Living in Distress...

Augusta 28 Princess Damsel disappears...

2009-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

The following story is derived from tales and legends passed down from generation to generation about Princess Damsel's strange disappearance and what happened to her...

Princess Damsel was awoken by the sounds of screaming coming from somewhere in the streets below the room she was staying in. She quickly dressed and ran down to the street to see what all the ruckus was about. Olin followed in her footsteps and burst out the door into the street. In the middle of the street a woman knelt down on the mud and rock with her face firmly planted in her hands. She was crying and rambling on hysterically.

Damsel approached her and asked, "Who has disappeared?" As if she already knew what had happened to the wailing woman.

The woman paused and looked Damsel straight in the eye and whimpered a reply, "How...how did you...how could you know?"

Damsel placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "You are not alone. Others have disappeared also. Tell me. Who has vanished from your life?"

More tears filled and clouded the woman's eyes and she mumbled, "My daughter." She collapsed to the hard rocky ground of the cobble stoned street and shuttered. Damsel knelt beside her, placed the woman's head in her lap and held her.

A large crowd had gathered at this time and Olin pleaded with them to give Damsel and the woman some room. People in the crowd started whispering to each other and pointing fingers at the two women in the street. Damsel sat there with the woman until a patrol of Royal Guards arrived to break up the scene. The crowd slowly dispersed and the guards, with the help of Damsel and Olin, moved the woman indoors to a dining hall. They helped her into a chair at one of the tables, poured her a glass of water and covered her shoulders with a blanket.

Damsel sat next to her and asked, "I know this is very hard for you, but you need to tell me... where was your daughter when she disappeared?"

"She was out in the field behind our house one moment and the next she was just gone." The woman finally answered with an obvious lump in her throat.

"Where is your home?"

One of the guards chimed in, "I know where she lives."

"You need to take me there right now!" demanded Damsel. Olin shot her an awkward look.

The guard began in a disrespectful tone, "I don't think..."

Olin interrupted with a stern voice, "I would be careful how you address the Princess of Distress, Caleb."

Caleb only nodded and cowered when he realized what he had done and who the young girl was.

Damsel spoke again, "I have to get to this woman's house, now! There may be clues there. Now, who's going to take me?"

Caleb answered, "I will My Lady. Can you forgive me?"

"Save it for later, Caleb, just get me there quickly!"

"Lets go! We'll take our horses. They're outside."

Olin shouted as the two were leaving, "Caleb, the Princess is in your charge for the time being. Don't let anything happen to her!"

Damsel and Caleb left the dining hall for the woman's house. After a short, brisk ride they arrived at a small farm house just outside of town. On the backside of the house was a large field bordered on three sides by a densely wooded area. The two of them dismounted and began searching for any sign of a struggle, blood, tracks...anything, but what they found was nothing. Caleb was the first to speak, "My Lady perhaps the girl is hiding from her mother in the house. You know how young children like to play games. Shall I have a look?"

Damsel glared at Caleb. She knew the girl wasn't simply playing a trick on her mother. She answered in a discontented tone, "Do whatever you want to do, Caleb. I am going to go check the woods." Damsel turned and headed for the line of trees that bordered the property.

Caleb just stared at Damsel in confusion, turned and made his way towards the house. He found nothing in the house, well, no hiding little girl anyway. When he came back outside he called out, "My Lady, where are you?" No answer came. He called out again, "Princess Damsel! Where are you!?" Still no answer. He sprinted towards the woods in the direction he last saw Damsel heading. He called out over and over again, no answer came...Damsel was gone. Caleb collapsed to the ground and remained there until he was found by Olin and a few other guards; he was shaking and unable to speak for quite sometime after Damsel's disappearance.

Olin found Damsel's diary and read it. He had no idea she was so interested in the disappearances nor did he understand the nightmares she was having. She never said much to him at all really. Now, he had to tell her father that she had vanished without a trace. He had failed to protect her and it killed him inside.

Day 19-Dunsdai, Augusta 27...No peaceful sleep for me

2009-08-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

My nightmare returned last night. This time I could see my self more clearly, but I was much younger than I am now. I looked as though I was only fourteen or fifteen. My hair was dirty and disheveled. My facial expression was blank as if I was in a trance or something. I looked horrible. The cloaked figure just stood at the end of what looked like a long corridor and faced me, looking or staring at me? I couldn't tell. I could feel the cold harshness of the shackle around my ankle; I was trapped/imprisoned by someone or something. The whisper I can hear came from somewhere behind me it sounded like "Don't give in.", but I can't be certain. This dream was far more vivid, real and frightening than any of the previous ones. I have to tell Antonia...someone! I feel I can no longer keep this to myself. I will go crazy...no...I am going crazy! Sleep wasn't much of an option the rest of the night. I spent the rest of it staring out my window that overlooked Lake Dorina. The sunrise finally broke the spell that the darkness had put me under. I dragged myself over to the wardrobe closet that Antonia's father had stocked with fresh, clean clothes and put something on and went to the dining hall. I was certainly to early for breakfast but a nice house maiden offered me a glass of fresh milk. I drank it while I sat at a table and waited for breakfast to be served. This morning was definitely a blah moment for me. I couldn't get my latest nightmare out of my head. Antonia finally came down and joined me just before breakfast was served. I told her about my reoccurring nightmare over breakfast. She sat there speechless and bewildered; I felt slightly better after confiding in her. We didn't talk about it the rest of the day. I didn't want to and I think she needed time to digest what I had just told her. She looked so much better after a good nights sleep in her own bed. After breakfast, Antonia headed back to her room to further recover per her father's wishes. I, on the other hand, ventured out into Hallsburg to get some fresh air and hopefully some sort of distraction. It worked a little.

Hallsburg is so peaceful and quiet, very different from the hustle and bustle of Distress. Everyone here seems to work at a much more relaxed pace. I sat on a small bench for what seemed like all day and just people watched. I also walked down to the lakefront later in the evening and watched the sun go down. It was so lovely. The deep oranges, bright reds and vibrant purples of the sky over the lake were breathtaking. I didn't want it to end.

Today was a very unusual experience indeed, on one hand, I was woken by the most vivid nightmare to date. On the other hand, I feel such relief in sharing it with Antonia, and being able to spend some quality time by myself thinking and reflecting was good for my soul, as well. Topping it all off with the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen was just icing on the cake. Quite a difference to how the day started for me, that is for sure.

