After mourning the loss of our fallen brethren, we were able to replenish some of our losses. Ajax remembered that he could somehow activate the giant statues we’d seen upstairs! They came to life and were pledged to fight by our side. I thank Com Durak for this incredible gift.

We searched the lower level, but every room appeared to have been thoroughly looted. The furniture was thrown about with disregard. It’s sad to see such finery treated as trash. And in a sacred temple! Whoever did this has no respect for the Gods. In one of the rooms, I found a peculiar little figurine. It was a man with wings! He looked like he was wearing a harness with wings attached to it. It intrigued me because I’d never seen men attempt to fly in such a fashion! I think I’ll keep it, and see if I can find the meaning behind it.

After this, we encountered a most… Disturbing enemy. It was a man dressed in black robes. When he laid eyes on Bingo, he thrust forth his fingers and shot a bolt of deathly energy at him. Luckily, he missed, and Gi’ Kar cut him down immediately. But when he pulled his blade from the man’s chest, it was not covered with blood, but some vile black thing. I can’t imagine, and I really don’t want to know, what ran in this man’s veins. His other hand was clutching a piece of paper when he died. It read: Dru Te’Pa. Ajax confirmed it was in the language of his God, but he was not sure what it meant.

When the time came to head down again, Ajax told me the power word for the stone because we couldn’t fit everyone on it. He went down with Bingo, Gi’ Kar, and one of our stone friends. I took the last of us and stood on the stone, but though I listened carefully to Ajax when he told me the words, I just could not seem to get it to work! I was becoming frustrated beyond belief as my small party was stuck sitting on the stone, trying to will it to work. Finally, I rethought the way I was saying it, and the stone took us down to the lower level. As soon as we were down we could hear the sounds of battle. I rounded the corner and saw my brothers in the heat of an intense fight. Just as I got there, Ajax was speared through the middle, and fell in a bloody heap in the corner. I rushed to him and spoke the words of power. Luckily, some of his wounds closed up, but he was still hurting. I turned to see Bingo make a spectacular maneuver off the wall to cleave one of our foes in half. Only after did I realize that Bingo had been on the wall! He’s a wall crawler! Spectacular! I’d heard stories of Sol Kal who could do this, but I’d never seen one in real life.

Eventually, we prevailed in this battle, but we paid dearly with our blood. I’ve tried my best to heal our team, but I just feel so drained. I’m not sure how much more help I’ll be to them for a while.

From where we stood in the temple, there were three doors along the far wall that looked like excellent places to begin our search for the stairs. We chose the middle and proceeded to search each room along the hallway inside. Or rather, Bingo and Gi’ Kar did. I was stuck in the large room making sure no harm came to Savantha. I know I need to make sure she’s safe, and I will do my best toward that end; but it kills me to be left out of the adventure. Fortunately, I was able to peek into the rooms after they were cleared by the other two. Fascinating! Huge structures of solid rock were inside each room. Large man-shaped statues as well as altars which were once considered holy. And waiting behind is not all bad. I was able to speak at length with Ajax about Com ‘Durak and the temple. His knowledge is limited, but still, it is much broader than mine. The stout God of the Earth intrigues me. And it’s strange, but I feel as though I am gathering strength simply from being in such a consecrated place. Truly remarkable.

Some of the rooms we found included a library full of books in the ancient language of Com ‘Durak. Not even Ajax could read into the old pages though. We also discovered what appeared to be a forge of some sort. I have no experience with forgery, but I have heard and read about them. Rarely on Orb is there enough metal in one place to warrant a fully supplied forge, but it appears we have found one! I suppose no place is more fit to hold one, either. All kinds of interesting and wonderful devices were to be found in here, but since we didn’t find the stairs, Gi’ Kar was eager to move on. I would like to return here someday.

