the square. I reflexively clutched the amulet he gave me and silently prayed he wouldn't get hurt. Braeth engaged Jubei in conversation, in which he told Jubei under no uncertain terms that he should harm Jade. Jubei kept falling back on his words that Jade is a murderess and justice must be served. Thankfully, Jubei did not draw any weapons and walked out of town.

I'm a bit torn up inside over this. On one hand, Jade is my friend and I hold a fair amount of respect for her. In all the time I've known her, she's been a caring and delightful person to know. But I am a follower of Tyr. Jubei's cries for justice do tug at me. If Jade had indeed murdered a man, then she very well should be punished for her crime. Unfortunately, I have not the full details of either side of this story. Until I do, I cannot make a judgement, for a judgement without knowing the full Truth of the situation will not lead to Justice.

After Jubei was run out of town, some people inquired Braeth why he did not kill the man. One, a paladin, felt that since Jubei threatened the live of another, he should be dealt with. Braeth responded to him that by the laws of the town, he could not kill Jubei yet. The paladin did not like the answer, but accepted it. Another, an elven woman, thought Jubei should have been dealt with because thier could be a stain of honor on Braeth for letting him go. Braeth said that things do not always need to be settled with weapons, and that he feels no loss of honor from one who does not have any. The elven lass was impressed with Braeth's thick skin and they then proceeded to have a chat as friends.

While was chatting away, Reginald stopped by. I told him of the interesting incident that happened. He's yet to see this Jubei, and I kinda wonder what he'd think of the assassin. Braeth introduced his new friend to us, her name is Jarzs. Very well spoken elven woman. Jade also stopped by, and we let her know about Jubei.

The conversation we all had touched on various things, though I don't really recall all of it. Too many voices going on as there was a large group gathered besides our own. All the conversations drowning out each other made it hard to follow. It didn't help that I had many thoughts running through my head from the incident with Jubei. Jarz noticed my silence and began to talk to me. She sympathized with me about the noise level. It was fun to see Jarz do a little bit of verbal sparring with Reginald, all in good jest. She actually came up with a nickname for him that I think is PERFECT. "Sir Mustache." It has such a wonderful ring to it. I hope to see her again, for I would like to hear some stories of her homeland, and I'm sure Braeth would also.

Entry 17 -

So much for my plans today. My fellow friends of Tyr and I were going to get together to start forming plans for the temple we wish to build. Unfortunately, Justinia was the only one I saw, and she got dragged into quite an unpleasant ordeal before she could even sit and chat with me.

When I first came to the well to wait for my friends, there was a large group of people gathered. Most were there just to see what was going on, of course. At the center of the group, I noticed Erelad engaged in an loud, argumentative discussion with a small woman (halfling perhaps?) named Doli. Erelad had accused Doli of being a demon, saying that he had her journal which had the proof. Doli immediately became enraged and demanded her journal back, even going so far as to punch him in the face a few times. Erelad, much to his credit, did not retaliate and instead walked away. A couple of the militia, Justinia being one of them, still involved themselves in an argument with Doli. A few of the onlookers tried, successfully I might add, to make matters worse by taking Doli's side. Her eyes glowed red when she became angry! How in Tyr's name could a person not think she's a demon?

A fight eventually broke out, as the militia tried to arrest Doli. Unfortunately, I was knocked around in and fell, thus I didn't clearly make out the fight. When I got up, I saw that it was over, and Jore had taken charge. He was talking of having the militia arrested for attacking Doli! My mind reeled from this turn of events. Verix, the mage that inspected the crystal for Imphras, stood by Doli giving her council and also twisting everything the militia said and did toward her favor. Luckily there were a few enlightened souls who stood up for the militia, and Jore instead decided to take everybody to the mayor for an immediate trial. Only those that were directly involved in the affair were allowed entrance, which is probably a good thing, as a crowd would likely have made the situation worse.

In the mean time, I sat by the well, quite upset at having my evening ruined. A healer named Fishel overheard me as I aloud wondered if I should stay and hope my friends would show or head back to the inn. He asked, "Would you rather have a good story, or a good night's sleep?" I replied that I always loved stories, because of my mother being a bard. He sat down and asked me to tell him of my mother. I told him a little bit of Mama, and then the conversation switched to Papa. I found myself telling the story of how my father, Jared Willendt, became a paladin of Tyr. I attracted a small crowd while I told the story. There was Fishel, Imphras, Cera, Braeth, an elf named Fade, and a couple of others who's names I didn't catch. They all enjoyed the story. I must say I had fun telling it. Now I know why my mom enjoys it so much. It turned an otherwise awful evening in around.