Day 18-Mittelweek, Augusta 26...Finally we've made it to the Lake Distrct

2009-08-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Olin woke me up to tell me that we were only about a half days ride from the Lake District, so we wouldn't be leaving until midday. This worked out perfect for me. I got out of bed and hit the streets of Royta. I wanted to poke around about this missing miner. Antonia didn't feel up to going with me and I don't blame her for that. I stopped at a small blacksmith shop called the Iron Pick. I figured that Jess would have done some business here and I might be able to learn a little more about him, I was right. The blacksmith, Rory, was very helpful and nice. He regaled me with stories about Jess and his mine. He told me that Jess was a very outgoing and likable fellow, but he also liked his privacy. Rory was concerned about Jess but didn't think he had just vanished into thin air. Rory wasn't a believer of the rumors. He said when he sees it with his own eyes then he'd believe. A true skeptic. I enjoyed talking with him but nothing really new to help with the mystery. As much as I liked chatting with Rory, he did eat up all my free time with his stories. I had to head back to the inn to get ready to make our last leg of the journey.

We left Royta and I had more questions about this mystery than I did answers. It bummed me out a little. The last part of our journey would take us through a densely forested area, the Whispering Woods. It was beautiful. The trees were massive and so tall I couldn't see their tops. Olin was in the lead with us girls following and Wyatt bringing up the rear. The trail was very narrow and snaked in between the gigantic trees. All sorts of birds and other small animals could be seen darting here and there. All in all a very soothing and uneventful trek. It was a nice change of pace.

When we reached the edge of the Whispering Woods the sight of Lake Dorina, the largest lake in the Lake District, was indescribably gorgeous. The lake was so calm it looked like a mirror rather than water. In the reflection you could see Antonia's home town of Hallsburg on the opposite shore. We had made it! I have never felt such relief in all my life, well except when I knew Antonia was going to live after being dragged by the horses, but this was right up there. Olin rode ahead to announce to Antonia's father that we had arrived. Wyatt, Antonia and I kept a slower pace for Antonia's sake. By the time we had reached the outer border of Hallsburg, Brolin, Antonia's father, and many others were there to greet us. Brolin, gingerly, swept his daughter up into his arms and held her close. I teared up. It hadn't really dawned on me how worried Antonia's father must have been. I am sure my father must feel the same, I hope. It was approaching dark when we arrived in Hallsburg. Brolin had dinner waiting for us, in hopes that we would be arriving on this day. We ate like royalty, which I am, and were shown to our rooms. They were so much more lavish and luxurious than the inns had been. I should sleep well tonight.

Day 17-Duisdai, Augusta 25...Through the Valley of Shadows

2009-08-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

We all were out of rooms shortly after sunrise. The keep was fairly cool last night, I slept well, all things considered. My nightmare hasn't returned in a couple nights, maybe I won't have it anymore. I know I just cursed myself by saying that. We ate and headed out to our horses and instead of three horses there was now a fourth horse loaded up to make a long distance trip. It would seem that I have attracted another bodyguard to accompany myself and Antonia to the Lake District. Finding time to snoop around and ask people about the rumors and disappearances won't be easy, especially now that I will be doing it solo. Antonia is still too beat up to do much of anything, she needs her rest.

Our new addition to this journey is Wyatt, he is supposedly one of the most experienced archers stationed at the keep. He was there, at our time of need, last night during the feral dog attack. He seems rather joyful and excited about going...must not get out that often. He's easy on the eyes but not really my type. He does have some extremely sculpted arms though. Anyway, we mounted up and headed toward the Valley of Shadows. Calling it a valley is a bit of a misnomer. It is actually more of a chasm. Steep rock cliffs shoot straight up from the earth to create a narrow path. The walls block out all sunlight, except for a couple of hours around midday. The "shadows" part of the name I understand, but the "valley" part of it escapes me. Oh well, whatever. The terrain isn't too rough mostly sandy like a dry river bed, so the horses had an easy time of it. Our trek took all day and was fairly uneventful.

I had a chance to talk to Wyatt and ask him if he had heard any rumors about the strange disappearances. I acted like I was just bored and needed to make small talk, so my questions may have came off as a little silly. He said that he had heard stories of people losing animals and pets and that they just seemed to vanish. Same old stuff, dang it. I asked him if he knew Rex Thyne and he said the name sounded familiar but didn't know him. Another dead end. At least our conversation passed the time a little better. He is a lot more personable than Olin is that's for sure.

We arrived at our destination, Royta, another mining town. Royta is much larger than Vensk and seems to have a little more character and sophistication. People here actually smile and say hello as we pass by. We checked in to our rooms, Antonia was sore and tired so she headed off to bed. Olin ran off to locate our contact and Wyatt took the horses to the stables. I was left alone so I decided to meander around and do some investigating. I passed by a small eatery and went inside to get a bite to eat. I sat at a corner table and ordered a cup of the house soup. The table next to mine was occupied by a young couple. They didn't look too much older than me. I struck up a conversation with them by asking about the town and what they did here. Then I moved to the real question I wanted to ask...Have you heard anything about these strange disappearances? They both got really quiet and moved closer to me. They began to whisper so no one could eavesdrop in on what they were about to tell me. They told me a story about a miner, Jess, who had been missing for several days. They said he simply vanished from his mine one day and left all of his gear there. He wasn't about to walk out and give up the mining trade, he was one of the more successful miners in the area, and now there was some dispute going on as to who had rights to his mine if he didn't return. There is no information on his last known whereabouts, he just isn't around anymore. Jess didn't have any family here in Royta, but the couple thought he may have a son that lived in Distress. It was an interesting story and possibly the third person that I know of who had just vanished or went missing. Jess...our contact in Vensk... and the young boy, Jakob. Who knows if there are more? Surely there are. I left the eatery and thanked the young couple for their time. When i got back to the Inn, Olin was just getting there, as well. He asked what I had been up too; I said I went to get something to eat and he scowled at me. He can be such a buzz-kill.

I went up to my room and woke Antonia to tell her the story I had just heard. She was happy that I shared it with her and she wished she could be out there helping me.I told her not to worry and that I would tell her everything that I found out. She smiled.

Time for bed, maybe tomorrow I can ask around a little bit more about Jess before we leave.

