The Journal of Katherine, Entry 57

I feel like my continued acceptance in this order is hinged on the recovery of the codex.  In my prayers to the Light, I knew then and I now know, I made the right choice.  I gaze at the coals of the fire, keeping the chill of the approaching winter air away, and ponder if my superiors will see my point of view?  I will explain that I could not destroy it.  Our city, all of our civilized world, and all that we hold close to our hearts would be worse if I did.  I convinced my friends to bury it, safe within its cell, made for it by an ancient spirit that we all saw.  Will the order accept this?  The fire spits a hiss, as if to answer, but I know I am right.

All too soon the Royal Kalef will know of our return.  He will want to hear our discoveries.  But he will be most troubled by the disappearance of his seer.  He may think a coincidence is unlikely and we must be cautious.

Let me summarize our return. 

We left the city of Antaw when a sand storm approaches.  We tether ourselves, for we can barely see an arm length in front.  Kull leads the way, Ohm Uri, then Trevor, me and lastly Brute.  How Kull manages to travel the correct way is still a mystery to me. 

We make camp with the sand still pelting us.  We use shields to help keep the tent standing.  All but me fall asleep quickly.  I stay awake, because sand went everywhere.  I can only think about how to be rid of sand.  Whichever way I roll, sand is there, to rub and chafe.  And it is in places men do not worry about.

A few more days of wandering, and we happen to discover a pyramid.  We investigate the inside to provide relief from the closeness of the tent.  Exploring to make sure it is a safe resting place,we find, besides the horde of skeletal constructs, a pool of water, and when we drink, makes us more bold and an appearance of being younger.

Also found in this pyramid is a cursed one.  We find it dressed in rotten clothes and hooded, chained to a wall and appears dead.  Ohm Uri pokes the corpse, and to our surprise it moans and moves, still alive after many years.  When we lower its hood to expose its face, Ohm Uri and I are taken aback by the creature's features.  Its eyes are cut out, leaving dark holes in a grotesque face.  It murmurs incoherent babble, suggesting its tongue also cut out.  I quickly back away and pray to the Light to reveal what is this creature.  I get a very strong dark essence, and if set free, will try to destroy us.  We leave it, chained to the wall with shackles forged from the fiery pits of the dark,  sealing it back in its tomb.

We return to the portal soon after the pyramid without anymore delay.  Cass, who was the oracle for the ruler, waits for us as we enter the main room.  Cass ran away from the "master" with Ohm Uri's help before we left.  Cass explains that she was enslaved by her master.  Brute eluded that since Cass was found wearing Ohm Uri's clothes, and Ohm Uri wearing Cass' clothes, that something "else" happened.  Upon questioning Cass and Ohm Uri, I did not get a decisive answer as to the extent of their encounter. 

The coals are dying out, and the chill is returning to my cell.  I'll conclude with a note on my friends.  My friends, yes, I can call them friends, even though I know they are not true believers.  Brute, Kull and Trevor will see me to treat their wounds.  Brute thought that his kind, half elf and half beast, would not be welcome to my temple.  I assured Brute, that he has earned my trust and is most welcome.  The same for Kull, too.  Poor Trevor suffered the worst.  Mysteriously, he was injured and he collapsed when we return through the portal.  Trevor held the key for us to go there, and for our quick return.  I wanted Trevor to be so much more; I expected too much of him.  Realizing he cannot be a brawny fighter like Ohm Uri, a magic spinner and one with honor and morals like Brute, has been difficult for me.  I must not be so naive.  As for Ohm Uri - I am not sure what he will do next.  Soon, they will be too busy to visit a small priestess.  I will miss them and the adventures we took.

Back to my temple for me.  I must pursue my priestly climb in the temple.  First task, find new members and what better place to search than inspiration point...

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 56

After a short rest, we open the door on the far wall and see a huge cavern with lava at the bottom.  A narrow stone walkway bridges a platform in the middle.  Something is there, but we cannot see exactly what it is.  We start our cautious trip, knowing one slip and an unpleasant fall to a hot, burning death waits.  To our left, we see a second walkway, most likely accessible only from the middle room.  The walkway has two gaps, which if connected, would form a bridge straight across the room to a door on the far side.  It has two missing bridges.  Behind even farther, is a third walkway similar to this one. We all simultaneously conclude there must be two levers that control two drawbridges.  Brute finds a lever and soon, we hear a loud grinding, and a walkway rises from the depths to connect half of the bridge.

We move to the room from the left door, the one with a lava river and many statues.  Kull has the idea to put the statues into the lava river to make a stepping stone bridge.  With the strength of three men, he picks up a statue and tosses it in.  It sinks, but finds a bottom.  A little part is exposed.  More statues!  Just then a few start moving and attacking. 

Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri's intense aggressive fighting gives me great concern, for they care not for their own health and safety.  I feel obliged to help.  All three take nasty cuts and bruises.  I run amongst calling on the Light for aid to bind their wounds.  And they keep fighting.  And continue to get hurt. 

I hear Brute telling me I am reckless.  Instead of running around, I decide to help and attack the statues, too.  I rush over to swing, but before I do, I rise up in the air.  "Put me down!"  I scream and see the creature's claw swipe, barely missing my legs.  "Brute, put me down!"  For a brief moment, I feel vulnerable, as he can easily carry me away or worse, but he did not.  The last time Brute picked up a woman, he took her home as a trophy.  But he sets me down, gently.  I put aside the anger and the animosity, realizing he saved my life.

I turn towards Trevor and plead with him so he can help with his magic.  But he tells me his magic effects the mind, and these statues have no mind.  I turn back to look at the three.  Ohm Uri is badly injured.  I focus on the sorcery power easily, but instead, I use it to reach for the Light, twice, to call upon the healing aid.  Ohm Uri is better. 

When all the statues on this side of the lava are destroyed, I suggest we rest.  Kull notices movement from a statue on the other side of the lava river. 

I curse.  And Kull has an episode.

His rational mind hides away.  Then a primal force unleashes.  His eyes roll back into his head and foam drips from his mouth.  He looks grotesque.  His muscles tighten.  Sweat beads on his flesh.  I fear for his wellbeing. 

He jumps over the lava river and throws his body into more statues, knocking many over.  Kull is up first and with single blows, statues break.  But more move and soon they surround him.  Brute jumps the lava and Ohm Uri also joins.  My concern for Kull makes me want to get over our makeshift bridge.  I'm not that agile, but I think I can do it.  At my first gesture to climb over the bridge Brute looks at me.  In the midst of swinging his weapon, he takes time to focus on me.  The battle waits for him to raise his hand in gesture.  One word: stop!  It hits me hard, like all the air slammed from my lungs.  I wait, sit down, and worry.  How can he know or see me when he is in the fight?  I focus inward.  I search for the Light within me.  I worry and I search.

Trevor taps me on the shoulder, returning me to this battle scene.  I look around, and the scene is quiet.  Stone dust from the statues cover our clothes and wounds.  No more moving statues.  No more still statues.  All are smashed and knocked over.  Kull is out, but alive and resting.  Brute extends me a helping hand to cross the lava river, over our make shift stepping stone bridge.  Once we are all safely across, again Brute follows the pathway through the heat, to turn the lever.  The magic or mechanics still work after a thousand years.  Just as impressive as before, a second bridge rises to finish the connection of the walkway.

We rest.

Day 4 of our trip in the desert

The day starts after our short rest, so we can recover our stamina.  I am not sure if the sun set and rose again while we rest, as we are deep underground, in an ancient temple.  Most importantly, my vision to the Light is clear now.  I worry that asking too much would cloud my vision, as I have witnessed this with others before.  The fighters are still in poor health.

For our food, I bless three, three day old loaves of bread, to nourish and give strength to our mighty warriors: Ohm Uri, Kull and Brute.  When I finish the blessing, the bread smells freshly baked, with a slice of butter on top.  The warriors are skeptical about the bread, but soon they feel the healing power.  I nibble on wilting vegetables, to push the starvation feeling away, while Trevor does not appear to eat much.  He is very strange and distant to me on this trip.  I talked to him before about helping with his magic, but all he says is that if he dies, the rest of us are stuck here.  On past trips, we grew together, but on this trip, we are growing apart.

We study the next room with the traps.  There are many grooves in the floor and matching ones in the ceiling, but no real order to them.  Ohm Uri enters with his magic shoes and walks on the walls, safely to the door on the far side and hops down and waits.

Brute takes a shield and rolls over a groove.  I hear loud metal whirling sounds and many large circular steel blades roll up from the floor and down from the ceiling in every groove.  This room is pure mechanical evil!  No creature can survive in there.  I gasp to think Brute may be in pieces when the whirling blades retreat back to their resting place. 

To my relief, Brute is not hurt.  The shield takes the blow.  The mind of Brute works to take this as a challenge when most men would give up in fear.  Confident, he continues to roll over a second groove and no blade comes up or down.  Trevor, thinking quick, tosses chalk, stating to mark that groove as safe.  There are many more grooves to mark, and with each move, I hear the loud whirling sounds and feel the vibrations of the cogs moving.  I find myself sneaking a smile as I watch the two of them find the safe route.

Kull is another challenge to get through.  His size alone has problems.  But Brute works to keep Kull calm.  On my turn, I summon courage to make the first step.  The noise, sight and vibration are enough to make one go running, but I freeze, envisioning the blade, stuck before, but now free, to slice through me, cutting me in half.  But no.  I pass intact, and it gets easier with each pass over the chalk marked grooves.

We cross the lava pit to yet, another room.  This room is cool, instead of hot.  Powerful magics effect this room after many years to keep this so cool.  It is filled with books and tables and chairs.  In addition to the door we came from, two other doors exist, one of ivory and one of ebony.  A small fountain bubbles into a basin in a corner.