We also found a large room similar to the others in layout, but it had a very large circle design on the floor. It appeared to be made by master artisans, and seemed to depict the sun, the moon and stars, surrounded by runes. There was also a large purple stone set in to the wall. Ajax moved towards that immediately and snapped his fingers. He said the rock was made of amethyst and remembered that this stone is called a portal stone, and is used to transport people up or down, depending on which stone is used. He thought it was very unusual though, that the stone for going up was here, without the accompanying stone going down.

After some searching, we were able to find another portal stone pair. Ajax muttered some word of power and we found ourselves in a new place. Apparently under where we just came from. How strange. Bingo and Gi’ Kar each took one of our warriors and set off in different directions down the hallway. I heard sounds of fighting in both directions, but wasn’t able to help because I needed to stay back. And then it occurred to me: No one said I needed to stay put. They only said I needed to watch the girl. I can do that.

I chose the direction Gi’ Kar took, but I didn’t see him. There was a fork and I must have chosen the direction he didn’t choose. Even though I didn’t see him though, I did find some interesting rooms down a hallway. There were two rooms which each looked as though they had been sacked, but what was left appeared to be very high quality. The furniture was amazingly well crafted. Each room also had it’s own personal portal stone, with room for only one person. They each went up! I wonder to where. We also found gold. Gold! As in gold pieces which would be used to buy things. My tribe always bartered, so I’ve never even had any gold in my possession. Whoever lived here must have been very wealthy!

Back in the hallway, the sounds of battle were getting closer. Suddenly a horrible scream reached us and I almost retched when I found the source. A minotaur ran past from another hallway. He seemed to be wearing a… crown… One of my Gru’ Dwari soldiers was impaled on his horns, obviously dead. The minotaur’s head was covered in blood, and he stopped in the entrance to our hallway and worked furiously to remove the poor guy from his head. The two soldiers with us charged him, and actually managed to shoot him once before he turned his attention our way. He cut them down promptly, one after the other, then turned towards us. I drew my bow, but Ajax was quicker. He reached down and seemingly pulled pieces of earth from the ground. He then hurled them with all his might at the minotaur. At first he seemed stunned. Heck, I was stunned. I’d never seen the power of Com ‘Durak displayed in such a manner. He repeated the process, and the force of his rocks brought the beast down.

I rushed to my men, and thankfully one was still alive. Unfortunately, my Kaa’ Jah Kushani companion had been killed. I brought Ajax, Savantha and the last remaining soldier with me around the corner to try and find our friends. After rounding two corners, we found them. Bingo and Gi’ Kar were steeped in blood and surrounded by bodies. I gave them what aid I could, but sadly, of the ten soldiers who accompanied us out of Kon’ Te Kel’, only one was still standing. I will grieve for them with their brethren when we make it back to the village.

None of us had slept when the sun arose. In the morning, Jathan met with the tribal elders. He asked me to wait for him outside the Matriarch’s tent. The voices inside were at times agreeable, at times angry. I could hear my Tauren elders raising their voices. But after much debate an agreement was reached. The elders slowly exited the tent. Each looked at me and turned away. The Tauren were angry at me. The Cha’ Or seemed sad. The elder-most Tauren just shook his head as he walked away. He was snorting with malice.

Jathan was the last. He is much shorter than both the Cha’ Or elders and the Tauren. But still, he commands much authority. It must be the way he acts. He came to me and I listened. He explained much. He was sitting as Patriarch of the tribe until Vacae could be found. He had requested me from the Elders. He had a special task for me to fulfill. He told me he wanted me to journey to the Oasis of Verdun. But that was only the beginning of my journey. He wanted me to find the Quorum of Elders and ask them where the Bonding Year had gone. And when I had found out, he wanted me to travel there and find Aquila. And accompany him back to us. Jathan believes that our tribe will need Aquila’s help to find his mother.

I have no idea where to begin. Or how to find him once I have. But I suppose the first step is the Oasis. I can’t let my friend down, after all.