Day 16-Mondai, Augusta 24...Finally! No more Vensk.

2009-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, when I woke up this morning I prepared myself for the worst...another day stuck in Vensk. I peered over at Antonia who was already awake, a good sign. I wasn't about to get my hopes up though. She looked better than ever despite the healing wounds. She turned to me and said good morning with a smile on her face. My mood suddenly brightened. She then told me that Olin had checked in and had told her that she looked well enough to travel. Antonia also said we wouldn't be able to travel as fast as before, but that was understandable. Anything would be better than staying in this dreadful place another day. I hopped out of my bed and grabbed my things, which were already packed up, and hit the floor running downstairs. I met Olin at the horse pen to help him get them ready. Wow! I had a lot of energy this morning. What a difference a day makes! Olin and I finished packing the horses and had them all ready for our trip when Antonia came out of the inn under her own power. She needed assistance from Olin to get on her horse and then we headed out and never looked back. Finally we were on our way to the Pass of Sorrows and then down into Valley of Shadows. Olin was hopeful that we might make it to a small keep in the valley called Castle Thornburg. It is one of my father's outposts.

We made slow progress over the pass. The wind near the top was brutal and visibility, thanks to the low hanging clouds, was near zero. Olin and I led our horses on foot most the way, while Antonia rode atop hers. We made it to the top after several grueling hours, thankfully the descent was much easier. It was mid-afternoon when we stopped at a bridge that crossed the river to rest ourselves and the horses. Olin commented that he thought we were making better time than he had planned. The place was so serene and lovely. The sound of the river rushing over and around large rocks was very calming. Well, it was up until a pack of feral dogs surrounded our resting spot and crushed the peacefulness of it. The menacing pack looked crazed and starved. They growled loudly and snapped at each other while they positioned themselves around us and closed in. The horses immediately started in on their panic ritual, rearing up and making all sorts of racket. Olin had anchored them down so they couldn't run off and now they couldn't get away or defend themselves. Olin and I unsheathed our weapons and placed Antonia between us. Those manic beasts were going to have to go through us if they wanted to get to her. I am not exactly sure how many angry mutts we were facing, but just as soon as I collected my thoughts and started counting a barrage of arrows rained down upon them. Suddenly, as if from out of nowhere, a small patrol from my father's guard burst on to the scene. Each of them was notching another arrow on their bows and ready to fire again. The dogs that managed to survive the initial barrage fled in confusion. Some of the soldiers pursued them a short distance to make sure they were indeed leaving for good. Olin raised a hand to one of them, they seemed to know one another. They talked in private for quite sometime all the while glancing in my direction. I just know he told that man that I am the princess. I really wanted to make this trip incognito, but considering our luck on this trip thus far, it may not be a bad idea to have a few more armed personnel around. The patrol group consisted of five men all on horseback. They just happened to be in the area when they heard our horses start squealing and rushed to aid them. I am thankful they did. Hindsight being what it is, I'm still glad we left Vensk.

The guard patrol escorted us back to the small keep, as it was getting dark, with no more incidents. We ate some grub and headed off to bed. Tomorrow, with any luck, we'll be on the other end of the Valley of Shadows and closer to the Lake District.

Day 15-Sondai, Augusta 23...Another dreadful day in Vensk

2009-08-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Olin came into our room this morning to check on Antonia. The look on his face told me all I needed to know. We weren't leaving Vensk today, UGH! I don't think I can stand another day of this...this psuedo solitary confinement. I'm going back to sleep and hopefully I will sleep the whole day away. Perhaps I can even get to the end of my nightmare if I sleep long enough. It would almost be better than staying here yet another day...almost. I'm so irritated I don't even feel like writing either. So sleep wins...we better leave here tomorrow or I'll scream.

Day 14-Setzdei, 22 Augusta...Another day in Vensk, another nightmare

2009-08-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

I was awoken yet again by one of my nightmares. It was early, well before sunrise. The room was very dark and I could hear rain pouring down outside. My nightmare was so vivid this time...so real. I could feel everything from the coldness to my heartbeat; I could even taste the damp musty air around me. When the light flickered I could see that the silhouetted figure was wearing a cloak, and appeared taller than the average person, or so it seemed. This time, my nightmare revealed to me that I was shackled to the floor (Was I a prisoner?), and the voice I heard definitely came from somewhere within the same room. Was the voice coming from someone in the same situation I appeared to be in? I have to talk to somebody about these nightmares, maybe it will help...maybe I will remember more if I talk it out loud with somebody else. I would tell Antonia but she has enough to deal with right now. Olin may just think I'm weird, or he will just completely write it off as just a nightmare and he'll say they don't have any meaning, whatsoever. I used to feel that way about nightmares but not this one. It is trying to tell me something, but what? I hate the cryptic nature of the whole thing. I wish I could just stay asleep and see the whole dream to its end, if there is one, but something always wakes me up. FRUSTRATING!

Antonia woke up shortly after sunrise. She looked a whole lot better than she did yesterday. I mean her face was still marked up and her lip was really fat, but she had a little sparkle in her eye that wasn't there yesterday. I could tell she was feeling a little farther away from death, not really alive, but certainly not dead. We made small talk, I didn't want her to waste her energy on conversation, she needed to recover. We needed to get out of Vensk and over the Pass of Sorrows so we could make it to her home in the Lake District. We still had a good bit of travelling ahead of us and none of it, according to Olin, was easy. She ate and drifted off back to sleep. I think Olin is having the cook slip something in her food so she stays asleep and recovers. It's just a thought. I have never known Antonia to want to stay in bed for such an extended period of time. Although, I've never seen her in quite this shape before either.

I managed to drag my very sore body, and head, out of bed. I made my way down the stairs to find Olin sitting at a window staring outside. He looked like he was waiting for somebody, probably our missing contact. I sat down next to him and he told me that no one has heard or seen our contact for a few days. Most people suspected that he had gone down the hill to Edgewood for supplies, but Olin didn't seem so convinced. I sat there by him and watched the rain come down. It must have lulled me to sleep ,because when I awoke, I was back in my bed and the dark of night had settled in. Hopefully, we'll be able to get on our way tomorrow. I'm not liking Vensk that much. Maybe Antonia will feel up to travelling...I pray she does.