Against my suggestion, Brute drinks from this fountain, for he wants refreshment after the room with the blades.  He says the water is refreshing and invigorating, then passes out, slumping to the floor, fast asleep.  No amount of prodding will wake him - a magical slumber.  I pick up a book, willing to read it, for we will be here a while. The writings are similar to a strange language I learned when I stayed at the priory.  I scan through the book, and with illustrations, I decipher some passages.  Two in particular state the codex will possess who ever picks it up, and destroying it will release a dark spirit to cause destruction.  This confirms Trevor's dream.  An item of power it is, but it is also a manifestation of pure darkness.  I cannot return with it.  Yet, I said before I would destroy it.

Brute wakes, finishing his sentence from where he left off, unaware of his long nap.  We can proceed.  I open the ivory door.  The room is cold and has no other exits.  A blue gem is encased in ice in the center.  This room gives me a pleasant feeling, but we cannot stay long, for we are here to find the codex.

Brute opens the ebony door.  A passageway leads to a round room with a large statue of a desert cat, three times the size of Kull, with glowing red eyes and a large ruby red gem on a chain around its neck.  When we enter, the statue of the cat starts moving.  And chaos engulfs me.

The three strong agile men run into the room, past the cat, or on top of it.  The cat seems to play with its three new toys, and Trevor runs to a lever on the left.  What?!  I am left alone in the corridor.  I follow Trevor and quickly state not to pull the lever, for it has magic, fearing the floor will collapse, if he does.  Visions haunt my mind of the whirling blade room.

I manage another scolding look from Brute as I rush to Ohm Uri and Kull, calling the Light to intervene to keep them alive while we all battle this monstrosity.  Strange for a cat, for it focuses on Trevor who is the only one not running around, and charges him.  Without hesitation Trevor pulls the lever.  A large stone falls from the ceiling, crushing the creature. 

This is almost comical, as if I were watching what a young pupil did with a book, years ago.  I forget his name now.  He drew a small picture on the corner of a book.  Then on the next page, he drew the same picture, just a little different.  He did this many times, and then he flips the pages very fast.  The funny scenes he portrayed came into motion, with large anvils falling, like this stone.  Our superiors were not amused when they found out, and punished him. 

After the stone fell, an outline of a door appears.  We open the door and follow the passage to a last room.  There are three iron bound books that all have slid from alters or tables.  The tables tilted due to an earthquake that happened a long time ago.  All have a dark aura.  Are there more than one codex?  I sit and meditate.  What can I do?  My judgment has been very poor recently.  I am failing with almost every decision.  I pray. 

In my prayers, I have dark visions of the iron codex, especially if it is destroyed.  The Light confirms me.  I also feel lifted as if floating through the air, flying and then back down.  I open my eyes from my prayer and the room is different.  One alter is here now, and only one book.  I shout to Brute as he is swinging at the book.  No!  Stop!  Don't destroy it.  The book slid from the alter and should be righted.  Then Kull, feeling the will of the Light, sets the alter straight, so it is level.  Then he picks up the book with cloth, so as not to touch it with his hands, and sets it on the alter.  Calm passes over me.  It seems a magical calm from the alter, and others must also feel it, too.  A vision of a boy appears, and says something we do not know, but also smiles, a kind smile, and then disappears. 

Brute picks me up, and proceeds to get out of the room.  He must still think I am in prayer, and many rooms and halls pass by before he sets me down.  We are in the entrance area where we started.  As he sets me down, a feeling of compassion, no, desire, washes over my entire body.  I think of Veronica.  In a fleeting moment, if I were her, then it is gone.  I push the feeling away, far away.  I close my eyes.  I fight this feeling and the tears swell.  Why must this be so difficult!  I want to only serve the Light!  I wait a while, prone.  After what seems like an eternity, I get up, controlled and without looking at anyone, gather my writing things and start recording these events.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 55

I am finally relieved of the anxiety I just witnessed.  I can record the events.  Let me start at the beginning of day three in the desert. 

We stop only briefly, for we enter the city before night.  The city seems buried in sand.  Only the tops of buildings show and some are damaged.  We see many animal tracks.  I imagine a pack of wolf-like monsters that would circle us and then wait for a chance and attack the weakest.  That would be Trevor and me.  Courage, we must not give in to fear.  Be strong, but be prudent, too. We notice a damaged dome, where animal tracks do not go.  We make our way there.  The dome seems like an ancient temple.  We find a way inside and down a hole.  Using rope, Brute lowers me and my light brightens this dark chamber.

We see many murals painted on the walls, depicting scenes from nature, implying this city was not always in the desert.  Also to support this, we see what appears as a map, and it definitely shows a river passing through the city.  One recurring image here is that of a spider.  I can guess that this temple was created to honor this spider.

We find a pair of metal doors in this room.  Brute pushes on the door, moving it slowly, causing sand and dust to stir.  We move into the corridor beyond.  It leads to a room with more murals and pillars and three doors, one straight, one to the right, and one to the left.  We open each door, ready for any ambush to charge out.  Behind each door is a room, but each room is different.

From the way we came, the middle door we choose first.  We see an unnatural darkness at the ceiling and grooves in the floor, and a door on the far side.  I pray to the Light, to see if this room has traps.  And there are.  But that does not help much, for we do not have a trapsmith to disarm the traps.

The next door we choose is to the left.  No ambush.  Here, there is a river, but not of water, instead of lava.  The river of lava enters from one side and exist along the other side.  And there are many life-like statues of people, made of stone, in various active poses.  Looking from my viewpoint, I get a strange feeling that these statues were not originally made of stone, but were once flesh and blood, then turned to stone.  There is a door on the far side, but there is no way to cross the lava.  The Light does not reveal any traps in this room.  So, before venturing into this room, we check the last, door, the one to our right.

The room beyond, has five stone statues of grotesque monsters.  And a door on the far wall, beyond.  Trevor and I wait at the entrance, as the others investigate.  Kull touches one of the statues, and it begins to move.  However, no others move.  This is good, for Brute and Kull work together to destroy this stone statue.  Then Ohm Uri joins the attack, by dropping from the ceiling, attacking from the back.  This makes an ordered attack turn into chaos, for another statue moves and attacks Ohm Uri.  Soon, the first statue crumbles to the ground.  But the disorderly movements by Ohm Uri, continually make other statues start moving and attacking.  Brute fails to dodge the claws a few times.  They also thrust with their horns on their heads.  These appear to leave deeper wounds, and Brute is injured many times.

Then the strangest thing happens.  Not sure if this new membership in the temple has altered his mind.  But Trevor rushes into the fight to help the fighters.  He should let the fighting be done by fighters.  This causes another statue to move and attack.  And it moves unchecked directly to Trevor.  He neither is fast nor as armored as the others.  Poor Trevor takes the hit on his back, and hit hard. 

I am distraught; I do not know what to do.  I just drop down on my knees to pray, to pray for help.  I see a bright flash through my closed eyelids.  I open my eyes and I see a heavenly angel.  He puts himself between Trevor and this monster. 

While the angel fights this statue, I move close, and I put my hands over the wound, but there is no blood from his flesh.  I ask the Light to bind his body.  The cut does close, but the wound is strange.  Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri destroy the last monsters.  I find myself breathing hard and my heart racing.  I want to scold Trevor for his actions, as he could be injured more seriously.  But I am also in disbelief about Trevor.  He does not have blood like the rest of us.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 54

Day two of our sandy travel to the city. 

After I crawl into my blanket, I think of how all of these men have respected my privacy.  Much unlike most other men, Brute and Kull, especially, treat most women like their sisters, taking on a natural role of protector.  Brute already remarked about adopting Cass.  And make it clear to Ohm Uri, and Trevor too, that no one should harm Cass.  Cass is or now was the ruler's oracle, and she is staying with us at the mansion now.  I will tell that story later.  I fall asleep, gazing up at the stars. 

I wake to the sound of Brute's alarm of battle.  It is dark, very dark.  I jump to my feet, and focus the sorcery energy to shield me.  Within seconds, Trevor summons light to his lantern, revealing two giant beetles rushing the two of us.  The beetles are huge, about three feet wide.  I have never seen beetles this size before.  I pray for the Light to help.  A deafening sound hits the two giants and their armored shells crack and break, sending bug parts flying.  That is a close call.  Trevor moves the lamp around to reveal that the rest of the giant beetles were killed by Ohm Uri, Brute and Kull.  After my heart stops pounding fast, I crawl, a second time, into my blanket, to fall back to an eerie sleep.  What else is out there in the dark?

Before the sun rises, we pack and continue.  During our next break, I summon the water like before, only I notice under the water, the light concentrates in one area.  And this area gets hot.  Very hot, maybe, hot enough to burn. 

And today, Trevor does not seem to be effected by the heat, two days where he is fast and energetic.  The rest are sweating, and I am glistening.  It is very uncomfortable.  Brute confronts Trevor about having him use his spell on us to make us feel better, however, Trevor denies he did anything.  I suspect his connection to the mirror portal is somehow protecting him from the heat.

I omitted two earlier events and summarize them now:
Back at the house in Aden, the oracle, Cass, enters the house escorted by Brute and Kull.  She is dressed in Ohm Uri's clothes.  Brute has no end to the images of Ohm Uri walking through town dressed in some fashion of the oracle's attire.  I knew something happened!  Apparently, Ohm Uri had been foraging a feather bed for himself, and either picked the lock of her belt or paid a urchin to do it.  After the night, Cass, fearing for her life, takes Ohm Uri's clothes and gets far away from the ruler.  Then Brute and Kull find her.  Later, Ohm Uri, as guessed by Brute, enters the mansion wearing one of the dresses of Cass, including a veil.  I usually leave these types of stories out, but this time, someone must record this. 

For me, I try one more time with my temple.  I make true to my tithe vow and donate a handsome sum.  After a brief plea, they give me some divine scrolls.  I leave in favorable conditions, this time.