As Jathan was explaining my task, he led me to the part of camp where my Tauren had their tents. We came to the center, and every Tauren in our tribe was sitting before the Windtotem. Praying to the ancestors. I was about to join them when Jathan told me to keep standing. Before long, all of the others were standing. Looking at me. The elder-most Tauren asked me to step forward to the Windtotem. He pulled it from the ground as I watched and asked me to turn around. He seemed sad. Jio ‘Hanni, a female Tauren came forward and wrapped a leather harness around my shoulders and waist. When she pulled it tight and fastened the cords together, I felt a weight upon my back. I looked up to see the red ribbon of the Windtotem above my head.

That is what the Elders had been arguing about! Jathan had asked them to let me carry it with me. Why? The Elder behind me explained that Jathan believed I needed all of the ancestors’ blessings to succeed in my journey. After much debate they had agreed. I cannot decide whether to be angry at Jathan for depriving my people of it, or overjoyed that I now carry it with me.

Regardless, the day went on with much goodbyes and I received many parting gifts from my tribe. Then I set off across the plains towards the Oasis of Verdun. I’ve always been good at finding my way in the wilderness. Maybe that is why they picked me.

As I neared the Oasis, I began to come upon small settlements. Homes, villages, and other dwellings. The people were staring at me openly. Perhaps they were scared? Perhaps they were intrigued. I suppose they have not seen one of my kind. But even so, I don’t like the attention.

I don’t understand. Who are they? And why did they attack? I don’t understand.

They came from the direction of the smell. Kaa’ Jah Kushani in white. They all wore white. They were friendly. We welcomed them in easily. They said they were a guild of craftsmen from Verdun. There was no reason to doubt. They seemed to be looking for something. What, I could not decide. Although they did not trust our Cha’ Or brethren. They spoke to us, made friends easily. It wasn’t until dark that we saw their true character.

They found what they were looking for. It was not a thing, but a person. When twilight had taken the earth, they forced themselves in to the tent of our Matriarch. They killed the Cha’ Or guards, and captured her before we could fight. Each was strong and a keen warrior, but they were few. They escaped! Some did not. Our dead were many more than theirs. We did not find Vacae among the dead, and we assume she has been taken, although we do not know where.

Jathan searched among the dead for clues. I do not know of what, but he seemed angry. We were not able to follow the men.

We sang the song of the Earth as we buried them. From Earth our brothers came. To Earth they return.

Gi’ Kar is going to kill me. I’m thoroughly convinced that sooner or later he’s going to lose his patience with me, and introduce me to his new blade. Unfortunately, I feel it might be sooner rather than later. I just thank Kiefieh that I can fly and he can’t.

Outside the temple, Bingo had a most amazing experience. He suddenly began seeing things. I think Gi’ Kar thinks he’s crazy, but I believe him. If my goddess has bestowed such amazing things on me, what do the Gods have in store for the rest of our party? Bingo seems to have developed the ability to read auras. I’ve never met an Aura Reader before, but my mom used to tell me stories about them. I’m not sure exactly what it means to read auras, or even what they can tell him, but I value the chance to be friends with one. From what she told me, they are almost as rare as Markers. I don’t know if Bingo realizes how special this is…

It was decided that I would stay outside with Savantha and Ajax (along with two of our other warriors), while the rest went inside to be sure of the temple’s safety. I’m glad I kept her back. It wasn’t safe.

After a few minutes of waiting, I heard sounds of battle coming from inside the building. I took the five of us to the door, and ordered the others to wait while I checked on my bond-brothers. They were battling some ugly half-man, half-bull creatures. But more important than that, some of my men were down. I rushed to their aid, healing two of them quickly. They were so badly wounded that even after healing them, they laid unconscious. But at least they were alive. Bingo also looked hurt, so I ran to him. I got a little too close though, and the creature was able to land a blow. Miraculously though, the hammer slid right off my armor, as though it were… Well I don’t know what. But it was amazing. I pulled my pistol and shot in retaliation, but I missed. Circling around to Bingo’s back, I was able to heal him also, and helped distract the creature while he put it down.