Day 13-Freidei, Augusta 20...Battered, bruised and not going anywhere

2009-08-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

My headache was unbelievably painful this morning...who am I kidding? My head hurt all day long! Never in my life have I felt this sore and beat up. I woke up before Antonia, she looked a whole lot worse off than I imagined I looked. I wondered where Olin found her, and after sleeping on it I kind of wanted to know how Olin was able to run off or kill those raiders that ambushed us. I could ask him, but I'm not sure he would tell me. He has never been much of a story teller or one for any conversation for that matter. Olin came in and checked on Antonia and I this morning and bluntly told us that we would be staying here until Antonia was able to travel again. He guessed two nights ought to be enough but only time would tell. I almost brought myself to ask him about the ambush, but I didn't. He seemed distracted by something other than the scrap from last night. I laid my head back down on the pillow and must have slipped off to sleep, because when I woke, Antonia was propped up in her bed eating some soup or something liquid like. She glanced over at me and shot me a smile through her scratched up face and her fat lip. It was a welcome sight to see her alert and somewhat smiling. I can't believe the relief I felt when I saw her laying next to me last night, and now she is alert and eating and I feel even better. I don't know what I would do if I lost my friend in such a senseless manner. Antonia finished eating and drifted off to sleep again. I guess it is exactly what she needs right now.

I spent the rest of the day thinking about my nightmare, and what is causing it to happen or what it all means? It is slowly starting to drive me crazy, and on top of that there is this mystery that I have gotten myself mixed up in. I suppose I could just forget all about this mystery and move on with my life as if nothing ever happened. After all, this whole thing has nearly killed my best friend. I'll have to talk it over with Antonia when she is feeling better and get her thoughts on the matter.

Olin came in to check on the two of us one last time before going off to bed himself. Antonia was resting comfortably in her bed. I, on the other hand, didn't feel like sleeping. Olin sat in the chair near my bed and ,shockingly, gave me an abridged version of what happened with the raiders and where he had found Antonia. He said that he saw me take down my first opponent after I crushed his jaw, and he was too late getting to my side when the second assailant clubbed me in the base of my skull. The hit sent me flying forward and I appeared to be unconscious before I fell to the ground. He struck, the guy who clubbed me, with his sword and he toppled to the ground dead. Three others chased after the horses that were, at this point, dragging Antonia off into the trees. He pursued the trio and caught them off guard while they were attempting to calm the horses down. He said they didn't offer up too much of a fight and he killed the three of them quickly. He was able to calm and untangle the horses, then he found Antonia just a few feet away. He feared the worst when he saw her, but when he approached her to pick her up she was breathing. She was out cold but alive. He placed her on the back of a horse and came back for me. He loaded me up on the other horse and brought the two of us into Vensk. I do believe this was the most I've ever heard Olin talk. I asked him if anything else was bothering him as he left our room. He said he wasn't able to find our contact to get word back to Distress, and no one seems to have seen our contact in a day or two...could he possibly be, yet, another victim to this strange mystery. Why does everything always seem to come back to these disappearances? Perhaps it is just a coincidence? We'll see tomorrow I guess.

Day 12-Dunsdai, Augusta 20...Edgewood and beyond

2009-08-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I slept like the dead last night. Thankfully! I must have been truly worn out and exhausted. If only I could manage to sleep like that every night. I feel rested, relaxed and rejuvenated and not a moment too soon. If I had continued on my downward spiral I don't think I could have made it to the Lake District with my sanity intact. I realize that I may be celebrating my return to the living a little prematurely, as we still have the better part of two days or more, but I felt real good this morning. Sure, my mind is still swimming with everything going on but I am not feeling so overwhelmed...so beaten down by it all. Most importantly my appetite has returned. I'm just worthless if I don't eat, and eat is exactly what I did when I woke up this morning. I got out of bed, cleaned up a little, dressed and headed for the breakfast table at the inn we were in. They were serving fresh baked biscuits with sausage gravy and apple filled pastries. It was wonderful. Olin stammered down from his room he looked a little sore from the scrap he was in with the raiders. He didn't say much (he rarely does) and just sat there and devoured his breakfast. Antonia on the other hand preferred to sleep in as long as Olin and I would let her. She must have needed sleep more than food.

We packed up our horses and headed out of Edgewood and made our way towards the Pass of Sorrows, our most dangerous and difficult part of the journey. The terrain leading up to the summit of the Pass of Sorrows is very rocky and unstable making it very difficult on our horses. We were going to need to walk parts of it, however, the views were spectacular looking back down toward Edgewood. Our destination was a small village that lies just below the pass called Vensk. Olin said it was a fairly rough place filled with miners and nomads. We were to watch our step when we arrived.

The trail we were on was very hard to navigate. The horses weren't happy at all, especially when the wind picked up. The incline kept getting steeper and steeper and the footing looser and looser. It wasn't fun at all. I think Antonia should have taken the time to eat something substantial for breakfast this morning. She was struggling, and our measly collection of dried fruits and nuts wasn't cutting it. We approached one climb that required us to walk, and when Antonia dismounted her horse she fell hard and really bruised herself up and on top of that her horse stumbled and hurt its front leg. We rested there for quite a while and tended to both of their injuries. Olin was insistent that we make it to Vensk before night came. He said we didn't want to be caught outside the village, on our own, after dark. The dangers escalated dramatically under nightfall, and not only due to the lack of visibility. Apparently, the predators that inhabit this area are very active at night and are extremely dangerous, not to mention the rogue bandits and raiders that frequent this area. However, Antonia was in pretty bad shape, as was her horse. Niether could move very fast. We kept making progress towards Vensk but we just weren't going fast enough and we were soon engulfed by darkness as the sun faded from the sky. Visibility was near zero thanks to the ominous looking cloud cover. Olin unsheathed his sword and carried it at the ready; I followed suit. We put Antonia and her horse in between us to discourage the predators from attacking the visibly wounded. We were making slow, yet steady progress when suddenly from all around us flames erupted from out of nowhere. Olin yelled, "Ambush!" and turned to face an approaching attacker. He dispatched the bandit quickly and readied himself for the next one. That is when I lost track of Olin. I had my own problems to deal with. I handed the reins of my horse over to Antonia, and in all the confusion she was dragged off into the woods by the horses as they fled from the encroaching flames. I parried the first attacker and struck him across the face with the hilt of my sword and the rest was just a blur, then sudden darkness and silence, enveloped me. The next thing I knew, Olin was kneeling over me wiping the side of my head. I finally realized I was bleeding and then the pain set in. I have never felt such excruciating pain ever in my life. I finally muttered Antonia's name and Olin just shot me a bewildered look and a shrug. I snapped to, sat straight up and yelled Antonia's name...no answer came. I asked Olin, "Where was she?" "What had happened to her?" "Was she...was she dead?" I passed out, or so Olin told me that is what happened when I came to, again.

