Log 45
The path towards the fort has been more treacherous than I anticipated. Near the edge of the Mistwood I came across another restless spirit, who called out for Lord Haight and spoke of the demi-humans' anger over their mother. I can only presume that this must have been one of Lord Kenneth's servants before his fort was overtaken. A short distance away, I saw the anger of these demi-humans first-hand, as a small horde of them was charging towards the fort, impeded by a barricade. They were nearly rabid, but the more pressing obstacle on their attack was the manned ballista armed atop the castle walls. The bolts fired from the top of the castle ramparts shot them down in droves, and nearly killed me, as well.
Just one blow knocked me right off of Torrent's back, and left me lying on the ground in pain. The demi-humans pounced on me while I was down, evidently not caring to distinguish friend from foe, but I was able to get to my feet and cut them down, then mounted Torrent once more to speed towards the castle. The front gate was unfortunately very well-defended, with a squad of soldiers alongside another of those mad pumpkin heads. My injuries from traveling through the Mistwood and getting past the barricade had yet to heal, and my supply of healing flasks was running low, so I decided to fall back. Luckily, I found a site of grace by the edge of a cliffside near the castle, so I decided to hide from the enemy there while I recover. Once my wounds have healed, I'll return to the castle, though I'll lack the element of surprise this time.
Log 46
I've done it! I've retaken Fort Haight! Once I made my way past the guards at the front gate, I found the interior of the fort scarcely manned, with only a few barely trained non-combatants armed with firebombs to protect the interior, along with an infestation of gigantic rats. Unfortunately, the barrels of oil stacked across the castle grounds made them far more dangerous than they seemed at first glance. When I fought my way to the top, I found the knight that Lord Haight spoke of, seemingly in a trance. He was surrounded by pools of blood, and muttering something unintelligible. I hoped to sneak up behind him and finish him before he could even notice me, but as soon as I set foot in the blood, his head snapped towards me like a wild beast and he lunged at me.
Despite his bestial madness, he fought with just as much skill as any of the other knights I've faced since arriving here. More frightening, however, was his ability to summon blood from his blade as a weapon. At first I thought he'd lost his mind when I saw him draw his sword across his wrist, but then the blood came flying outwards with a force that nearly threw my shield from my hands. I don't know how I did it, but I managed to push him back and cut him down. Most frightening of all, however, was what happened after I slew him. Along with the runes, some sort of knowledge entered into my mind, like breathing in ashen dust. This must be what Sir Bernahl spoke of when he mentioned the "ashes of war". It was just a brief moment, but I felt as if I could see a glimpse into the mind of that madman, and now I too possess his technique. Still, I am loath to use such a vile, heretical battle art.
Whatever the case, now that this is done, I must return to Lord Kenneth post-haste to report on my success. One thing still concerns me, however, that massive corpse in the courtyard. I've never seen anything like it, but it bears some features similar to the demi-humans. Could this be the queen that the lingering spirit spoke of?
Log 47
I can scarcely believe this, even as I write it down. I could almost cry, is this a dream? I returned to Lord Kenneth, and informed him of the good news. He congratulated me and offered me a reward: knighthood! Lord Kenneth has offered to take me into his service, and raise me to knighthood!
I didn't even need to think about it before I got down on one knee and pledged my service. I'm positively giddy! To think; that the dream I once thought impossible could come true! That I could be a knight once more! This must be the reason for which I was called to this place, I am sure of it! Now all that's left is to return to the fort, and begin my new life. I can scarcely wait. I only hope that this dingy and battered armor will be appropriate for the ceremony.
Log 48
I don't know why I ever got my hopes up. As soon as I arrived at the fort, the state of things was obvious. The demi-humans that Lord Kenneth hoped to commune with were rampant, and attacked me as soon as I set foot in the fort. Though at least they knew enough to back off as soon as they saw they were no match, and they seemed to leave Lord Kenneth undisturbed. However, this was the least of his problems. Not only is the fort in a state of complete disrepair, but his staff have been slaughtered down to the last man. A lord he may be, but Lord Kenneth is lord of a broken fort and nothing more.
He readily admitted that he had neither the authority nor the resources to raise me to knighthood, and apologized. I do not begrudge him, given the state of things, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Still, by way of apology, he gave me half of a broken medallion. Supposedly this is a treasure entrusted to him for safekeeping, that when reunited with its other half, will open a path towards the Altus Plateau, land of the capital. I thanked him, and went off on my way. I suppose this is my own fault for getting my hopes up.
-Accolon of Elis