Entry 18 -

Again, the meeting to plan our temple was not to be. None of my fellow followers of Tyr were able to arrive. However, I was able to keep the day from being a waste. I met Seven, Fade, and a few others at the well. While we were talking, a person arrived, and asked if we could escort her and her friends to the mines. Kanen, Fade, Lolita, Seven, and I decided to help her. We had a nice little adventure fighting some bandits. I thought it went well, although Kanen and the others agreed that we came close to disaster when we were facing the Baron.

When we came back I was pleased to see Karion. I haven't seen the elven ranger for quite a while. He explained that he had made a trip to Shadowdale. The trip went very well. While I was talking to Karion, I noticed Braeth approach the square. He was stopped by a little girl who was quite impressed with him. She was quite cute, and I must say he treated her very well.

Afterward, Braeth came to talk to us. He mentioned how he heard a rumor that some bandits were gathering for a meeting to the north, and asked if anybody would like to join him. A large group of us decided to go, but we only went part ways up the Nars Pass before Braeth realized that some members of the group weren't disiplined enough for this mission. They were just thinking of charging right in, when we'd need to infiltrate, as we'd be passing by Atol and he is not a person to be trifled with.

So just Braeth, myself, Kanen, and a mage named.... named... Darnit! I can't remember it. I'll probably remember it later. Anyways, we made our way north to investigate these rumors. We faced quite a few bandits on the way, finding a note about the meeting on one such bandit. We kept going north on Nars Pass, and soon came close to where Atol resides. From what I've heard, he's in charge of the bandits, and very skilled and dangerous to fight. The meeting seemed like it was further north, so instead of facing Atol, the mage made us invisable and we slipped past him without incident. We finally found the location of the meeting and faced a large number of bandits, but through the skills and organization of our group, we swiftly defeated and broke up the meeting.

Mission accomplished, we headed back to town. Unfortunately, as I was heading to bed, I noticed that the outfit that Braeth had bought many weeks ago is missing. It must have fell out of my pack. I'll admit it was a tad more racy than what I usually wear, and perhaps not the best color for me, but it was a nice outfit. Oh well, perhaps I'll be able to get another like it at the tailor.

The following entry has various ink smudges from what apparently would be water drops, as if Kara was crying as she wrote it.

Entry 19 -

My mind reels from all that has happened tonight. Where to start? My (smudge)le world seems to have been turned upside d(smudge). Braeth, where are you? Though I still have (smudge) amulet, it brings little comfort... it's you I need.

Sorry, I just broke down crying again. I'm so lonely out here in the woods, yet I (smudge)'t dare move from my hiding place. The town... strange lights... Justinia! Too pain(smudge) to remember it all. Why, Justinia, w(smudge)?

Must take my mind off it. Write about some(smudge)g else. Cera is having a baby. The father is Coin. The baby is not due for many months. The couple seem very happy, and Mojo too.

I saw Charbonneau again… and for the last time. He told me he was going to take a journey and may not return, instructing me to see that his mentor's relics find a place in the temple when finished. A while later, a friend, Toric I think his name was, came and gave me news that Charbonneau had fallen to the undead of the crypt. At the same time, I felt that his soul has gone to Tyr, forever leaving the mortal world behind. This is the first person close to me that has passed on, and it hit me hard. I wish Braeth was there, I needed him to hold me, but at least I had friends like Kanen, Fishel, and Toric to comfort me and offer sound words of advice. I will not cry for Charbonneau any more, as no tears are needed. He has gone to Tyr's side, and I know he's watching down on me. The temple shall be to honor his memory.

I went to see Justinia to tell her of Charbonneau's death. And... that's... That's when things went crazy...

As we talked, I noticed strange lights form around the well. We investigated, and mo(smudge) appeared.

T(smudge) the earth shook. Many times did (smudge) shake. And magics acted funny. A prayer of healing (smudge)t unanswered by Tyr. We all were frightened. Vego, Ruri, and I headed to Spellweaver Keep, as I recalled that Fishel (smudge) asked by Eledaar to join him there just after Fishel comforted me.

Fishel, Kanen, Eledaar, and Verix were there. All engaged in working magics on a ring. (smudge)thing about a soul. Vego, Ruri, and I decided to leave them at their work. But it was obvious that w(smudge) they were doing was connected to the strange events. We headed back to the well.