Next thing I remembered was lying in a small bed in Vensk, and when I looked next to me...there was Antonia in the bed next to mine. Oh thank God, she was still alive, oh thank God...

Olin didn't say anything about the night's events and I didn't ask...I really didn't want to know.

Day 11-Mittelweek, Augusta 19...Be careful what you wish for

2009-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

The rain poured down on us all night long. Between the rain, the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements (I hate sleeping on the ground!) and my mind racing with thoughts of nightmares and of Jakob, I didn't get one ounce of sleep last night. Things are definitely crazy right now. I had no idea it was going to be this difficult or scary, and it's only the second day! My head hurts! My heart aches! I'm a mess! I'll try to keep myself composed in front of Antonia and Olin. I suspect Antonia isn't faring much better. It really puts a whole new perspective on these disappearances when a child goes missing, as opposed to just animals. I know I've hinted that my life thus far has been fairly dull and boring and I wanted a little excitement, but I never imagined I would find myself involved in something like this. Whatever "this" is?

We were all up before sunrise to break down camp so we could get to the village of Pont. The rain made it absolutely miserable and I don't think the horses were having much fun either. We finally loaded the last of our things and made it to Pont by mid morning. Olin tracked down our contact here, while Antonia and I asked around about Rex Thyne. The folks we talked to knew him, but didn't know where he might be, or if he would be through these parts anytime soon. Strike one on finding Rex. Pont is a much larger village than Bountiful. It serves as a major trading center out here in the Grunlow Plains. Nowhere near the size of Distress, but big enough to have its own Royal Guard regiment stationed here to protect it from brigand raids. Antonia and I talked to a few of the guards about anything they may have heard about the disappearances. Of course, we couldn't let on that we were investigating the mystery just in case any of them recognized me. We acted like we were just curious to hear the latest rumors. More of the same unfortunately, and it doesn't seem that Jakob's disappearance had reached this far yet. We kept it to ourselves.

Olin found us and we ate, then hit the road again. We had a long way to go to get to our next destination, Edgewood. The terrain started getting a little more hilly (is that a word?) and our progress slowed. We were nearing the edge of the "Green Giant" and closing in on Edgewood when we were confronted by four armed raiders. They wanted our supplies and our horses, but Olin was going to have none of that. He may have a dull personality but his skill with a sword are unbelievable. He didn't hesitate for them to make the first move, and before I could even think about unsheathing my sword he had disarmed and killed the closest raider. The others fled in such a flash I couldn't even describe what they looked like. Thank God for Olin, and I'll have to thank my father for insisting that he come. He is a smart man, after all.

We reached Edgewood as it was getting dark, and after our most recent excitement, we were all tired and only wanted to sleep. Maybe I'll actually be able to sleep tonight. I'm exhausted. We secured some rooms and as we were heading off to bed I thanked Olin for being there. He nodded and said, "It's my job." as if it was all in a days work for him. I appreciate him a little more tonight than I ever have before and it made me realize that I have been very insensitive and shallow with him. I'll change that.

I'm going to try and get some sleep...wish me luck.

Day 10-Duisdai, Augusta 18...Our first investigation

2009-08-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep well, if at all last night. Not sure if I was trying to avoid having another nightmare or was it because my mind was busy with Jakob's disappearance and what his poor family might be going through. Probably a little of both. I think Antonia was struggling to sleep as well. She was pretty restless in the bunk next to mine, tossing and turning all night. It was well before sunrise, and I sat at the edge of my bed and stared blankly into space for what seemed like hours before I asked Antonia if she was awake. She was, so we took advantage of our pseudo privacy and discussed what our plans for the day were going to be. We obviously wanted to go to the place where Jakob had disappeared. We weren't feeling very energetic, in fact, the whole situation had us both feeling a little depressed...okay a LOT depressed. Neither of us had any clue as to what we were going to be looking for when we got there, but we both felt so compelled to go. Maybe something will look odd or different to one of us that nobody else picked up on. Who knows...maybe we'll feel something rather than see something?

The smell of breakfast beginning to cook only livened our spirits a little bit, so we headed down to the dining area to eat. Jakob's parents were there; they were sitting in front of the fire place holding each other, staring blankly at the fire. Jakob's father, Emil, glanced over at us and then turned his attention back to the fire. Olin had followed us down and joined us for breakfast (he looked well rested). No words were spoken at the table, and when we were finished eating we silently followed Jakob's parents outside. Emil said he wanted us to follow them to their home, and then he would show us where Jakob was last seen. We did just that. What an excruciatingly sad, awful trip that was.

We arrived at the house, it was such a nice looking little place with a beautiful flower garden and bustling with all sorts of small farm animals. Something was definitely missing though, as if this picturesque little scene wasn't complete. It was Jakob. Even though I had never met him, I could sense that his presence was sorely missed. We were shown the gate where he was last scene, and like all the other stories we'd heard about, there was no physical clues of any kind. I stood there with my eyes closed for quite some time trying to feel something...anything. Nothing happened. We came up with nothing and it makes me so angry and sad that we couldn't help Jakob's parents in their suffering. I hate that feeling of hopelessness. We spent way more time there than we should have when Olin reminded us that we needed to keep moving. We left on our way and told Emil and his wife that we wouldn't give up, and that as soon as we found something we would send word to them. They graciously thanked us for our efforts and wished us well.

We continued on our way in silence until it got too dark to travel safely. We didn't quite make it to the next village so we had to set up camp. The three of us went to sleep without eating dinner, nor was anything said. What could be said? We failed in our first investigation...well, it sure felt like a failure.

Day 9-Mondai, Augusta 17...The journey begins

2009-08-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

I woke up in a panic this morning, my nightmare returned more vividly than ever. Nothing more was revealed but everything was more real, more intense than the ones before. I wish it would just go away and leave me alone! It is driving me crazy!