After the fight, Gi’ Kar accosted me. He is a study in contradictions. He seems to want nothing more than to kill the demon-child and eat her, or burn her, or kill her in any of a dozen horrible ways. And yet, when she comes into the slightest possibility of harm, he threatens me with death. He seems to be either ashamed to actually care about something, or insane. I can’t decide which yet.

Brushing off his comments, I took the chance to ask Ajax where we go to now. He mentioned that the most holy part of the temple was three levels underground. Apparently, this temple has been standing since before the wizard wars. Ajax told me that at the bottom of the temple, we’d be able to activate the “guardians”, as he called them, which would protect the village. I wonder… The giant statue back at the village could be a guardian. I really hope it is; it intrigues me to no end. Talking with him helped lighten my mood. Just spending time in this ancient, once sacred place raises my spirits, even if it has been desecrated for some time.

Gi’ Kar began to explore the rooms adjacent to the big one. I fear he must have awakened something nasty. Coming from the direction opposite to where he was, several skeletons approached us. We barely could arm ourselves before they attacked us. During the fight, one of the skeletons broke through our line and moved directly towards the girl. I saw it happen, but was engaged and just couldn’t get to her in time. Gi’ Kar appeared out of nowhere and cut the creature down before it could harm her. When I turned back to the fight, my opponent had been killed by Bingo. I ran to Savantha to check her for wounds. She was fine, but my brothers were not. I watched helplessly from my location as my men were torn apart. Literally. The skeletons were ruthless as they dismantled my companions. Two of our brave soldiers lost their lives there, and there was nothing I could do. I swore there that I’d never let a man die again if there was any possible way to prevent it.

We began our trek up the mountain towards the temple. We decided to bring Savantha along to see if the seers at the temple might be able to discern her spirit. The three of us (Bingo, Gi’ Kar, and myself) were accompanied by 7 other warriors. Good men, all. The first was a shaman of Com Durak named Ajax. He seems strong of body as well as spirit. And it’s refreshing to have another shaman in our ranks. One who knows the touch of the Gods. Although even he will admit he doesn’t yet know much about his God. He was only chosen a day before we left! I look forward to being able to spend time with him on this short trip. There were also 5 other Gru’ Dwar soldiers as well as one Kaa’ Jah Kushan.

The first few days passed without incident, and the only thing of note on the third day was that Bingo and I spotted a mysterious archway starting in the forest. We checked it out but chouldn’t find any way to activate it or anything. Stepping through produced no effect at all. Bingo thought I was crazy for not giving up, but I swear there was something strange about that place. It seemed to be a *one-way* door from somewhere. There were plenty of footsteps on one side, but none on the other. Definitely unusual.

We made camp that night, and I elected to take the first watch. I was chatting with the other guard we had posted (the Kaa’ Jah Kushani) when we were jolted by a terrible screeching coming from up the mountain. We awoke the others and suddenly battle was upon us. There were ten of those “Necrogoblins” as Gi’ Kar and I had taken to calling them. Our men performed well, and we put them down quite handily. But I must take a moment to point out that Gi’ Kar is a walking example of the Lobite reputation as battlemasters. It seemed that whenever his sword flashed, and enemy fell. And his sword did quite a lot of flashing.

The fourth day we finally arrived at the temple. The sight that greeted us waas not pleasant. There seemed to be an entire party of Gru’ Dwar soldiers who were, for all intents and purposes, dead. Yet they were not. I’m sorry, but I have no better way to explain it. They were walking around the front of the temple as though keeping guard. We saw them before they saw us, though, and had time to prepare. We decided that a firing line would work the best. We had all 7 of our soldiers and Bingo standing in a line with Gi’ Kar slightly behind, while I protected the child behind him. I took to the air so I could survey the field and shoot my bow from above. When we felt prepared, we all moved forward as a unit. When the dead soldiers saw us, they charged. We held our line admirably, and our men fired as soon as the enemies were in range. A large battle followed in which our troops were more than doubled by enemy numbers.