Back to Hell. Justinia w(smudge)... By Tyr, I can't (smudge)n write it... So painful (smudge) think of it... Justinia became p(smudge)sed by a... Tyr, why her? W(smudge)? She tried to bring others and myself to the lights. I t(smudge) talking to her, reason with her... An explosion of magic... so much pain... (smudge)n darknes... I see (smudge) Fugue plane... Then suddenly star(smudge) up at Amisee... I realize I was dead, and she revived me. I still have my bel(smudge)ings this time. Glad I didn't lose (smudge) rings and amulet. Realize that I'm just past the North Gate, I head back, but hear shouting of (smudge)le seeing Vinessa. THAT WITCH! Is she the cause? Can't go back (smudge) town... It's madness to return... Madness!

Hiding (smudge) woods now... Must hide...

Braeth... I n(smudge)d you...

Braeth...

There appears to be some strange marks on this page, nothing resembling letters, but a few of them almost look like they could be. A large blotch of ink covers the bottom of the page.

A flame haired woman hides deep in a thick gathering of bushes and trees under a starlit night. Off in the distance, the snap of a twig is heard. Though the sound is far off and faint, the fear within her grips tighter. She freezes all movement, not even daring to breath.

After a minute without hearing more noise, she relaxes enough to finish eating the berries she has picked. She silently and quickly places one after another in her mouth, glancing around nervously as she chews. Finished with her meager dinner, the woman reluctantly lays down, grimacing as her armor pokes at a wound received earlier in the day. She curls up into a shivering ball, though it's not cold that makes her shiver. Her hands tightly clasping an amulet she wears around her neck. She fights to stay awake, even though she knows it's impossible. Eventually, her exhaustion wins, and her eyes slowly close. And her mind begins to dream.

She's walking down a path in Norwick. She sees the well up ahead, a usual meeting spot for her friends. Smiling as she looks forward to seeing them, she makes way to one of the benches. She hums a little tune as she sits down, looking forward to the bright, sunny day.

And friends do come. Justinia first, then others like Karion, Reginald, Jade, Kanen, Fishel, and many more besides. No Braeth though, he must be busy patroling the woods. She starts to talk with all of them and happy voices fill the air. She suddenly realizes the sky has grown dark, surprised that she has already talked the whole day away.

Mysteriously, a light starts to shine at the well. First purple, then green, blue, and yellow. The lights look pretty, but deep down she is fearful. She turns to Justinia, who to be just as surprised at the strange lights. Justinia begins to inspect them, as do some of the others. The earth starts to shake, knocking all to the ground.

Somebody helps her up, as she hears Justinia's voice call out her name. Looking up at her paladin friend, she is suddenly horror stricken by what she sees. Instead of the Justinia she knows, a dark haired temptress stands in her place. Deep in her heart, she feels that a demon has overtaken Justinia. She backs away in fear, while the demoness tries to tempt her to step into the light. She backs into another person, and instead of seeing another friend's face, she instead sees another friend twisted by a demon.

Everywhere she turns, she's surrounded by demons posing as her friends, and in front of it them is the witch, Vinessa. She tries to run again, but the earth begins to shake. She falls down as the demons leap at her, and the whole world seems to spin out from underneath her.

She bolts upright, panting rapidly while pure terror mars her face. It takes many minutes for her to stop shaking in fear, and a few more after that to summon the courage to go and gather some food for her hungry stomach.

She reaches the berry bush she found days ago. As she gathers some food, she notices that the bush doesn't have much left. She begins to worry, as this berry bush was the only one she has seen that she knows is non-poisonous. She curses herself for not paying better attention to her father's elven friend when he tried to teach her some wilderness survival tips a few years ago. "Where to get more food?" she asks herself. Unless she can find more, she'll have to go back to the town. She collapses to the wilderness floor at the thought, gripping her amulet tightly as flashes of the nightmare replay themselves in her mind. "No, can't go to town.... not safe...."

She sits down and rummages through her pack, hoping that there is still some food in it. Relief hits her as she sees a ration, but she decided to save it for later. Her hand brushes on her diary, left neglected in the past few days. Longing for a sense of her old life, she pulls out the diary, pen, and ink. She starts to write, but can't form any letters. Her mind freezes everytime as a flash of the nightmare hits her. She drops the diary and pen, spilling ink onto the page. With shaking hands, she reaches to pick them up.

A distant cry of death pierces through the woods, triggering her instincts of fear. She freezes, looks around, and then runs, making her way back to her hiding hole in the dense bushes. Her diary lies on the ground, forgotten in the terror.

A young, elven ranger walks through the along Nars Pass, hunting down the bandits that plague it. He comes upon a berry bush. On the ground lies an open book with ink spilled on it's page, a familiar looking quill, and a spilled vial of ink. He picks up the book and flips back a few pages, and his eyes widen in recognition.

This is his beloved Kara's diary.