My mind was distracted all day by the nightmare. I packed the remainder of my things and headed to the north gate to meet Antonia (Olin followed me there *sigh*). On my way I stopped in to see my friend Eron to see if he had any information on Rex Thyne. He said he had no ideas but he tends his herd all throughout the Grunlow Plains. Antonia was waiting for me at the gate and we set out. Together we left the city of Distress behind us. Our journey is going to take us north and east through the Grunlow Plains, across the Pass of Sorrows, down into the Valley of Shadows and finally to the Lake District. It will take us four to five days to complete assuming nothing happens to slow us down. The "Green Giant" is easy to navigate and the trail is well marked. I hope we run across Rex, and if we do I hope he can share with us what he knows and has seen. With Olin tagging along this is going to hinder our investigation. I know why my father insisted he come and I understand it. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

The Grunlow Plains are beautiful this time of year. The flowers and crops are at their peak and the wildlife is very active. Our first stop for the night is a small village called Bountiful. It is comprised of a small inn, a tavern, a blacksmith and a provisioner. We acquired ourselves a room at the inn, secured our horses in their stables and headed to the tavern. The tavern wasn't very busy. We ordered some drinks and sat at a corner table near the front door. I'm not quite sure Olin was comfortable sitting with us "girls". We sat there quite a while trying to listen in on other people's conversations for stories about the disappearances. Nothing was being said about it. When suddenly a lady and her husband rushed in looking for their son. They were both in such a crazed state of panic. At first their ranting was just a jumbled mess of screams and yells. Finally, the barmaid was able to calm the male down enough to get something understandable out of him. He said their son had just disappeared moments ago, and they couldn't find him anywhere. Antonia and I glanced at each other knowing this may be a huge clue. Antonia approached the mother of the missing child and tried to console her and calm her down. She wasn't having much luck. The barmaid was having an easier time with the father as he was starting to become more coherent. I went to the father and asked him where this had happened. He told me that he and his son were putting the horses in the barn for the night, and while he was locking up, his son had gone to shut the gate and never came back. His son, Jakob, is only eleven years old. I can't imagine the fear that must be going through their minds. I got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat hearing the story. I did manage to get the location of their farm, but it was getting dark and wouldn't be worth investigating it tonight. It will have to wait until morning, just our luck. On the other hand, we are lucky that the farm is in the direction we are travelling. I think I even saw Olin get a little choked up by tonight's events, and on top of that, I've talked him in to going to the farm to check it out as a service from the capital city of Distress. This is the first time I've heard of a person vanishing, but it has to be related...it just has to be.

Oh yeah, Olin also made contact with our first person so a message could be relayed back to my father. So far so good!

Day 8-Sondai, Augusta 16...Nightmares, prepping and packing

2009-08-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

I had another one of my unsettling nightmares last night. It was the same as all the ones I've had before, darkness, cold-damp-thick air, a flicker of light revealing a shadowed figure, a whisper of an inaudible voice from somewhere in the darkness and now a loud thunderous clanging noise like metal striking metal...what does this all mean? The images, or lack there of, are so vivid I would swear it was real. I was so disturbed by this latest dream that I couldn't eat breakfast this morning, and Cassandra even made her bread pudding. I love that stuff! My stomach just wouldn't allow it. Sad start to my day.

I pulled myself together by lunchtime and found enough courage and energy to approach my father and ask him about going with Antonia to the Lake District. I had trouble convincing him initially, but I finally wore him down. He, of course, insisted that Olin accompany us on our journey (I knew this was going to be the case). I was also to leave word with certain people along our way so they could send word back to Distress about our progress. This was going to be a bit of a problem where our investigating was concerned. It is going to eat up a lot of free time trying to track these people down along the way. We'll just have to make do.

I received word from Antonia that her father had granted her permission to make the trip. I was excited and nervous about making our way and finding out all we could about this mystery. I spent the rest of my afternoon packing my bags and tending to my horse, Isabella. She needed a lot of attention...such a mess. My afternoon was shot getting her ready, but it kept my mind busy and calmed my nervous energy.

Day 7-Setzdei, Augusta 15...Reality check

2009-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning much later than usual. No bad dream, I must have been too tired to even dream. I stayed in bed for a while just staring at the ceiling. Last night's party must have really worn me out. It was well past mid-morning before I rolled out of bed. I walked out to my balcony to take in some fresh air. I was standing there taking in the view when it dawned on me, everything that I could see would be my responsibility at some point. For the first time I began to understand my role and what it means to the people below in the streets of Distress and all across the countryside. I was going to be their Queen one day. From the Elnar Mountains and Shadow Forest to the south, the Lake District in the east and the Canyon Lands beyond that, as well as, The Grunlow Lowlands (nicknamed the "Green Giant" by the locals) a vast prairie with rolling hills to the north and west, every citizen was going to depend on me for protection and stability. Scary to think about. The thought of it is overwhelming and humbling. I hope I'm ready for it when the time comes.

After my eye opening experience on the balcony finished settling into my soul, I sent a message to Antonia. I asked her to meet me at our favorite bakery in the Merchant District called The Peasants Loaf. The breads and pastries there are to die for! My personal guard, Olin, tagged along - scratch that, he was ordered to accompany me and Antonia on our "errands". Olin isn't a bad guy but I really wish he would loosen up a little. He is always so serious and stoic, and not much fun. At least he wasn't trailing us in his dress armor, father allowed him to go incognito. We didn't need all the attention that would have brought upon us. Antonia and I loaded up our satchels with tasty baked wonders and headed for the Barter District. A lot of outsiders and nomadic types congregate there to trade goods and swap stories. It was a good place to start.

We went in to the Green Dog, a tavern popular with outsiders. Olin was fairly apprehensive and a little confused about what type of business Antonia and I needed to conduct in such a place. As far as he knew, the two of us were just procuring items for Antonia's father. Just through our abilities to eavesdrop we overheard a lot of talk about this mystery. There was one individual who had a group of people around him and he was regaling them with a story about his missing horse. He said he had set up camp shortly before sundown and had tied his horse up to a nearby tree. Then he made preparations for a small fire and when he turned around to look at his horse, it was gone. No noise...no trace, the only thing that was unusual was a strong gust of wind on what had been a very wind-free evening. We talked to him after the crowd had dispersed but he couldn't recall anymore and he was visibly distraught, so we let him be. He did give us directions to the place where his horse had disappeared. I'd like to go check it out and see if we see something that was missed. Then, I asked around if anyone knew a Rex Thyne and might know where I might start looking for him, but no one could help. I'll just go see Eron later and see if he has any information on Rex's whereabouts or grazing routes. All in all our trip to the Barter District was productive.