Once again, I must point to Gi’ Kar’s exceptional battle skills that carried the day. He waded through the enemy numbers as a Black Whirlwind, dealing death to all he touched. Once, one of our Gru’ Dwar companions fell. Before I could even get to him to heal the fallen soldier, Gi’ Kar had jumped into the breach, spinning. He took down three enemies in just seconds, using his blade, claws, and even tail to cut them down. He wounded a fourth, but it took a second blow to kill it. I walked among our men, healing them, and shouting encouragement. And to my amazement we came away with a stunning victory. None of our men fell, while we won a battle worthy of song.

I immediately felt like an apparition upon our entering the town. True, any Seraph is an unusual sight, especially in a Gru’ Dwar colony. But this was different. People were watching me from all angles, inspecting me; as if trying to decide whether to run or riot. We were quite a ways into the village before two of the tribal leaders came to us. One was a Kushani, Kim Talemain by name (and a shaman by trade, I spied his symbol). The other was a very large Gru’ Dwar named Kru’ Degar. They halted us and demanded to know - of all things - why we traveled with Savantha. It turns out that the tribesmen were not in awe of me or my companions, but the girl! They called her a Demon, a term I took offense to. She is most definitely NOT demonic in nature. But they did spin a strange tale.

She had apparently been missing from the village for 14 years. When she heard this, she pulled me aside and whispered that she’d only been gone for five days. Who do I believe? Even the shaman claims this strange tale. He said she is, in fact, his daughter! But I cannot help but rely on the innocence of the little girl I rescued. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I intend to find out.

Thanks entirely to some smart and quick talking by Bingo, we were granted an audience with the tribal leaders; and spared a fight. In talking to the elders we discovered that the same evils which had attacked us had also been attacking the village. Our journey is on the right track! The Elders at The Gathering had asked us to find out why the Kon’ Te Kel’ tribe had not been to the Oasis in some time. They’ve been held up here for three years. Three years! What a hardy people. Staying in any one place for three years would drive me insane, I’m sure of it. They had just finished the outside walls that I noticed on my way in and could finally start committing manpower to other endeavors. They had, however, sent a few parties up to the temple of Com Durak, none of which have returned. They were hoping that they could contact Com Durak to get help against the Necrogoblins and other evil creatures, but since no-one had returned, they feared none even made it there. Since Gi’ Kar and I wished to contact the seers in the temple to divine Savantha’s true nature, we agreed to head up a small party to the temple, four days up the mountain.

I also want to note that among the elders was a very large Cha’ Or named Bora ‘Tak Kal. It warms my heart to see a Cha’ Or. I’ve missed my Kalim’ Dori brethren, and seeing one now, even though we do not know each other does much to lighten my spirits. He carried a massive metal thing he called a “rifle”. I’d heard much concerning these guns, but I’d never seen one before. He also carried a much smaller version of it called a “pistol”. He even offered to show me how to use it, and after some practice, I was granted a pistol of my own. It’s heavy, but I carry it with pride.

It is also interesting to me that right in the middle of this town sat a large statue. I appeared to be the shape of a man, also he was half-buried in the earth. It looked as though he was climbing out of the earth. In one of his hands he carried a massive red stone. Knowing that this settlement is governed by Gru’ Dwar, I wonder if maybe Com Durak himself had a hand in the construction of this statue. Whether divine or not, it is still an impressive sight to see.

Before we left, I asked the chief if he could have my armor inspected by an armorer in town. The Kon’ Te Kel’ tribe are reknown for their metal work, after all, and I’m eager to learn the origin of my armor. When the armorer arrived, he asked if I had runes on the inside of my collar. I’d never look before, but sure enough, there were runes in the language of Kiefieh ringing the shirt. How marvelous! He told me that if his suspicions were correct, the armor once belonged to a legendary Seraph general named Ben-something who was a great leader, and was known for walking among his men, healing them as they fell, as well as fighting valiantly. He was well beloved and respected by his soldiers. I have truly been blessed by Kiefieh to have recieved such a marvelous gift from her. Praise be to the Goddess!