We camp for a second night, with the city of Andough much closer.  The sun sets behind us.  The rest of us are hot, exhausted, wet, dirty.  But not Trevor.  Its almost like he has an unearthly glow about him.  Gazing on his features, renews me of hope and strength.  Could this be the effect of the rune prayer I did before we left?  Could he really be a true believer in the Light?  It's times like this that are so precious.  If we make it back, we can remember ourselves here, and these thoughts.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 53

Preparation.  To travel into the heat, we arm ourselves with light clothing, food, and water bags.  We are apprehensive about the trip.  How to use the mirror?  Is it witchcraft?  How do we get back?  How do we find our way back to the portal?  Do we have enough water?  We assure ourselves about each question, and while as a group, we all have answers, but individually, we do not.  I especially am not convinced the travel is possible without witchcraft.  When all is said, we just trust each other.

Before we leave, I again chant my prayer and draw my rune on the floor.  It glows.  I almost lift off my feet as the energy flows into me.  I turn to the others, and ponder: are they enthusiastic like I am?  I last look at Trevor and say to him:  do you feel it: the emotion, the wonder, the bliss?  He must, since he is a member now.  But he doesn't answer, and then I add, "this is the best feeling, ever!"

An awkward moment passes, then Trevor gets out the four rings and remembers the one to operate the portal with the scene of the desert.  Trevor is the first to step through, then me, Brute, Ohm Uri and Kull.  I am in the desert.  The trip is done before I can blink my eyes.  It does not feel like we traveled far, yet, we are no longer in the attic of the mansion that I dislike so much.  We are now in a foreign, hostile land.  Trevor tells us about an uneasy feeling that if he dies in here, the rest of us will not be able to return by the portal.  That will not happen, if I can help it.

We trudge through the sand, following Brute's innate direction sense.  Step after step, the same scene, sand, sand, and sand.  Sand everywhere.  My mind wonders to Keith, my friend that I lost.  He once said that many find it difficult to work sorcery, yet it was easy for me.  But it has caused me some pain.  But it gives me such a rush, however.  I look again out, nothing more than sand.  I look to the right, and then to the left, and then where we came from.  All the same, sand. 

My mind wanders again, just like my legs feel like we are wandering over the sand, from nowhere, to nowhere.  I remember my first teacher of the divine.  He saved me from the streets when I was young.  An old man he was when I knew him.  He carried with him two glass pieces that he used to read.  He taught me to read, too.  Although he taught me the principles of the Light, he did not show me how to pray for intervention.  Again, that does not come easy for some, but for me, it has.  He also had other metal devices that he used to guide us when we traveled.  I was never good at those for it required memorization.  If he could be here now, Brute may learn something... 

Trevor grabs my arm and points to the distant city.  I try to focus on it, instead of my memories.  He states, rather smugly that he is correct.  I look at Trevor.  A feeling of dread washes over me.  I feel so terrible.  Trevor is doing whatever I ask of him.  He is so cheerful and full of energy.  He also took the vows of my faith.

We all travel slow, and the temperature is hot.  I try one of my early prayers to shield me from the heat, but it does not work like Trevor's freshening cantrips.  He has more enthusiasm, determinism, and resilience than Brute or Kull, on this trip.  How does he do it?  We press on all day, not stopping for anything.  Normally we would stop for Trevor, but he does not need to rest.  But we drink.  And drink.  The water will not last for more than a day, at the speed we drink it.  I have a plan for the water. 

Finally, we stop for the night.  I state to the others, that we will have water soon.  With complete mastery, I focus on the sorcery energy and summon a force in the air.  I bend it to make a dish, the size of a small table and set it in place.  I test it to make sure it stays without concentration.   Next, I call to the Light, to bring water, to rain from my hands, so that the drips are caught in the dish and suspend over the dry sand.  Quickly, the dish fills.  When full, I reach down into the water, cup it and splash it on my face, and drink.  It is very refreshing, pure, and clean.  I mention to the others to fill their water bags.  Then they can wash the grime of travel away.

With most of the water gone and the dish still floating over the sand, the setting sun's beam catches in the water and I see the colors of the rainbow.  For food, dried meat, dried fish, and dried stuff.  Yuck!  If this place is not dry enough.

Then night comes quickly.  An array of stars shine in the night, much more than the night sky of Aden.  My old teacher taught me the names for groups of the stars, and with his tools he recorded numbers and compared to numbers from previous days.  To me, it is magic, magic that I could not learn.

The others begin resting, while Trevor and I prepare for the first watch.  The first day finishes with no trouble.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 52

My day starts in the usual way, by doing my chores at the usual time.  However, today, I notice something strange with the others here.  Before, they were cherry and outgoing, but now, when I approach, they become quiet - more to themselves.  I suspect rumors of my past has reached them.  But I can hope for the better.

Later in the morning, early for one that enjoys his rest that is, I see one of my friends: Trevor.  A welcomed face to rest my eyes on, far from the suffering of the injured.  My spirit is renewed with energy.  I see him when I am about to talk to my superior about this item, and Trevor invites himself, despite my pleading that he not go.  He insists.  I am in a small room with the two people I never want to meet: my superior, one to look up to for guidance towards matters involving honesty, morality, justice and charity, and Trevor, the one that awoke my forgotten sorcery power and just about the opposite of my superior.  Let me rephrase that.  ... and Trevor, the exact opposite of my superior.

I tell of the dinner, of the request, and how we dealt with the witch and other members of the council, but sticking to the facts.  I leave nothing out, except details about the total amount, and any part with Trevor, unless questions are asked.  There are none.

I also add that I dreamt of it.  Trevor adds that he too has a dream of it, only the item oozed blood.  My superior says that I should go find this item, as a form of atonement.  When I ask of aid from the temple, my superior informs me that because others here do not trust me, they will not go.  I protest.  I only do actions that have a benefit for the Light.  Trevor also protests.  He should be spared this detail of my life.  The decision is made.

I make one more request of a different matter:  have Trevor become a member and true follower of the Light.  At this request, my superior is grateful as followers are always welcome.  I bite my lip hoping that Trevor behaves.  In a short ceremony, it is done.  I almost spontaneously radiate light for I am so happy.  I muster my training to contain the swelling of emotions.  I look down.  I find myself  hiding a reserved smile.  Yes!

After we leave, I am truly grateful of Trevor for his decision.  Then I state that I must try to retrieve the item.  I tell him I want to meet Kalef again.  Trevor is surprised about this, but I have a plan.  Since the decision is to go, we make our way to the market to resupply, specifically things for adventuring to a desert.  Once finished, we start towards the palace, but we happen to find a merchant selling jewelry.  

I stop.  In a flash, my head wonders to years ago, when I would have had a girl's fantasy of trying the items.  More recently, my life was dark, and I could barely find food.  Now, I have plenty of extra coins even after my tithe.  With the fist full of coins, I enter the store.  Now, I can enhance my priestly aura with a silver tiara and simple bracelets.  Trevor, seizing on the moment, points out a gem filled necklace, possibly emeralds, to match my hazel eyes and to my surprise, buys all of these for me, before I could deny his doing.

We have our meeting with the once ruler.  I try to scout his intentions, but he is vague.  I initially state that I accept, but I cannot give him a guarantee.  If I find the item and it is cursed or worse, my beliefs will not allow me to give it to him.  Then Trevor wants more time to decide and he agrees to give an answer in two days.  We take our leave.

We gather at the mansion and prepare to leave through the mirror to the desert.  Brute is his usual sure self.  Kull has a sled packed with items.  He hoists the stuff up the narrow, spiral stairs.  The bumps and noises he makes leave scratches on the walls.  Trevor is here too, ready.  Like expeditions that I read about, I feel a sense of amazement of the unknown, to survive with only our wits.  Once through the portal, we have only a short way to travel to the city of Andough.  I look at everyone, and notice Ohm Uri is not here.  What could he be doing this night?  Earlier this day, I asked if he would go. Without hesitation he replied yes.  We must wait till his return.  

Finally he returns, but he is not his usual self.  We decide to rest before we go.  

I look again at Ohm Uri.  My second view of him reveals something more.  A sight I have not seen in years.  One that my father would wear after being out.  I know the signs.  Ohm Uri has this same look now, one of a conquest victorious.  My intuition tells me it is a woman of power, but who?

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 51

Entry 51

Today the festival comes back and hopefully the lore master, too.  We gather at the Tankard, our favorite meeting place, to further argue over the money and what to do with it.  Ohm Uri wants to buy an fancy scroll case for the scrolls he is guarding, but I have never seen them.  I stress that we cannot spend too much quickly, as that can have a bad effect on everything.  Since we don't know what to spend it on and we cannot carry that much, eventually, we decide to store the chests in the secret room of the mansion.  I will make sure there are no more spirits haunting the place.   And we want to know what magic is contained within the items we took from the witch.

Trevor does not mention one word about his promise of following the light or how I enjoyed last night.

Before we go, I alone go to dress Kull's wounds.  I did have a nice time and it will most likely be the last time I am in the company of royalties.  Let me relive the events last night one more time.  I turn to Kull and start...

"The carriage slows to turn within the gate, passing through the white walls of stone.  We are inside the palace grounds, and it is immense.  Armed guards patrol.  The carriage stops at a grand entrance of stairs leading up to a large doorway.  A servant opens the door and beckons us to follow.  Brute exists first and assists Veronica.   Then Trevor.  And he extends an arm to me.  For a brief moment a thought passes: could I live like this?  My answer: I could not live like this when I should be helping the less fortunate.  I take Trevor's arm and hold fast for tonight only."

"Too bad, Kull, you could not make it.  I continue"

"We follow the servant who leads us inside.  The ceilings are tall and intricate artwork covers the walls from the floor to the ceiling.  A large chandelier hangs here.  It casts light in many places from the many candles lit within.   He leads us into a room and says, the grand ballroom.  I am amazed.  Not only are we to have dinner, but also to be honored in front of so many others.  I am glad I spent time preparing for this, for many of the women wear dresses with multiple layers of cloth, and low cut to expose their necks and shoulders, too.  This must be to allow plain view of the gem filled necklaces they have.  The men wear clean outfits and they smell pleasantly fragrant.