We ended our day early so Olin wouldn't get too suspicious about our motives for being in the Barter District. Antonia did purchase a keg of ale for her father's trip back to the Lake District, so it all looked legitimate in the eyes of my guard. I hope.

Tomorrow I ask my father if I can accompany Antonia back to the Lake District for a little relaxation, but we want to take the route around the lake on horseback instead of on the boat. I hate being so deceitful, but I don't want him or my mother to know that I am looking into this mystery. Especially since they won't tell me anything up front. We'll see how it goes. Antonia is asking her father tonight.

Day 6-Freidei, Augusta 14...My twentieth birthday extravaganza

2009-08-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, the waiting was finally over. My birthday was here at last. I woke up early this morning to get ready...no nightmares. Throughout history, twentieth birthday celebrations in the Royal Family have been anchored by tradition and are also the source of many tales and legends. One of my favorites involved my Great-Great Grandfather and his amazing display of strength. As the story goes he apparently lifted a two wheeled pony cart with two attractive ladies on board over his head. He did so to prove his love to a peasant girl and prove to his own father (my Great-Great-Great Grandfather) that loving a peasant wouldn't make him weak. It must have worked because he was allowed to marry her. Definitely my favorite story. I wonder if he really lifted that cart? My party was great, nothing noteworthy happened but it was still an incredible time.

The weather was beautiful, I guess it paid to be selfish this time. Yay me! My mother had people come in and fix up my hair, it turned out amazing. My mom commented how much she loved the way my black hair complimented my beautiful dress. She said I was the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen (with a tear in her eye). For my mother that is an amazing compliment she just doesn't show emotion too often. It surprised me a little.

The Grand Hall was decorated with such vibrantly colored banners and way to many candles to count. The flickering from the flames made the walls look they were in constant motion. It was the perfect atmosphere for my big day. People arrived one huge group after another until the Grand Hall was filled to the limit. I was watching the guests arrive from a secluded balcony...I had to wait to be announced. It was all part of the declaration ceremony. Once everybody was situated in the hall the festivities would begin. I was able to locate Antonia and her father they had a table near mine, she looked great! It will be great to celebrate with my friend. I was feeling quite nervous leading up to the ceremony, there were so many people. Crowds aren't necessarily my thing. The waiting killed me! I felt much better once the whole thing was underway. I was introduced, then I entered the Grand Hall in style. The ceremony itself was over before I knew it. It was a whirlwind of activity accompanied by a lot of coming of age jargon. I was officially the next ruler of Distress.

Let the party begin...I found Antonia and we went over our plans for the evening. We danced, ate, drank a little wine (Antonia drank a little more) and had an unbelievable time. We had such a great time and completely lost ourselves as well as track of time. We weren't able to get any of our investigating done, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I loved everything about today and it left me absolutely exhausted. No legends were made, I don't think, but a very memorable time was had by all.

Day 5-Dunsdai, Augusta 13...Searching for clues

2009-08-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

My dream returned last night, although, I hesitate to call it a dream anymore. It is becoming an unsettling nightmare. Each one seems to be revealing just a little bit more than the previous one. This one offered up the blinding darkness, the cold emptiness, the flicker of light revealing a silhouetted figure and this time a voice. I couldn't make out what was said; it came through as only a light whisper, barely audible. I worry why I am having these strange reoccurring nightmares, I never used too. Could it be stress related or something more sinister? I suppose it is yet another mystery for me to solve.

I ate breakfast alone (hotcakes with fresh wild berries and juice) and pondered my plan of action for the day. The weather was much better so that shouldn't cause me any grief. I quickly got myself ready for my day out in the streets of Distress. I had to be sneaky so I could get out of the palace unseen and not trailed by my personal guard. Father would hate that I am out alone but I can't risk anyone knowing what it is I'm up to.

I managed to slip out undetected and headed for the docks. I wanted to talk to my friend Eron who works in one of the drinking halls. He is always up on the latest gossip so I thought it would be a productive first stop. I was right. Eron told me of some locals talking about missing livestock just a few leagues away from town. He also said there was no sign of tracks or clues left by thieves. They just seemed to vanish without a trace. He gave me the name of a nomadic rancher, Rex Thyne, who said he saw something very unusual a few nights back, but Eron was unsure if it was related or not. His instincts are pretty good so I will attempt to track this Mr. Thyne down, after my birthday. I thanked Eron for his time and left for the Harbor Store, a supply and surplus dealer.

I posed a few questions to some ship captains and deck hands but came up empty. I think they were just too busy to answer a few questions from some snoopy little girl. If only they knew I was the princess, but I wasn't about to reveal myself by playing that card.

I had a busy morning and made it back to the palace before anyone noticed me missing. Just as I finished changing into more suitable house attire my mother knocked on my door. She told me that Antonia and her father were due to arrive anytime now and wondered if I wanted to head down to the docks to greet them (if only she knew). Of course I wanted to, so I headed down to the pier with my mother.

Antonia and her father arrived and I greeted my friend with a huge hug. It was so good to see her. I didn't reveal anything I had learned earlier about the mystery; I'll save that for tomorrow. At the moment all I wanted to do was catch up and enjoy dinner with my friend.

Tomorrow we'll celebrate my birthday and declaration ceremony then we can get down to comparing notes about this mystery.

Day 4-Mittelweek, Augusta 12...A dreary day

2009-08-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

No dreams last night (or at least none I can recall) and I woke up to pouring down rain. The clouds blocked out the sun rising in the east. It was grey and gloomy, just a plain depressing sort of day from the beginning. I really hope this weather clears up by Freidei! I sound selfish but I don't want rain on my birthday...is that too much to hope for? I am really looking forward to the ceremony my mother and father have planned for me. You see, not only is it my birthday on Freidei, but I also recieve a declaration to become the sole heir to the throne upon my father's death (God forbid). It is just a part of turning twenty I guess. I so look forward to the celebration, the song, music, food and dance but I must say I'm a little nervous about the responsibility that my future carries. What if I'm an awful ruler...Queen...leader...whatever?