We tried to find a way around the army below us and found a path winding through the mountains. Thankfully, it still led in the general direction we needed to travel in. After another day of walking, we got some much-needed rest. That morning both Mykal and Kan’ Vi’ Don Lu had received the same surprising revelation. The two of them were to take their camp and head to a village which I’d never heard of. Eastward, away from us. I know full well how dreams come from the gods, so I knew better than to question them. We bid our brothers farewell and took our own leave of the area, heading North. I can feel them still in the back of my mind. I pray the Goddess will watch over them as she has me, but I still can’t help but wondering… Where are they? And what were they called to do? Success and glory, my brothers; success and glory.

When we made camp that night, I chose to give the second watch. A fool idea, but in the end, I’m very glad I did. Part-way through my watch, I began to hear an unusual noise, but not one that I was unfamiliar with. It was the sound of quiet whimperings. Upon closer inspection, I found a little Kaa’ Jah Kushani girl huddled under a tree some ways away from our tents. I tried to speak to her, but she refused to even acknowledge my existence. She kept staring off into oblivion, silently sobbing all the while. A twig snapped in the brush somewhere behind me, and I turned to find two men walking in my direction. I peered past them and saw three more heading straight towards our campsite. Two of the three were… Unusually tall.

I could tell they meant us harm from the way they walked. Quickly calculating the distance and wind, I took off and flew over the camp, shouting my warning below. “We have incoming!” I yelled, and Bingo looked up at me. He’d already seen them. I flew back in the direction of the girl and landed between she and them before they could even cover half the distance. As I drew my bow and fired at the nearest, my gut twisted. The arrow sunk in deep; He didn’t even break stride. The only thing that broke was the shaft so it didn’t impede his progress. As they closed, I realized I didn’t want to fight them hand to hand. I grabbed the girl and flew. I retreated back towards camp, and went to set the girl down and fire again. Before I could touch the ground though, I felt Kiefieh’s familiar whisperings spread through my whole being. As though of their own accord, my wings and mouth moved in unison. I uttered words I’d never spoken before, and my wings swept forward in a grand motion. At the moment they touched, I brought them backwards again, and with them, a massive jet of heat issued forth from them, hitting the men. They appeared stunned from the blast. I knew the Goddess had given me a new weapon. I quickly reviewed the events of the last few seconds in my mind and replicated the actions. I whispered “Prae E’scar” while whipping my wings forward and then backwards. I could feel the power surge through me much stronger than before, and I knew She was approving. Immediately the two men’s skin began to boil, and they couldn’t even scream in agony as their bodies were melted from the inside out. Their crunchy husks hit the ground, lifeless.

While I was descending with the girl, Kiefieh inspired me again. I touched her shirt and spoke the words “Pra’e Radix” A vision then opened before my eyes, which I’ve recorded in the back of this book.

I was so taken aback by what I saw that I forgot to keep flying. I stupidly dumped us on to the ground from about four feet up. Nothing injured but my pride, luckily. I’m just glad I didn’t drop the girl. After checking for wounds, I carried her over to where my brothers were building a small pyre. They had dispatched the other nasty-looking beasts, with ease, apparently, and were burning their bodies. I introduced them to the girl (which wasn’t easy since I didn’t know her name, and she wouldn’t speak), and after some argument, we decided to keep moving. Gi’ Kar is frustrating. He’d as soon eat the girl as take her with us! Thankfully Bingo was on my side (and apparently the side of “humanity” as I so stupidly let slip. What was I thinking? The only “human” one among us is the girl!), and we talked Gi’ Kar down. He only agreed on the condition that I be solely responsible for her. It’s a relief! I wouldn’t want him to be responsible for her, anyway.