Kalef is a tall man and has a moustache that is curled on both ends.  He wears a strange hat, more like loose material wound around his hair.  He speaks, introducing himself and bids us to introduce ourselves.

Trevor goes first.  Even though I am at his side, I melt away to a dark corner of the room, as I must appear as his escort or assistant.  He is in the spot light.  To put on a show in front of royalty and as the honored guest too, happens once in a lifetime.  Many minutes later, he introduces me, "Katherine..."  To make sure everyone here knows of my role, I take the lead and continue, louder so Trevor will stop, "... a Priestess of the Light."  I then brighten the lighting around me for an impressive effect.

Then Brute and Ohm Uri introduce themselves, and Veronica.  Kalef remembers the stories, or shall I write, the tall tales of Brute's other adventures.  Brute plays into being modest, for he denies every one.

He motions for us to sit and dine.  At this, I glimpse around and notice this one woman.  She is also dressed in strange clothes.  She appears very exotic and beautiful.  I check Trevor's arm in my hand.  I do not want to spoil this night with him.  I remember a different time...

After dinner, Kalef asks if we could retell the story of how we vanquished the witch.  We all point to Trevor for this honor of storytelling.

I let myself relax and watch, the Trevor I see and like the most.  I sneak a glimpse of Veronica and she is fixated on Brute.  With that nagging question answered, I let myself be captivated by his show and storytelling spell, including his accents with pyrotechnics.  After Trevor finishes, their royal show begins.  Women of exotic origin perform a dance, accompanied by a few men playing drums.  The magic of the rhythmic sounds from the drums are matched by movement of the dancers, again spellbinding.  At this, I find I have tighten my grip on Trevor's arm.  The show ends and a blur of people meet us.   As the  night wears on, all of the guests leave.  But we stay and Kalef brings two chests into the ballroom and states that he is grateful to us for saving his life.  He feels he would be next if the witch succeeded.  Fifty thousand gold coins in the chest for us.  And ..."

I hear the soft breathing of Kull, sleeping.  He seems to not hear a word in his recovering state.  Kull, may I ask you a question: what do you think of Trevor?  Last night, all was fine, except at the end, for I find out Trevor works with sorcery without understanding it or the consequences it can do.  And he does not include me or tell me about it.  Today, Kull, you are an excellent listener.

After I return to the group, we move to the festival, but are side tracked by an archery contest.  Trevor, Ohm Uri and I stand together, and I see an elf girl that is the only one with any chance of matching Brute's skill.  But today, Brute is on fire, he even splits his own arrow from a distance.  Such marksmanship!  At the elf's third try, she winks at Trevor.  What?  Why did she do that?  Does Trevor know her?  Again, what has he not told me?  I focus on the match again, and it is over.  The official declares Brute the winner!  We all cheer, but it is short lived, for Brute gives the trophy winnings to the elf girl.  What?  Did she wink at Brute too?  What is this elf girl trying?

Brute collects his arrows and I, wanting to get to the lore master without more distractions, herd them quickly.  We find him, and ask if these items are cursed.  None of the them are, or so he thinks.  Still, magic items can be dangerous, for the magic has a life of its own.

And we also discuss the coins again.  My advice I add, is that with the three houses, we will want the funds to make repairs, or we should sell the houses, if we can find buyers.  And we did not talk more of going into the desert to find the item. 

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 50

Entry 50

I returned last night from a royal dinner and ball held at the palace of this city.  The once ruler of this city, called Royal Kalef, gave us a gift for saving his life.  Let me recall the events that led my friends and me to have this wonderful experience...

Last night, after we exposed and removed the witch, we took the six survivors and the four bodies of the ones that perished to my temple.  Today, we make the bodies presentable so relatives can identify and take them for proper burial.  Before the work begins, I watch closely the prayer an elder recites.  I have seen it before a few times and I think I can try it on my friends now.  I'm sure they will like it.  Soon relatives arrive and the scene is moving and intense.  I manage to strike an in depth conversation about the paths of enlightenment with one woman.  I know in my heart that she will return.

In the late morning I see two familiar faces approach me: Trevor and Brute.  I am so excited to see them for I have this new orison that I must perform.  But it must wait.

Trevor asks me to go with him to a royal dinner! 

My eyes light up.  Trevor might be making true to his quest of courtship.  How does he know royalty?  Why keep it a secret.  But, Brute adds, in a matter of fact tone, that a messenger came and invited all of us.  So  I am to attend a royal dinner.

It is my turn to show them the new orison, especially Trevor.  I am so excited.  I know I can do it, even if it is the first time I try.  I get them close to me, so they receive the greatest effect.  I draw the symbol of the Light on the floor of a little room using chalk.  I chant the phrase.  The image glows a light blue briefly, and a feeling of energy fills me with knowledge, skill and harmony.  I feel light as if taken off my feet.  But I sense that Trevor and Brute are not as enthusiastic as me.  The warning I know about this orison, is that true followers of the Light receive a stronger effect.  This confirms it.  I understand Brute, but Trevor, is not a true believer, I am so disappointed.  But...

I ask.  I plead.  He says yes!  I told him what would be expected: to attend regular services, donate vast sums of coins, and assemble for prayers at odd hours of the day.  The look on his face was so funny!  Of course, he would not be expected to do all of that!  Oh, I give him a hug and lift both feet from the ground having him hold me.  "Thank you," I whisper.  This is better than anything else in the world! 

I turn to Brute.  I try.  He turns out to be a bigger challenge and I tell him he will in due time.  He thinks he can give no as an answer.  But not today!  Today is a fantastic day, a royal dinner and Trevor to be a follower of the Light. 

When the bliss wears away, I find myself with them walking towards the inn, and more specifically, the part inside known as the Tankard, our meeting place.  Before we get there, we see a gathering of onlookers watching another scene where Ohm Uri has defended himself from a rival druid clan, according to Trevor.  And he must have done it well, for a member from the rival clan, can I write defected, and now Ohm Uri has a new student.

Once inside the Tankard, the injured Kull is about.  Kull was beyond death's door last night during the fight with the witch.  Before we eat, I say a blessing and thanks, for we survived this last battle.  The Light shines upon the food we eat and it strengthens us.

Trevor escorts me back to my temple so I can get ready.  I wash my clothes and myself.  Others have said I have a glow about me today, and one caught me humming a melody.  I'm just so happy.  I tell elders about this once royal ruler and that I am to attend a dinner at his residence.  They tell me of his history.  He gave up power to nobles and merchants that in turn formed a ruling council to handle the day to day mediocrities.  However, he retained his wealth.  My elders approve of me going and to represent for the temple.

With their blessing, I turn my focus to getting ready.  I wet my long hair and braid it.  Not all the girls at the priory could grow their hair as long as I could.  But it can be a burden and it takes time to work it.  I wear my fancy blue dress and make a wreath of flowers for a head band.  After my hair dries, I undo the braids, leaving nice long curls.  A  divinely radiant Priestess of the Light is my new look, fine to mingle among the royalties of the city of Aden. 

I take a taxi to the inn, and see Veronica ready to enter.  I stop to talk and ask if Brute is treating her well.  I told her she was lucky to have him, and to be fair, honest and faithful.   I also invite her to the temple service and to bring Brute, too.  Ohm Uri is there with Brute, however, Kull will stay resting for this night.  We wait for Trevor to make his grand entrance.  What a sight when I see him.  My mind wonders if he will sweep me off to a magical place tonight.  Will he demand an answer?  What else does he have planned for just us?

Soon, a carriage stops out side the inn, and a driver beckons us to enter.  The carriage is much fancier than any others that I have been in, and the ride much smoother.  The seating area is fully enclosed and has a small light source illuminating us as we ride.  We talk about what we expect tonight.  I see Brute has his bow, hand weapons and armor, and Ohm Uri is always ready.  A feeling of concern crosses my mind.  Being so caught up in the royal dinner and getting ready, did we let our guard down?  I turn to Trevor and ask if he has the ring.  He says he does.  We pass Broderick's mansion, the cemetery, the town hall and go into a part of town that I know little about.  Trevor extends his arm to me when we exit the carriage and I am at his side, for the evening.

We have our introduction to the former ruler himself, Kalef, and he states that he is grateful we saved his life and that the witch would have killed him next, if we didn't stop her.  Then late in the evening, after the shows end and the guests leave, Kalef wants to talk to us alone.

He again states his gratitude and gives us all fifty thousand coins.  Gold coins.  What could I do with that much?  I normally would have declined a large amount, but I cannot speak this time.  I cannot even form a coherent sentence.  That is a lot of gold.  I'll figure something out later.  In addition, he delivers in a single swipe of his hand, three papers, each being the deeds to the three homes that Broderick's father owned, to us.  I remember the conversation between Trevor and me when I found out that he did not go to get the deed months ago, but instead stayed in the house and discovered the secret rooms.

Kalef, then, intends to enchant us with wonderment of a strange place.  He talks of a great desert with a lost city named Antough in the center.  I interrupt, my interruption almost planned by him, for I confirm his claim of this city.  I also add that a war was fought and the city was destroyed and the land around it, for a thousand miles in a near perfect circle.  He is impressed with my history.  I pull Trevor's arm more, to keep me close.  Kalef continues, stating an iron codex is in the city and he petitions us to get it for him.  Again, almost planned, I lean forward and inquire why he cannot get it himself.  But he has.  Tried and failed.  And sent others but none have returned.  He says that we are different.  We have a special way to travel.  Too much for me, I break fully from his spell, and ask, "How do you know this?  I know of no way to travel like this." 

Then he introduces the strange woman that I saw before, her name is Oracle.  She tells us "...that one of you knows the way, for he has already traveled into the desert."  I think.  The mansion.  The secret room with the mirrors.  The four different mirrors.  I look over at Trevor!

