Final Entry, 23rd Planting

Safely ensconced back in the village we are able to find wise counsel and a generous host in one fine dwarf and his family. The Kandress family takes us into their home and the mayor of the town adds much to our investigation. Shayla finally has seen fit to share what she learned prior to my arrival in the area, a good sign that I have won the soldiers respect at the least. Take a moment to reflect on the events of the last two days.

I’ve made some friends, and seen much brutality heading inland which dulls my passion for life and haunts me. I can see why the Storm Lord considers travels such as this a sin and hope he will forgive me as I struggle on not only to honor him and my word to a friend, but to protect a mighty river that feeds the sea. This river’s health is in my estimation vital to the livelihood of the Storm Lord’s sons and daughters on his shining coast.

The friends I have made are of stout heart and strong character, though I suspect now that my friend Cade is a professional burglar (hands too soft and he wears shoes on occasion), I believe him to be more of a kindred spirit that one might suspect. I would be lying to say I did not seriously consider joining the Tempest mutiny and becoming a pirate if only for the freedom of that life. But the senseless brutality, the drunkenness and paranoia…it would dishonor now, the dear brave friends Stoppel and Muncy, Karl and others, to become an outright outlaw. I still marvel at the bravery I’ve seen these past two days. For our losses what has been gained?

We have determined now that there is an attempt by the forces of the Pomarj to befoul the regionally vital Jewel River and the ‘disputed areas’ underlying aquifer. To accomplish this they are utilizing a breed of monster similar if not in fact carrion crawlers. They are apparently also taking livestock, game and perhaps citizens to putrefy and pour into the river.

The village wells here were checked and found safe, but that might not last.

The delegate from Prinzfeld is no longer missing (less the documents be forgeries) but his assessment of the situation casts doubt on his judgment or capacity to speak freely.

It dawns on me now that he might very well have been sacked by the enemy. Captured or coerced into betraying his prince and his kin. Damn it all I have to bring this to my soldier’s attention immediately…