Log 75
It worked. I can scarcely believe it but it worked. I've cast my first spell. My first true step into the realm of Glintstone Sorcery! It seems so mundane looking back at it now, but at the time I felt almost like a child all over again. To think that just a simple rudimentary spell, just a mere pebble, could feel so invigorating! I can see now why Mistress Selen spoke so passionately on the topic, it's practically intoxicating! The feeling of power coursing through my body, directed through my staff by my own understanding of the energies within me, and then made manifest by the power of my catalyst; I was like a child tasting candy for the first time, I cast the spell again without even thinking. Then I cast it again, just to prove to myself that I wasn't dreaming!
I kept on going until I exhausted myself, and had to drink from my flask to recover my strength. Then I started trying some of the other spells Mistress Selen has taught me. I must go to her and tell her the news post-haste! I will dedicate myself to my studies for some time now, and learn all that I can about Glintstone Sorcery, to better aid me in my coming battles! What joy to know that my trip into hell was for aught.
Log 76
I've spent the better part of two days now furthering my studies into glintstone, and my progress has been remarkable! Even Mistress Selen has praised my growth! She made sure to note that my rapid growth is largely thanks to my use of runes to strengthen my mind, but she told me that this was no issue. In fact, she seemed rather pleased by the development! She says that any and all paths of inquiry are equally valid if they may bring one to new conclusions into the nature of Glintstone. I must be sure to continue my studies, so that I might one day live up to her expectations.
Still, even Mistress Selen agrees that simple theory will beget nothing without practical experience, and I won't be able to study my way to the Erdtree. I must continue my journey, to continue facing stronger foes and gather runes. With my newfound mastery over Glintstone, I'm certain I can overcome any trial that stands before me!
Log 77
As usual, the Gods humble me. I returned to the site where my journey began, to do battle against the Tree Sentinel. Atop Torrent's back, with blade in hand and a glinstone staff in the other, I was certain that I could not lose!
Alas, I am reminded yet again of my sorry state of being. At first I thought I had the knight cornered. He clearly has years of experience on me when it comes to horseback combat, but with such heavy arms and armor I was able to run circles around him with Torrent. I couldn't defeat him in a straight joust, so I thought I would try and keep my distance and strike from afar with sorcery. This strategy served me well up until the sentinel summoned a barrier of holy gold from his shield, which transformed my feeble pebble into a cannonball of holy energy and fired it right back at me. I was blown clean off of Torrent, and by the time I had gotten to my feet, he was upon me. I tried to get away to drink from my flask or to summon Torrent again, but this merely gave him the opening he needed to finish me off.
This was an invaluable lesson, clearly. I must never allow my ego to get the better of me, no matter how great my improvement. Perhaps if I returned now and tried a different strategy, I might emerge victorious, but this matters little to me.
I must continue my training and exploration throughout these lands, until I have grown stronger not only in mind and body, but in wits. I shall need all of them in equal measure if I am to have any hope of victory.
By now I have explored almost every nook and cranny of Limgrave. From the Stormhills, to the caves and catacombs, all that remains is the lands beyond that bridge to the south I spotted near Dariwil's evergaol. I shall head there next.
I suppose there's also the dragon Yura warned me about. But as I've just received a lesson in humility, I shall steer clear of that lake for the time being.
As I sat down beside this site of grace in front of Mistress Sellen's study, it occurred to me that it's been quite a while since I've last spoken to my other teacher: Sir Bernahl. It shall do me good to see him again, both for his company, and for his instruction.
Log 78
I have returned to the Roundtable Hold to rest as I write this. When I arrived at Sir Bernahl's shack, I was surprised to find it empty. Upon closer inspection I saw that there was a message etched into the ground explaining his absence, in case any wayward students came looking for him. It seems he had business to attend to elsewhere, and it may be some time before he returned to Limgrave.
I was ready to turn back and ride away once I'd seen his message, but no sooner did I turn my back and step out from the shack, did I sense a vile presence invading. When I looked behind me I saw a massive, hulking swordsman carrying an enormous greatsword and a greatshield nearly twice as wide as I am. Even more striking was the man's armor, covered in wicked barbs and thorns. It took no time to realize the man was hostile, and even if I had to ask, his sword swinging down towards my head would have been answer enough.
I struck back, but the man's armor was thick, and he seemed implacable. When I saw that my sword was ineffective, I tried to retreat and assail him with sorcery, only to be met by the next great surprise of the evening. The man's sword, sheathed in crimson light, flew out from his hands and swung towards me by some strange magic. Worse yet, he controlled it fluidly and skillfully, even as his hands never touched the hilt. Whenever I thought I had gotten away, the sword followed me again.
This dance continued for quite some time, I was certain many times that the next blow would be my last, especially when he grabbed hold of his shield and crossed the distance I put between us in a single bound, nearly crushing me with it. Eventually, to my disbelief, I emerged victorious. I had to fight patiently and with great care, striking at any small opening he gave me using sorceries or a well timed slash, but eventually, the man fell, and disappeared into nothing.
I still have no idea who or what he was, and am just as clueless as to his purpose in attacking me. But this victory serves as another reminder of the importance of my training, had it not been for Mistress Selen's tutelage, I would have surely lost that duel. I must be sure to continue my studies. I must also remember to inquire about that small metal ball the man dropped after he vanished.
-Accolon of Elis