That did it.  I curse under my breath.  I let my guard down with him.  I am hanging onto him all night.  I now take my arm away from him.  Why does he do this?  And then not tell me.  I find out that Brute knew, too.  I curse again.  Why do they mess around with witchcraft for it can be cursed and possible dire consequences follow?

Composing myself and controlling my disappointment, I state that we must discuss this and decide if we will do this.  My next thought: is the gift of gold an advance payment?  I do not like being played by anyone.  Kalef seemed to read my mind and said the gold is still a gift. 

On the return trip, we decide to leave the chests with Kull in the inn.  I am cold to Trevor and Brute.  I take a taxi back to my temple, alone, except with a fist full of coins.  Trevor, why must you keep things from me?  And Brute, too!  Such an enchanting evening, a wonderful day, and then this weight of rock drops.  Sleep is difficult at best.  I finally drift of to sleep.

I wake and record my entry.  The only dream I can remember is:  feeding the poor and starving of this city for a long time.

...I have much work to do today.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 49

This is the same day as my entries 46 and 47, my story continues of how we are freeing the captives from the Lady Caldwell's house...

I am relieved that Trevor is fine and among us, as his solo trip to scout the house was not his demise.  I worried too much about.  But he is only half here, as I can hear his voice, but not see him.  Turning my attention to the injured, I call upon the Light to save the man that fell moments ago trying to kill me, for if given the chance, he can do some good.  I talk to Brute about Kull's behavior with the driver, but Brute replies that everyone in the house is guilty and must die.  Kull agrees.  I do not like their answers and they disregard the laws.  Were the men we fought just servants acting on orders?  We hear more people coming closer and we must move.  We choose down the stairs.  I leave the unconscious man and follow.

The stairs open to a large basement room with five doors.  Kull destroys a large black abomination of the witch that broke through a strong metal door.  We already fought this before in the crypt of the mansion.  Brute manages to stop more guards from entering the room from the stairs.  Seeing how the room is now safe for me to move, I make my way to the doorway where the statue came from.  Ohm Uri entered this room earlier, slipping past Kull fighting the statue.  Then I hear a high pitched loud scream from a man.  Is it Ohm Uri?  Or Trevor, with him invisible, I don't know where he is?  Then the scream is silent.  My heart skips a beat.

All is forgotten when I see the cruelty done to humanity in this torture chamber.  I fight a sickening feeling.  Cages are in places around the room.  My first thought: who would do such a thing?  People both alive and dead are in the cages.  The smell of decaying flesh, urine and feces are overwhelming. Some people look tortured, and their skin hangs loosely over their skeletons, void of muscle and tissue. 

Then a most strange sight, a body of the masked man prone on the floor, his hands clutching between his legs, his throat cut.  And a very bloody Ohm Uri chasing after a set of floating keys, unlocking cage after cage.  Trevor is alive and well, and doing the best he can to help.  But the captives are held in fear of this new vision of Ohm Uri, bloodied after his knife cut the last life from another defenseless man. 

Knowing Trevor is fine, I turn back to see how Brute and Kull are doing before I focus on helping the captives.  Surprisingly, Brute charges towards me and I narrowly jump out of the way.  He has an unnatural fear expressed on his face.  Then I see Kull go down fighting, surrounded by the witch's guards.  Kull has saved me numerous times and I must try to save him.  I would be cut down before I could get to him, so a diversion is necessary.  Then I see the Lady Caldwell.  She is certainly the instigator, behaving more like a witch than a proper lady.  She must be stopped.  I rationalize that the Light will be accepting of my next action.  The raw power is there, waiting for me.  If I can distract them, they will not desecrate the body of Kull and I can revive him later.  I thrust the raw energy towards her and close my eyes.

I get her attention!  And the guard's.  Kull is safe for a little while longer.  Then she reaches out to me with her witchcraft.  A strange effect causes my body to warm and to pull my skin from my bones towards her.  I rely on my training of the divine to resist this diabolical attack.  Then it stops and I am fine.  Brute is now back.  He kills a guard, allowing me to get to Kull.  I put myself between the inhuman and its victim, and call upon the Light.  The witch reaches out to strike me in the back, for I rob her of her prey.  I focus.  I do not feel any effect of attack.  Kull lost much of his blood, and I am not sure if he is alive or dead.  To my relief, the Light restores life into Kull.  Some of his pure spilled life force gathers back into his body.  The wounds close and muscles rejoin.  In moments he gets back up to help.

Brute seizes the vial creature so she cannot fight or work her craft.  Just then a maid enters the basement from the stairs.  More strange than the floating keys, the maid claims to be Ohm Uri.  The maid continues to state that a mirror possesses people and we must get the other Ohm Uri and the witch back to it.  Brute takes control of this.  Without hesitation I take charge of the captives.  They are tortured, sick, frighten, shocked, and more may die if not helped quickly.

Trevor stays with me.  I remove the ring and he is visible again.  When I see him again, a relief comes over me, of a burden lifted.  He does not notice my concern when I see a poor attempt to create a bandage covering a wound on his side.  How noble of him to not mention his own injury.  I am beginning to trust Trevor more.  He has honored my request to refrain from using the ring, unless I allow it.  He also kept my secret.  He helps where he can, and he does not kill the defenseless.  If only he could follow the path of the Light and donate time to help.  After stabilizing the surviving captives, I check his wound.  Suddenly, an image of the masked man's open throat wound appears, how grotesque.  I shake the chilly vision away. 

As I plan the move of the captives to my temple and the dead for a viewing for relatives, I think of my explanation to my superior of my absence.  I act in the interest of the Light and to the best of my abilities.  I will state the delicate issue of council members being involved with the witch, and my superior would help in serving justice.  She would stress that I am not out of trouble, and would still show reservations of my use of sorcery.  If she does not pose a punishment, then I most certainly will upon myself, for I made a resolution to not use sorcery.  Most importantly, my friends have actions that conflict with mine and when I have reasoned with them they agree, but in the moment of anger and fighting, they loose memory of their promise.  

I turn to Trevor.   "Can you help me get the survivors to my temple?  We will need as many as we can get."

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 48

I was called by my superior to tell the group here about a person that had a positive influence on my life.  I would choose my mother, but I knew her only until I was ten.  I remember more of my father after mother died, but the memories were so terrible.  I want to write about Keith.  He taught me the songs while I was at the priory.  But it was he, that got me into so much trouble.  Then there are Trevor, Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri.  They all have had a positive influence on me, but I cannot tell a story about them when the chapter is not finished.  I might choose Puck.

Brother Puck is a cleric of my same order that I am now.  He found me shortly after I ran away from my father.  I was just thirteen.  I tried to get some food from a merchant.  All of my money was gone.  I had not eaten for a few days.  I watched the merchant, like a wolf hunting prey, waiting for a mistake.  I noticed only an older woman.  I thought it was only the two of them.  But I didn't know that he was watching me.  I found my time to be right, slip in, get the bread and run.  I could easily out run the merchant just for a few blocks.  But the merchant had two boys, bigger and older than me.  I did not see them, till after I took the bread.

The chase was on.  Confident of my running, I made to get away, to loose them in a crowded street.  And I lost one.  Now, to slip into the alley and to my hiding spot.  I turned and ran smack into the older taller boy.  He gambled on my route and got lucky.  I thought they would rough me up, for at first I looked like any other street boy.  But when I ran into him, we were entangled, and he could feel my developing body being a bit odd.  He grabbed my arms, and knew I was not a boy. 

This next part I have not told anyone about yet.  It has been many years to look back on this and only now I have the courage to remember it again, and to write about it.  I thought I would die in this alley, violated.  Then a bright light flashed, followed by a force of deafening sound.  I almost past out, or maybe I did.  The tight grip loosened.  His body slumped to the ground, or was it mine. 

Then I felt a whole energy fill me.  It was bliss.  My emotions went from the depths of the darkest cave to the highest mountain, in seconds.  I squinted my eyes because I had to know what happened, for the ringing in my ears defended all other sounds.  I saw a man emerge from the light.  He said his name was Brother Puck.  He was old and stout.  And the two boys were on the ground, still.  I just slid down in the alley and cried, I am alive and fine.  I sat there, still.  I had to know they were gone, never to see me again.  Then I found myself shivering.  When I got the wits back to me, Brother Puck took the stolen bread and me to the merchant.  He gave a coin, a nice coin, to the man and made me apologize.  Which I reluctantly did.

After this, Puck took care of me and he and I moved about, from village to town.  He taught me many more things while spreading the Word.  Eventually, he took me to the priory.  There are so many more memories to tell about us during those wandering days.

For my story to my superior, I told of Brother Puck.  And what I learned from him: to help the ones that cannot help themselves.  But to also know there are two sides of the story, and people are full of all shades of gray.  Be patient and tolerant, for people can change for the better.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 47

Entry 47

Continuing from my entry 46...

After the secular visit, we return to the inn to plan our next steps.  Three issues most important are one, rumors about people disappearing and the details are posted on the town sign, two, the tortured servants in Broderick's house, and three,  this council member Lady Caldwell.  We think they are all related.  Soon, two gnome men enter the inn and are looking for Boomtuck, since he has been seen with us.  They state that Boomtuck has fathered many children with many women and want to "personally" give him a message.  Later that day, we meet Boomtuck and I inquire whether these stories are true, which he confirms.  This does not surprise me, for his behavior does not show any responsibility.  He becomes a new issue, as I disapprove of this, and others do too, but we will deal with him later.

When we leave to find this post sign, we happen chance see an ornate carriage pass right in front of us.  A vision from my youth gives me memories of my uncle's visits because he has a carriage like this.  Every year during the summer, he would travel in style with his carriage to our home, always bringing me presents of exotic candies from far away places.  I enjoyed the rides through the country air.  My brothers teased me about my romantic ideas of being carried away.  Those dreamy days are long ago.