Unfortunately, a lot more headache comes with that responsibility than I’d thought. Because she’s been so traumatized, she has constant nightmares whenever she tries to sleep; screaming her terror into the night. A couple sleepless nights passed (for her and the rest of us too), until Bingo found us a solution. He found a plant that he’d recognized from his canyon-home. It was a strong enough sedative to knock her out every night, thank the Goddess! At the same time, he found a huge rat nest. Somehow, the rats were delicious, despite the disturbing Sol’ Kal tendency to eat their food live and whole. But more importantly, it was enough food to last us for a while. I also finally got the girl to talk to me! Her name is Savantha. She doesn’t remember how she got to where she was, but she does remember that her family was attacked while traveling to an Oasis. They were attacked by the same beast-creatures that attacked us, and she ran away. She couldn’t tell me much else without crying. I decided it was best not to press her about it. But I think I may have gained a small portion of her trust, if nothing else.
A few nights later, Gi’ Kar woke us with a start. The camp was again beset upon by the same strange creatures. This time though, we had them outnumbered. There was a very large one, and a smaller one. And the smaller one was staring right at me. I drew my bow and pulled a maneuver that I’d been taught back in the Kalim’ Dor. I nocked an arrow and pulled back, but dropped the arrow. It worked! The thing was distracted, staring at the arrow I’d just dropped. Quickly, I nocked again but this time I released. My arrow miraculously punched straight through his head and came out the back, while he fell like a sack of meat. The larger one had been killed while I was shooting, but my brethren wanted me to scout for others. I lifted off the ground and as I rose, I spotted another, like the one I’d killed, trying to escape. I wouldn’t let him. Folding my wings back, I dove on him. Unfortunately, he heard me coming and dodged my landing. He got up more quickly than I did, and struck me with his claws.

The world began to move in slow motion. I realized that he didn’t have hands, but claws, and I couldn’t really concentrate on anything else. It fascinated me. But at the same time, as I tried to block his next blow, he was moving extremely fast. My hands got nowhere near close enough. It knocked me to my knees, and he pulled back for another strike. I remember seeing a sword flashing around, for what seemed like forever. By the time I realized something was very wrong, I couldn’t even open my jaw to call on Kiefieh for help. The only thing I could do was fall. I fell for ages. The thud of my head hitting the ground was echoed by the creature’s. Besides my eyelids, I couldn’t move a single muscle in my body. Then I was dragged for what seemed like forever across the grass, as my limp body just dragged.

It was Gi’ Kar who had killed my enemy and dragged me back to camp. I suppose he isn’t quite as disagreeable as I’ve painted him. They told me it took about five minutes until my body regained some muscle usage. From my point of view it was eternity.

Two days later, we came across a set of gates surrounding a village. Goddess be blessed, it was the first normal faces we’d seen in a long time. Seeing we weren’t disgusting beasts, they let us in. On the long walk to the village, I tried to use the same invocation on my armor as I did on the girl’s shirt. I’m not quite sure why, but it didn’t work. Instead of receiving a vision as I’d hoped, I instead sent out a wave of heat, scorching the grass in front of me and turning the sand into glass. Luckily, no-one was in the way. This is just another reminder of how powerful The Gods’ Tongue is. I’ll have to be better prepared before I try that again.

Marn wrote of a Matriarch Vacae in his journal. This is Aquila’s mother. I tried to make that clear through, his words, but I just thought I’d make it crystal. Her name is pronounced [vah-KAY]. She is noted as Matriarch because she was once the Shaman. That honor was passed to Aquila, removing the title from Vacae. When Aquila was chosen for the bonding year, the Kalim’ Dor was left without a shaman. She still leads the tribe just as she did before, but she is no longer Kiefieh’s chosen. The reason for this is not known to any, save herself. Even Aquila doesn’t know why his mother was removed of her status. The removal is blatant though. Her silver tattoo has vanished from her neck. But, she is still as wise as any Tauren Elder (as Marn pointed out), and she leads the tribe because she has gained the respect of everyone in it. She’s taken to teaching Jathan as much as she knows. Jathan was Aquila’s best friend (with Marn close to both of them), and he was not ever any good in a battle, and has been given the permanent task of guarding the camp. He spends most of his time learning from the Matriarch. She loves teaching him all she can. He has an especially voracious appetite for Power Words, which she is more than happy to sate. She sees much of herself in him, and hopes he’ll take over her position as leader someday. She’ll outlive him, of course, but maybe she’ll get a break for a bit.

