The Journeys of Helspar, Entry Nine
We have reached the village of Korbach and many strange events have taken place since I last wrote. I will try to recall them as best as I may here, but my penmanship may not do justice to describe some details, for that I will apologise beforehand.
The way from Trail’s End to Korbach was taken quickly as the mentallist Kale drove us on. We rode in silence, our horses voicing the only complaints. Only a few other travellers were met on the road and they gave little news. Probably uncomfortable with talking to our motley band. I think they found the unwavering gaze of Kale somewhat unsettling. In any event we soon found the source of what most of the traveller’s feared on the road.
Early on the morn on the day we reached Korbach we were ambushed by a group whom I assumed were intent on banditry. It turned out to be a group of fiendish lizard-folk. They soon found folly at their choice of targets in the blades of my friends, but not after we were sorely bloodied. I myself was wounded by the graze of one of their crude missiles. In fact it is lucky that all of us are not measuring our lengths in the earth now, as they surprised us well. Only one of the half dozen managed to escape into the swamp.
Upon arrival we have found that the villagers of Korbach have indeed had problems with the lizard men, although it seemed that this change in their behaviour was recent. It was these problems that the mentallist seem to bring us here to rectify. Or so I thought, but he later did not know why we were here. I never know where that one stands. A note on the village of Korbach, one of the more dismal places I have visited in my travels. Each building in this place seems to be built to withstand siege, a reflection on the state of mind of the inhabitants. Where the stone was obtained in the swamp, I have no idea, but if the inhabitants choose to make their home in this dreary place, I can only assume there is money to be made here. After we met the apparent authority of this town the next day it would affirm my assumption.
During that day we split our ways to conduct business. Valeric and myself made our way to the strange shop of an aged elf woman. Indeed that her age was showing is testament to her advanced age, I have rarely seen any of the fair folk who looked older than their middle years, and then only because they wished to. While we were there I wished to find the value of an item I acquired in the “Sunless Citadel”. I was unsure of it’s worth and wished to trade away and object held so long in evil. I also wished to acquire some items of medicinal value to us if we were going to travel long in this area. Valeric was of like mind. Despite the unerring accuracy and speed of his hands he was unable to keep the multitude of insect pests from bothering him. Consequently he sought a chemical solution, a wise idea if one were to be spending time in these fens. It was during this time away from the “psi-man” (An amusing story, Pick took to calling him this after I explained to him how the then unnamed Kale derived his strange powers and the meaning of the term psionic.) that Valeric confessed his distrust Kale, especially his strange shifts in personality. Demon-ridden was the term he used I believe. It is good to see that it is not just myself that he disturbs. I believe that this man Valeric, though of strange bearing, is indeed noble and good intentioned. Good sometimes hides itself in unlikely places.
We met later in the inn to tell what we each learned during our day. Rest was not to be had yet however. The inn was subject to a raid by the lizard men and a chaotic brawl ensued. There is not much to tell of the battle, like all, blood was spilled on both sides. It was unfortunate that some of the villagers were injured in the fray. Of note though the lizard folk seemed to be intent on capturing the mentallist. We interfered with their mission, of course, but one wonders to what end they would want him. These questions will have to wait for the morrow, I am spent after tonight’s action and have yet to put my mind to mastering my magic again.