As the carriage passes, my vision shows me in the carriage, long hair and in fancy clothes, but it is not me as a child, but as an adult.  No, the vision is not me at all.  It is Lady Caldwell, and the boy next to her is young Broderick.  I tell the others that Broderick is in he carriage and we should follow.  We easily see that it will outpace us, but Ohm Uri runs after it.  We loose site of the carriage and Ohm Uri at the festival grounds - the same grounds where we attended the summer festival and where Trevor ran into Rovert.  It seems that this town has a festival every few months.  We also discover the sign with the posting of the missing people.  I peruse the postings and many state the last place where they were: "Inspiration Point".

Ohm Uri finds us and he leads us through the city to areas I have not yet been.  Houses are better kept and some have gardens.  A few houses have second floors, too.  One person recognizes Trevor from one of his performances.  Eventually, Ohm Uri leads us to a house with a locked iron gate and a thick stone wall about a few feet taller than me, or about as tall as Kull.  The house is located on the river, and the wall goes to the waters edge.  There are metal points at this spot to discourage people going round it.  Under the water is unknown, but I'm sure there is something to discourage people from wading in and swimming around, too. 

A servant greets us, and states a thank you to Ohm Uri for returning with his friends.  Unknown to us, but we find out then, that Ohm Uri walked right in and talked to the Lady Caldwell, and now he thinks she is the nicest person in the town.  I suspect mind control at work, for on the road back from the north, Bob reacted exactly like this when I used the same trick.  I get a very bad feeling about this lady, but no proof yet.  The servant tells us to follow him to the back yard garden, complete with table and chairs for the meeting.  Other servants bring drinks, but I refuse. 

During the meeting she asked about Kevin, apparently to appear ignorant of his fate.  I can tell she is lying.  I try to convince Brute and Kull later when we walk away from the house.  Since she is the owner of the mansion now, she permits us to enter it at our leisure.  She continues to explain that some items were moved from the mansion to this house.  My mind wanders back to Kevin - if she is guilty of his torture and death, why did she just grant us free access?  I inquire about whether she visited the mansion, but she does not admit to it.  I follow up stating that an unknown servant was found dead, and of a maid, found alive.  Lady Caldwell persists to know the location of the maid, but we kept it to ourselves.  Late in the meeting, we see a very suspicious man emerge from a doorway briefly, only to vanish back the same way.  We leave her house, and I am convinced she is hiding something and lying.

From the house, we head towards inspiration point.  We notice the same suspicious man we saw earlier at her house.  He has a scarf covering a burn on his face.  And he enters into an ordinary house, only to come back out with more men of brutish appearance.  We follow the men and they go to the same point.  The sun is beginning to set and the moon is starting to rise.  This could be an excellent night that Trevor would want to be alone with me.  I glance at him, but his expressions I cannot make out.  If anything, I can image his disappointing thoughts that a nice night is spent not alone with me, but also with Ohm Uri, Kull and especially Brute.  We settle in for we must wait for the men to make their move.

Others are out here enjoying the twilight, too.  They, however, are acting on their desires.  They drink, talk of their work days, and some couples get close on blankets, I'll stop there.  I have never witnessed a place like this, before.  The people wear shirts with bright piccadilly colors and the young women have flowers in their hair.  A pungent odor fills the air and I try not to breath the smoke, as it awful.  Ohm Uri leaves.  An hour passes and the sun light is just a glow, and the moon assumes its dominant role in the night sky.  Trevor and I notice Ohm Uri's return, and with a rather "weird" look towards Trevor, one that I saw too many times when my father brought home the less respectable women. 

Trevor and I look at each other, roll our eyes and we both say at the same time, "There is something wrong with Ohm Uri."  Could this be a sign?  In this rare moment, we thought alike, at the same time, and acted.

I ponder our findings.  We do not have enough proof to hold the Lady Caldwell directly responsible, we can state that she has some involvement, for the men coming here links her to the disappearances.  Brute and Kull are waiting for those men to do something.  And to catch them in the act - this will get more proof.

Kull's intense focus on the brutes makes a local man a bit more vocal and he thinks that we are too close to his space.  Again, Brute says its my turn to "reason" with him.  I start an explanation, and I shorten it in my journal, on why the Light provides me with more enjoyment and fulfillment than any thing else, including their passing bodily encounters, and that they should give any extra money to the poor, and volunteer their time to help those that cannot tend to themselves, and finally, attend regular services at the temple of the Light to start their path to self enrichment.  Near the end of my mini sermon, the man simply fell to sleep, collapsing to the ground in a surprisingly quick move.  Sighting the half full bottle that he took with him to the ground, I make to grab it, with my intentions to empty the filth on the ground.  Equally surprising, Ohm Uri grabs the bottle from my hands, before I could tighten my grip on it. 

He downs a mouthful of the rot gut, then looks at me and mutters a not so nice word that I will not write here.  Trevor immediately intervenes.  Before I get an apology, a local man interrupts, stating his friend Jill is lost and has not returned.  Kull asks for where she was last seen.  The man points, and Kull and Brute run towards the spot.  They find signs of the girl's tracks, and we proceed to follow, hoping to rescue her.  We follow the signs to a road, where the tracks show a cart, but is gone now.  Again, Ohm Uri runs after to try to catch up to the cart. 

My suspicion is on the Lady Caldwell, and we join Ohm Uri at the front gates of Caldwell's house.  Before long, a carriage arrives and we look on from a hidden spot and see Lord Kayden step out and the lady of the house greets him and they go inside.  Is Lord Kayden involved in this too?  We must get more proof.  In a bold move, I ask Trevor if he still has the ring.  "I allow you to use it," I state, "to see what is happening inside."  Kull picks Trevor up, awkwardly, since grabbing an invisible man is tough, and Trevor is over the wall. 

A feeling of dread fills me as all I can do is wait outside the wall - Trevor is alone and might be in more danger than he knows.  The ring is Miranda's and if Caldwell is related to this Miranda in any way, she might be aware of its magic and consequently aware of us.  Oh, this ring might truly be cursed.  Why did I suggest him to go?  I look to the others and mention we should get inside somehow.  Then Ohm Uri disappears over the wall.  I remember cursing, and I will not write it here.  With him being so charmed, he will probably tell them we are out here, that Trevor is using the witch's ring, and the location of the maid.  I cannot wait much longer.  I state to Kull that we can get in the house, for we can tell her about the death of Kevin.  Kull is confused and says, "first you don't want to tell about Kevin, and now you do."  I turn to Brute who thinks it is a good idea. 

Brute suddenly pulls me to the dark so I am not seen by a cart moving closer.  A few men are on the cart, and one looks like it is the same masked man as before, but I am not totally sure in the darkness.  It stops at the gate and men from the house unload large sacks.  The masked man goes into the house with the others carrying the sacks, and the cart goes back the same road it came from.  This is the proof!  We can act and get the town guards.  Kull runs after the cart for some reason.  I follow after Kull.  I am not sure why.  When Kull catches the driver,  he stops listening to me and becomes berserk.  It still pains me to write about it here.

Kull simply runs right up beside the cart, grabs the driver and throws him onto the ground.  Kull is upon him and his foot is pressing hard against his chest, pinning him to the ground.  We ask what were in the sacks.  The man replies he is just a driver, delivering goods and life commodities.  I look for rope so we can tie him, leave him in the cart, and get him later.  I return and the man is babbling incoherent words and cannot breath.  I try to tell Kull to stop, but he does not hear me.  My eyes swell with tears.  I plead, but I cannot get to Kull.  Something else controls him now.  This happened before, and then, I got him to stop.  This time, I failed for Kull, for me, and especially for this man.  It takes great courage for me to move, as this issue weighs heavy on me.  There must be more I can do.  Rubbing the tears from my eyes, I find myself alone standing over the driver's bloody corpse, his chest and throat crushed.  Blurred vision reveals a hulking form bounding back to the gate. 

I run back and see another man, his bloodied fractured skull embedded in the space between the iron bars of the gate.  His limp body dangles as the gate rotates back closed, towards me.  I squeeze past this grizzly scene.  Is this the body of the servant who hours before ushered us to the back yard for the meeting?  This is spiraling out of control.  We are waging battle to a member of the council!  A sickening feeling overwhelms me.  I force myself to follow the others to the house.  I call upon the Light to aid us, but to also refrain from farther unnecessary killing, just as Kull bashes the door in, sending splinters to fly as the hinges are ripped out. 

When I enter the kitchen, I narrowly miss a blow from a massive club.  My hours of melee practice at the priory prepare me for this.  I do not remember my mace in my hand, but there it is, and I think of the people in the park, of the maid we found, of the unknown body also found, and of the mute servant Kevin that we knew.  I return the swing to block his follow up and my mace, willing itself and with the aid of the Light's Blessing, finds a weak spot and connects hard with his side.  I hear the sounds of bones breaking.  The man brushes off the pain and presses the attack.

Kull, Brute and Ohm Uri are also in here, each fighting their own battle.  However, I see only this one man turned monster.  We are locked in a dance, his face determined to make me die under his club, and me, I defend the abducted helpless ones and Trevor - my mind wonders - where is he and is he alright?  My opponent seizes upon my mistake and his club smashes into my side, followed by sly laughter, and a remark that I do not write here.  The massive force knocks the air from me and must surely leave a wound, but as I discover later, my new armor absorbed the bone crushing injury.  With no air in my lungs to feed my arms, I turn and swing to block his next move, but the mace has different plans.  Like it has a mind of its own, the magic combined with the Light's Blessing find their mark and crushes more bones in that monstrous body.  I catch my breath with a gasp and see not a monster now, but a man.  Surprise and terror take over him, he drops his club, then slumps to the floor, blood flows from a deep stab wound in the back.  Yet I see no one there.  I must stop the bleeding, but I must know who stabbed from behind.

I look to the emptiness and with apprehension ask, "Trevor, it is you." 

Again, I am being called and must finish later.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 46

Author's note:  I must give credit to a part of the Finnish epoch Kalevala, where the old steady singer of songs travels north on his sleigh, meets a fair maiden, and bids her to be his wife.  But the maiden has other thoughts and a conversation with a bird happens.  I borrowed lightly from this and wove it into this journal entry.