Marn himself is a Tauren. He’s larger than the average Tauren, standing 6′6″ tall. He has a mighty set of horns that point downward at an angle, kind of framing his face. He’s very strong and a decent fighter. He’s been recognized as such by the elders, and has been put on as many patrols and hunts as there are hours in the day. He squeezes time in with the Matriarch when he can to learn, but it isn’t much time. I tried to show this in his journal entry, but I think it came across weirder than I’d hoped. He’s by no means dumb. Just illiterate. But he is learning and is making great strides, considering that most Tauren can’t read at all. He’s very in-tune with nature, and loves to take time to study it. He doesn’t get nearly as much time as he’d like. He’s sort of a gentle giant. But he isn’t a pansy. He carries a giant stone axe, which is rare, even for Tauren. He’s really strong.

The Windtotem Marn spoke of is a Tauren “artifact”. Whether it has any mystical powers or not is unknown. But, it definitely has spiritual significance to the Tauren. It is a wooden log about 6 feet long. The log forms a “Y” shape, with the top three feet being split apart. The split is natural, like a tree trunk. The entire length is carved on all sides with intricate runes, and the tops of the “Y” are tied together with a deep red ribbon. It essentially looks like a big wooden slingshot The elders pray at the totem when they seek guidance. They believe the ancestors speak to them on the wind, when it blows around the ribbon. It has such significance for them that when the Kalim’ Dor make camp, the Tauren always erect the totem first on a mound of earth and then set up their camp around it.

Random facts, you think? Well… Yeah they kind of are. But I am bored at work and thought I’d write.

My name is Marn Plainstrider. I am not sure who owned this book before me. But I can tell you she didn’t suffer. My axe claimed her life before she could feel the pain. I’m not a killer, although I have killed many. My party and I were attacked while we stopped at a well. They were of the ruthless Tai ’Tek tribe. They have no honor. Setting a trap for someone at a well is a barbaric tactic. But we’re Kalim’ Dor. They had no chance. Still, Oreg Gro’ Gosh was killed. Shot in the back. May he join the ancestors in peace. He’d not have gone if Aquila were still here. I miss my friend. We triumphed, but would have fared better.

I found this book in her coat. I can only imagine she’s wealthy. Paper is hard to come by. I hid the book in my pack and took the rest of the spoils to my brethren. I wanted this treasure for myself. I can’t write well. But I’m learning. I hid the book until I was able to take it to our matriarch, Vacae. When I asked her to teach me, she was more than happy. She’s like a second mother to me. After her son was called for the Bonding Year, she took us in. Jathan and I. We were his best friends. She’s been teaching Jathan more of her ways. But I am turned to fight. After the Gathering, Tai ‘Tek attacked us. We were unsuspecting so soon after the Gathering. They didn’t conduct a raid. It was an attack. They slew many of our brave warriors. They especially slew our beasts. We have to carry much on our own backs now. After the attack, I needed to fill gaps in our tribe. I’ve been a part of every hunting party since then. I’ve gone out every day. I’m honored that they think I’m a good warrior. But I’m tired. It was refreshing to find this book. And Matriarch Vacae has been eager to teach me to write. I’ve been eager to learn.

I also enjoy spending time with her. She is as wise as a Tauren Elder. She loves the earth and sky just as I do. She knows the heat of fire and rush of water just as I do. She honors the ancestors. I think I have much to learn. But she is happy that I have learned quickly. It takes time because I am large and I cannot grasp the feather the way her slender fingers can. And my fingers cannot move the same. But despite being slow to write, I am quick to learn.

I worry that I am not learning fast enough. The spirits are restless. Our elders have felt their stirrings through our mighty Windtotem. I do not know if I can feel it. But the air has smelled strange lately. And I miss my friend.