After my near nervous breakdown, I had breakfast with my mother (a rare treat). She had details to go over with me about the declaration ceremony. Mostly she just droned on and on about the guestlist and who was going to be there. On the upside, Cassandra made a wonderful egg casserole and fresh sweet rolls. YUM! Our conversation was going pretty well until I mentioned the strange disappearances being reported, and then she just shut down and changed the subject as if I hadn't said a thing about it. Now I am sure these reports are true and that something is definitely going on, and I am going to find out what it is. I feel so left out...so untrusted...UGH!

I was frustrated so I took out my frustrations during my sword training with Tren. I think he could tell I was angry and needed to let off some pent up anger. He noted that I was behaving very aggressively yet I was still able to exhibit great focus and composure. It was just the type of thing I needed after the morning I had. I was beat and physically drained. I felt good but still angry and upset over the whole thing.

By mid-afternoon it was still pouring down rain. So, I locked myself up in my room and came up with a plan of action to uncover this disappearance mystery. I came up with a couple of ideas and I'll start my investigation tomorrow.

Day 3-Tuisdai, Augusta 11...Dresses and Mystery

2009-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

I woke up in a cold sweat from the dream I was having. It was like the one from the night before but I remember seeing a light flicker in the darkness. The light briefly showed a shadowed figure and then it was gone...so strange. I wonder what could be bringing on these dreams they are like nothing I have ever experienced before, so real. I crawled back in bed and got some more sleep...sort of. What seemed like only minutes after getting back in bed my mom was knocking at my door to get me up for our trip to the seamstress. I quickly got out of bed and the two of us headed to the south end of Distress to the merchant quarter.

The seamstress is a lovely, joyful (if not a little over the top) lady whose name is Cassandra. She was so full of energy even though it was still just after sunrise. She must have something good cooked up for herself by the local herbalist. Perhaps a little tweakweed? She retook my measurements (she took them a few weeks ago), disappeared behind a curtain and returned with the three choices she had to offer. I was absolutely floored, all three were amazingly beautiful. One was a light blue that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight coming in through the window. Another was a rich burgundy red with lace and sequin touches throughout. The last was an emerald green gown with beautifully embroidered sleeves. It was a tough choice but in the end I chose the red one. I thought it was just right for me, I truly love it.

After the morning's excitement I had a couple of what usually are very dull meetings to attend. Well, the first one was boring, but during the second meeting we had a mysterious visitor from the farthest reaching province of my father's kingdom. He brought word of more livestock gone missing. My father adjourned the meeting early and disappeared into his study accompanied by the visitor. I wish I knew what was going on...it is not fair. I hate feeling out of the loop.

The rest of the day I spent pondering yet another mystery and my strange dream. It is beginning to consume my free time. Oh well, at least it gives me something productive to do.

Wonder what tomorrow might bring?

Day 2-Mondai, Augusta 10...An unusual dream and a letter

2009-08-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning struggling to remember the strange dream I had. I could see my self surrounded by darkness. I felt cold and damp and the silence was deafening. That is all I could remember...it was weird. I dragged myself out of bed and went to my balcony. The clouds were thick and settled on the surface of the lake blocking my view of the sunrise. I threw some clothes on and went to breakfast.

Cook had prepared ham and potato hash...so good! Fresh biscuits with fresh butter, I ate til I was sick! I love Selene, she is an awesome cook! No meetings after breakfast today so I ran down to the gate to see if I had any letters from far off places. One came from my friend Antonia of Lakeside Village. Here is what she had to say (it was a little odd)...

Hey Damzee,

I am so excited that I get to come for your birthday. It has been so long since I've seen you. What like, three years or so? My dad and I are going to make the trip on his boat, should be fun. We will probably be on our way by the time you get this. You know it takes like three and a half days to get there by boat, but my dad is going to stock up on supplies while we're there, too. I can't wait! It is going to be such a great time. You know how much I like to dance and drink a little wine. Not a word about the wine to my father though; he'd kill me.

On another note, I am not sure if you have heard the rumors on your side of the lake about the strange disappearances. We have heard of a number of cattle and sheep missing or vanishing. I have heard about a couple of horses and even a dog that were missing. My dad thinks it is just a band of thieves, but I am not so convinced. There are no reported signs of tracks or clues found by anyone. Thieves aren't that clever, are they? It is definitely a strange mystery.

Well, that is all for now. I will see you in a few days.

Love Antonia

After I read Antonia's letter, I took it to my father to see if he knew anything about these disappearance rumors from the lake provinces. He looked the last half of the letter over (I couldn't show him the first half, he might say something about the wine Antonia likes to drink to her father) and just grumbled something and headed toward his study. I don't know?

The rest of the day the rainy weather settled in over Distress, so I held up in my room and tried to recall more of my dream and thought about the things that Antonia wrote about in her letter. I am excited to see her on Freidai.

Going to bed early because tomorrow morning I am going to the seamstress with my mother to get fitted for my birthday dress. A touch of excitement tomorrow. *smile*

Day 1 - Sondai Augusta 9, ...I am so bored

2009-08-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

I am starting a diary today to give myself something to do. Being 19 years old and the princess here in Distress can be somewhat mundane. I woke up this morning and went to my balcony to watch the sunrise crest the horizon. Gee my day starts early! It was beautiful and I love to watch the colors change in the sky. I also get to glimpse the city that lies below, so peaceful and quiet. It won't be that way in a couple of hours, however. The noise that emanates from the street below my room is enough to drive anyone mad! I could smell my breakfast coming from the dining hall, so I dressed and headed off to eat.

Breakfast was great as usual. Cook is so wonderful and I can't get enough of her bread pudding. It's like eating french toast flavored goodness smothered in sweet cream. After breakfast is when my day gets really dull and boring. I had a couple of Royal meetings to attend. *yawn* Nothing ever happens here.

Today I worked on my swordsmanship skills. My dad really hates that I want to wield a sword and learn to defend myself. He always says, "That is what your personal guards are for!" He is such a traditionalist, but I love him for it :). My teacher, Tren, is a great warrior and is one of dad's top soldiers. He has taught me so much. I really love the freedom it gives me to be swinging that sword around with control and graceful movements. I don't care what my dad says I am not giving this up!

Nothing of any intrest, whatsoever, happened the rest of the day. I ate dinner and crawled into bed. Typical...so typical.