Entry 46

In a brief moment, I have what seems like hours or days to think and ponder the decisions to my choices, but, as soon as I leave Trevor behind and thank him for his kindness and step in my temple, I am welcomed by a young acolyte, requesting my name.  This is a formality, for she already knows my name, yet I have not seen her.  I follow her to see the One in charge.

My heart sinks for the news of my past reaches Aden and this temple.  I divert my eyes from her, as she asks about what I know and practice of the dark arts.  Careful in my words, for this will be bad if I fail this test, I look at her and see a glow beyond words - one of which I can only hope to be graced with some day before I pass from this world.  I lock eye contact and she sees within me my true commitment to the Light.  I handle my self wisely, explaining that all of what I do is for the Light, and I only use the sorcery that I know also for the Light.

There are still two issues I should discuss.  I am ready to lay bare all of my thoughts on this courtship offer from Trevor - I just have to state it.  Uncontrolled thoughts race through my mind, giving me panicked visions of the chastity belt, multiple day lectures of such courtships, isolation, deprivation, starvation or the daily guidance in council session after session.  Instead, I reveal that I broke one of my vows when we fought the changeling, but she didn't think so, stating that I was fine in my actions.

I am shown a room where I can stay.  My room is small, about the size of my body is tall, in each dimension.  A small box is under the wooden bed for my writing things, and a candle is on a desk.  I did not use that last night when writing my journal, for I prefer to use a less archaic light.  No door exists to close out anyone, but a lovely arch, delicately graceful, hangs over the doorway.  I relax to sleep thinking of my past few days.  Earlier I had nightmares for many nights.  Then they stopped, to be replaced by a different dream or a possible vision.  It happened when the one friend whom I denied my own feelings for laid open his plans.  Trevor stated rather bluntly and surprisingly to court me.  Before, I thought he was not sincere.  In my curiosity I had to know if all was true.  And I blame myself for forcing him to tell.  Is it what I want?  I drift to my sleep, finally a nice peaceful slumber.

A short sleep it seems now.  I wake to the sounds of morning work, for we must get an early start to the day.  I leave my belongings in my room as I wear only my blue dress that Brute bought for me, and file out with the others to do our cleaning chores.  I do not mind, even though I just came back from the north, dodging goblin patrols, getting tossed off a boat, enduring an avalanche, fighting a changeling, counter charming the mass of refugees and the news of a friend's plans.  But, I can find this place likeable, a place of peace, a refuge.  I sing while I work.  It makes the work enjoyable.  My mind wanders to Trevor's offer - should I ... 

This older man, one that studies illusionology, comes to me and asks me to be his wife.  I imagine a sparrow or song bird to sit on my shoulder, just chirping away.  I sigh and ask of the illusion, to sing so that I may hear, which is better, more divine - to be a priestess in the temple, or a wife in a husband's house?
The bird twitters and chats these words: "nice is a bright sunny day to bathe, but brighter still is the priestess in the nave; cold as steel in ice, yet colder still: in a husband's house - a wife.  A Lady of the Light shines like a priest; while a wife, in a husband's house, is a dog on a leash."

Surprised at the gravity of the chirps from an imaginary featherweight, I focus back to my work.  But, if I made such impossible demands, such as bending rocks like rope, peel paint from a wall, or grow a plant with no dirt.  No, He would find a way to do those, without breaking a sweat.  Better and more improbable as well as nearly impossible: have him continually give to the poor.  But, if he did even that for me, I would be bound by my own accord.  It this what I want?

Soon we file into the hall to eat.  Oatmeal, my favorite!  And apples.  But I quickly look at the others and all only have one, so, I follow and only take one.  After chores and the meal, others must work their assigned duties, and for me, none were assigned, so I have free time.  Since I wanted to get more form fitting armor, I gather mine, suit up, braid my hair, mount my helm and walk to the other temple, the one of law, where I remember we got the magic weapons, one of which is the mace I carry now. 

I inquire of Priest Lore, whom I met before.  He is busy but will be available in an hour, his assistant says.  I wait.  I wander about the nave and the chapel, comparing the building styles, the arch ways, the frames of the windows and the walls of this temple.  It is too utilitarian compared to my temple.  The temple of the Light has its beauty of sweeping elegant curves and the open, warm feeling. 

"Katherine!"  A familiar voice jerks me out of my critique - Brute and - Trevor greet me.  Trevor begins to say something, "I'm saved!" by Lore's assistant for he cut Trevor short, stating that Lore is able to see me now.  I follow in to Lore's office.  Sparking clean is an understatement.  Lore is having his feet washed, too.  I am glad I do not belong to the law temple, for I would not want to be stuck washing his feet.  Anyway, I make a petition to review the items in their armory again, for I am looking for a better fitting set of armor.  My request was not in vain, for I found a copper colored suit of scale armor with a matching helm that resembles a bird.  I exchange my old armor for this.  A bird, the second one today, is it a sign?

Best if I not say anything to Trevor, and hopefully he forgets.  I focus on the issues so I will not fall to his spell again.  The three of us walked as Brute led the way to the inn.  At the rather verbal expressions of my hungry body, Brute taunts me by asking if I want any food.  Wanting to be content my reply is: I am fine.  Brute is not satisfied with my answer, and instead listens to the more vocal part of my body, how embarrassing.  He suggests that I am not forth coming with all of the truth.  I obligingly accept to partake in a little indulgence of a second breakfast. 

I enter the inn, and see the huge Kull sleeping and almost hiding behind an equally sizable mound of empty dishes.  And Boomtuck is picking over a plate of food.  Then more food is served.  It is plentiful and smells delicious.  I eat just a little for I want to deny myself of gluttony.  Then sleeping Kull, in a fit grabs his neck like he is choking and wakes up.  He mentions of a dream that he had twice now, where he is choked by some one that he cannot see.  This reminds me of my dreams, but more of the recent one with Trevor and the witch taking him.  I tell the group about it.  Brute mumbles something about a spider.  I want to state more of the significance of Trevor, but Ohm Uri enters with a few nice sized fish and the smell.  We talk about a festival being held soon, and of the council, how they were replaced after the previous council were killed.  I mention a Lady Caldwell, a relative of Remy Natale that is a new addition to the council.  That reminds us about the mansion.  Ohm Uri stated that many items were removed. 

We go back to the mansion and check.  We head to the room where I stayed before, and the oval mirror was removed.  Then we went through the secret door down to the cell.  The smell of rotten flesh greets us, as we discover a new body in the cell, tortured. It is the body of Kevin the mute servant.  I feel for Kevin, and can only image the suffering he endured.  Then I see Brute's strain on his face and the determination in his eyes.  Three victims, two that died, we have discovered in this place.

Ohm Uri returns from the attic, where he says there is a different mirror.  A little less fishy smell in the air - finally, Ohm Uri washed, but in the attic?  We take the body of Kevin and bury it next to the other unnamed body we found in the cell.  I say a few words for Kevin, and we depart in silence.

We want to find more about this house and the council, so we head next to the secular area.  It is a blur of people and strange customs.  An issue I hear is about a slavers, and that guards are doubled at the docks.  Another has a dispute over land.  Trevor wants to get a good look at the Lady of Caldwell - odd.  But all members are wearing porcelain masks that allow their mouths to speak, yet keep their identity secret.  There were two women on the council, and so, which one is her.  The Lady is rumored to be caring for a young boy - most likely Broderick.

I am being called, and so will continue later...

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 45

Entry 45
I am in my temple writing this entry.  This is the last of three entries that summarize a short trip to the north to accompany my friends while they try to stop the goblins.  We all returned safely, but we had some difficult times.  Our druid and ranger friends each lost an animal pet.  And we sustained injuries but were able to heal afterwards.  I wrote about the trip there, and the way we destroyed the goblin army, so I will continue with our travel back, after the shape changer had intruded our camp one evening, which left a lasting effect on my dreams...

Sleep consists of short moments of my eyes being shut, at best.  The pain I feel is not a physical pain, but a pain in my mind, caused by a choice I made.  I feel I must tell the group about it, especially Trevor.

The next night, we make camp, and I place my bedroll over a small lump that I didn't notice until I am too tired to move.  One nagging root under my bed roll turns into movements of many roots.  I toss and turn, trying to find a flat spot.  I doze off, but soon, the root returns, nagging, trying my patience.  I wake to see roots and vines stretching out in every direction, like a spiders web.  They reach out to cover me, and to Trevor, to Brute, Kull, Ohm Uri, and Boomtuck, to hold all of us motionless in our sleep.  And I see myself walking amongst them.  Now I switch views, as I am the one walking amongst them.  I have a blade in my hand.  I turn and see my other self, as I was before, covered in roots, but my arm is raised, ready to strike.  I open my eyes with a start.  It seems like a dream. My pillow is wet from my tears. 

I look around, and see Brute on watch, and the campfire strangely illuminates the evil shape changer that invaded our group a few nights ago.  Its motionless body begins to twitch, and then, in the shadows, I see a woman who animates the dead shape changer and it sets about to its killing.  I open my eyes again with another start.  My pillow is now a soaking wet.  I see Trevor this time, walking amongst the group as they sleep, holding a dagger, and my decision to attack him slices through my mind.  I wake again.  The camp looks normal, this time.  The Trevor that I know looks at me with that kind look I saw before, the one where he promised to keep my secret.  That alone calms me. 

When morning comes, I am very tired.  We break camp, and load the carts with our equipment.  Food is bearable.  We head south on the road back to the crossroads, and not long we see refugees, heading north, many of them.  I must admit that I just want to get back to the city.  For once I can understand Trevor and his view of the wastelands, to get back to a warm bath and make myself clean again.  We all hail the travelers, but not in a unified fashion, Trevor and I simultaneously speak, but not the same message, and things go from tired and fatigued to worse. 

A fellow steps up, introduces himself as brother Daniel and without going into detail, he uses what I say to his own benefit.  He is not rational, he irritates and incites the crowd.  He reins chaos right upon us, and for our petty reasons to be individual and without a designated leader that can tell the truth, we almost hand over the keys of victory.  To quiet this brother, I remember a technique used by one of my teachers when there was an unruly student, and they stopped and listened.  So I, summoning the courage and with some help of the Light, command brother Daniel to be quiet.  The evil and malice of this stranger proves stronger and my effect is lost. 

Brute wastes no time, and sets a huge blow to the instigator, but he dissolves into a puddle of water.  "An illusion," is murmured by Trevor, it is nice to have an illusionalogist in one's pocket.  This means the real controller is hiding in the crowd somewhere.  I call upon the Light to expose the stranger, and the Light has guided me well, for all but one drops in a large circle and the real instigator is left standing.  I reach for my scarlet bolt but the jostling of the cart causes the ray to go astray.  But I call out to the others to take him down.

Trevor steers the cart, wanting to get closer to the stranger.  Possessed people grapple us, and several get crushed under the cart.  I hear bones snapping and the anguish screams but we must press on to the one responsible or more innocents will be hurt.   One possessed innocent grabs my arm to pull me off the cart.  I hold fast and instead, hoist him into the cart.  I find my sorceress energy, and radiate my presence through my touch to his arm to break the avatar's charm.  I ask him if he would help us.  He agrees.  That felt fantastic, and I want to effect a mass, next.

Soon, Brute has stopped the avatar's charm, by delivering a chop with his executioner, and thus the fight is over.  The innocents are free from the charm and I move about helping all of the injured.  I remember at the priory, I was summoned to treat the wounds of a man who was punished.  I was forbidden to call upon the Light to heal, but I tended to the wounds the best I could using bandages and salves to keep infection out.  This is what I could do now.  I set about to stop the bleeding and to set bones.  I had Brute, Trevor and the others make splints to help with the breaks.  By the time I finished with the injured, the chaos avatar had died.  People had condemned us just moments ago for destroying their town, and are now praising us.

But, for all it seemed I managed to definitely be  Bob's heroine.  Bob is the one I hoisted into the cart, after he tried to pull me off.  I asked him to help, and he would help for a few moments, then stop and move back to me, standing behind and being quiet.  This annoys Trevor, and he looks at me like it is my fault. 

The next day, many refugees go north, to salvage what they can from the town or the docks.  But most head south.  We return with our way towards Aden.  We press on, traveling all day since we have a late start.  With night approaching early the pathway is dark, yet, Trevor and I illuminate the way so we can see the road ahead.  Bob has been quietly with us the entire day, almost unnoticed.  I thought that Bob would get tired of being with us, like Merity did, and leave.  He stayed.  Trevor becomes very annoyed.

This evening, Brute decides to review the items we took from the chaos avatar.  And that brought up the issue with Trevor holding the magic items.  I felt that with the last incident of the ring, that the items should be with someone else, specifically one that would not use them, myself included.  Trevor has a weak willpower, and I didn't want a curse to fall on him.  Our rule should be that until the true nature of the items are found, they should not be used, for they may cause more harm than good.

When I countered the avatar's charm on Bob, it left a long lasting impression.  Sorcery is tricky and it may give unintended consequences.  When we were at the crossroads, and in the middle of the night, Bob starts singing.  We all wake to this, and the words are definitely meant for me.  He does have a nice voice, and I wish Trevor's voice was nice, too.  But other rude sleepers wake and yell vulgar sayings, Trevor's voice being the loudest amongst them.  I created this problem, so I must fix it.  I go to Bob and ask if he will be quiet, I emphasize to do it for me, as a friend.  And finally he is quiet and the others can sleep, but my nightmares continue.  In the morning, I continue to explain at great lengths that he must stay behind, and that he must find his family and friends, they might be worried for him.  Someone jokes that I broke Bob's heart, for when we leave, Bob is still there, looking at us until we are out of sight.  How insensitive people can be.  Trevor moans a sigh of relief and adds that even I felt Bob was creepy after a while. 

During the next day, I want to break this routine of nightmares and gloom, and so, I think of positive things.  I remember Trevor stating that he cares for me, but he didn't mention it at all on this trip.  I seek Brute to have a talk with Trevor.  Brute was able to get through to him before, so maybe he can again.  That evening, Brute, quite surprisingly and without using any discretion, confronts Trevor and me, and then declares that the rest give us privacy.  Nothing like putting me on the spot.

While Brute and the others leave, it reminds me of how the audience leaves for food during a mushy love scene in an amphitheater.  Then the uncomfortable quiet follows.  I must tell him about the shape changer and how I attacked the back of Trevor - I felt that he must know.  I don't have a chance; I am caught in his spell.  Trevor, with his magic, makes himself dashing before my eyes and with a wide sweep, lays his cloak out on the ground and offers for us to sit.  He has such flair.  I follow along and we sit, like a royal couple having a picnic on a grassy riverbank.  I didn't think he cares that much.  This is spiraling out of control.  I thought that Trevor would have been apologetic, stating that he didn't really mean his statement back at the carnival and he would want to remain friends.  But quite the opposite, Trevor proposes, rather bluntly, that he wants to court me.  I might have agreed in my confusion because I am a bit surprised.  Instead of stating that I must check with Priest Lore if it is possible, I am caught in the moment and suggest an outing, Trevor agrees and adds, "Without the Brute!"

Finally, I break from the spell, and change the conversation to Veronica and how Brute treated her.  And then Trevor hints that they had a rumble or tumble.  Totally taken by surprise at this, I press the situation a bit farther than I should.  I clarify with him, exactly what is meant by "a rumble and a tumble" - to lay as lovers?  This is not what I thought Brute did and why does Trevor think of that?  We call Brute to our talk, and I want to know if this is true.   Brute did not deny and explains that he stated she is a nice person, and it happened.  My concern is with Veronica and that she was not forced, or if she becomes with child, then Brute must be a proper father.  Brute assures me that he would, if that even happens.  But I am not sure how Priest Lore would view this act without a sacred blessing.  Brute seems confused as to how his name is in our conversation and realizing our moment is over, he calls all back to camp. 

I move off to my bedroll, as I am swimming in thoughts and emotions.  In one fell swoop, Trevor reveals not only his feelings for me, but the intensity of them, his plans for a future with me, and that he is such a gentleman and a romantic.  I rest on my bedroll, thinking is this possible?  Why did I make Brute talk to Trevor?  I brought this upon myself.  Is Trevor sincere?  Can this work?  What will Priest Lore think or allow?  And most importantly, will I loose favor of the Light?  I dose off to an uneasy slumber. 

Suddenly, I wake and look up.  I see Keith, a friend I knew from years ago, a sorcerer that rivals Trevor's skills, but the last I heard was that he perished.  Brute seems a little upset that Keith got past by his defenses, but I let Brute know I am ok.  Keith smiles at me.  I speak. "How did you find me?  You haven't changed a bit since I last saw you."  I sit up and continue, "Things are different now.  It is good that you didn't perish, but I want to know how you survived.  Wait, let me wake the others." 
At this point, I stand and turn towards Trevor where he was sleeping, but he is not there.  Did he use the ring?  I turn back to Keith, but it is not Keith, it is Trevor.  I ask, "Did you use magic to trick me, to look like Keith and see my reaction?"  And then a woman with red hair approaches.  She circles him as I stand and watch.  She caresses Trevor, no, she mocks me by healing Trevor like I heal others, only she injures.  Just like the shape changer, she becomes Miranda, the witch!  I move to help Trevor, then the witch grabs him, wraps her arms about him, and pulls him from me.  I run and another set of arms reach out to him, and I press harder one more time, a surge to catch and set the captive free.  Yet a third pair of arms come from the witch and embrace him and pull, faster still.   I scream out for Trevor, and cry as I collapse from the run and wake up from the dream.  I look around, and there is Trevor on the night watch.  It is only a dream.  I roll within my bedroll, and realize I am in a cold sweat.  The nightmares continue.

I think back to when I was younger, and of the fun Keith and I had, it was an innocent fun.  It was a fantasy, too, like the way the dream started.  Trevor is eyeing me in the moonlight, more confident knowing that he made his move.  Now there are more items we must talk about.  Yes, he finally says it.  And the whole group knows it.  But is this what I want?

Next morning, we all wake to drops of rain.  It is damp and gives me a chill in this late autumn morning.  I pull my hood over my head and tuck my hair in.  A little more time to still be dry, for this rain will last all day.  By the time we eat and pack the cart, the rain has soaked our clothes, weighting them.  And the heavy cart turns the road into muddy ruts.  We press on all day, slipping and falling in the mud, progressing slowly and stopping only briefly.  The city gates are about to close and we are the last to pass through this night. 

When we get to the city, the group goes separate ways.  Brute apparently has a feather bed to check on, and the rest may go to a tavern or to Broderick's house. Trevor accompanies me to my temple.  I petition the night watchman to let me stay.  And he agrees, but will not allow Trevor, understandably, and he is fine with that.  I can now make my plans to be a part of this family, and to perform my duties.

I turn to Trevor, thinking about all that we have been through, but see what a mess he is.  I must be a mess, too.  Only in contrast to the watchman do I notice.  However, I see past the dirt, grime, battle and rain soaked clothes and see a fine smile behind those muddy checks.  I want to give him a hug but, that would start a bad rumor - not the way to begin my stay here.  Instead, I formally thank him, and ask if he will be fine.  He reassures me.  I have a pain, knowing that we will be apart.  How can this hurt?  But I must stay here.  This is where I belong.  How much easier this would be if I were just a sorceress, and not on the path to be a priestess.  My people must see me as divine and on a pedestal; I must be the example that they must strive to be.  Will I see Trevor again, yes, I will, but as a suitor?  He will most likely forget about what he said, and I will not be required to break another heart.
I cover a tear in my eye, turn, and walk into my new home.