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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Canaan" data-source="post: 3108529" data-attributes="member: 40239">Chapter 28: Secrets RevealedOnce again, we found ourselves traveling to Brightstone Keep.  By the time we arrived, over a week had passed from our last visit and the keep was desolate and quiet.“Alright.  I suggest we enter the mines, find the Succubus and send her screaming back to Hell.  Perhaps then Helena can find out what it was she was doing here, just like she did with the goblin witchdoctor.  I will pray for the blessings of Canaan on all of us to gird us for the coming battle.” I said, taking the lead.“I agree.” Lilian added.“And I will summon the Eyeless Hollow Ones to eat her flesh.” Hu Li grinned.  Even when he was being helpful, I couldn’t help but see malice in Hu Li.  All he needed was a scaly, grimacing quasit to stroke and the picture of the perfect arch-villain would be complete.“The Green is with us. This time, we will prevail.” Shallahai said, looking around the cliff top with black glowing eyes, the eyes of The Destroyer, he once explained to me.  I’m still trying to wrestle with and understand the druid’s strange ways, now that he has ‘evolved.’“Focus on that blade you wield, Shallahai.” I told him. “That is your most potent weapon against the likes of Caladriel.”His eyes still looking out over the cliff top, Shallahai distantly answered “I know.” “I cannot go in that mine.” Talon spoke.We all looked at him. “I will not.” He said again.Clearly he was unnerved.  I couldn’t possibly imagine what it would be like, the pain and suffering of being rent to death, and then to return to the place of that suffering.  Talon should be commended for coming this far.“I understand Talon.  You should stay here.” I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. To my surprise and consternation, he recoiled and almost hissed. “No, you do not understand, Evora.  None of us should go in there.  She is too powerful for us to defeat.  Would you needlessly throw your life away like this?” Talon asked.“I do not go to my death, friend.” I responded.  “This Succubus must be stopped and we have the means of doing so.” I added, gesturing to Yuindr at Shallahai’s side.  “But if it is Canaan’s will that I die this day, I have no choice but to accept that fate.” “You will not defeat her.” Talon said.I must say that I was perplexed by Talon’s pessimism.  And if I was incorrect and he did not fear the return to this place, rather his hesitance was borne of defeatism, I was disappointed.  “So you refrain from fighting because you believe it would result in our deaths?” I asked.“Yes.” Talon responded.“And you will not stand by us and fight, due to that belief?” I asked.“Yes.” Talon responded.“Yet you know that we will not heed your words, and we will do what we are called to do, what must be done?” I asked.“Yes.” Talon responded.“So this is what that order of yours teaches?  Abandon thy friends in their hour of need?” I asked rhetorically.“It teaches that we should not idly throw our lives away.  If you insist on fighting a lost cause, I will not interfere.  But I will not join you either.” Talon responded calmly.Anger seeped into me. I looked to Lilian for support, and I saw her fair mien showing signs of frustration.  Though it was unclear whether her frustration was aimed at Talon or me. I was about to lash out at Talon for what I concluded was nothing short of cowardice, but Lilian suddenly drew her sword. “It looks as though none of us will be given a choice in this matter” Lilian said looking at the mine entrance eighty or so feet away.  “Canaan! Grant me your shield!” She intoned as she was covered by Canaan’s divine shield.Exiting the mine entrance was Caladriel and an entourage.  Another vrock demon was at her side and on her other side, a large Half-Orc, bedecked in robes, carrying a box covered in glyphs.  Caladriel lazily gestured in our direction and the vrock’s wings violently flapped as it hurtled toward us.Talon retreated to the interior of the keep.I prayed to Canaan to bless us.Lilian, still mounted atop Damien from our travel to the keep, rode forward to distract and meet the vrock in battle.  “Canaan, infuse my blade with your power!” She cried out.  A white light emanated from her longsword, as it was made a magic weapon by Canaan’s grace.Hu Li made some incomprehensible noises and complex gestures with his fingers.  His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he entered a trance.“The Heroes of Goldfire Glen return for more punishment, I see.” Caladriel smirked.  “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but we have what we came for and will be taking our leave.  The Axis of Annihilation awaits the arrival of the Wind Duke’s treasures.” She continued, gesturing to the box.  “We mustn’t keep them waiting, and the Kurjan is anxious to go.”At that the Half-Orc spoke a word, put his hand on Caladriel’s shoulder and they disappeared.“No!” I cried out, watching them disappear.The vrock crashed into Lilian, but she was prepared.  Her blade sliced into its arm as it reached out to rake her across the breast.  Blood and ichor sprayed out as the vrock landed on Lilian, dislodging her from Damien in a grapple.Talon climbed the stairs of one of the towers and stood atop the battlements watching the battle, arms folded across his chest in the sleeves of his robe.  I saw him standing there, a contemplative expression on his face.  Then a thread on one of his sleeves caught his attention.  He started pulling it.Yuindr flew into Shallahai’s hand as he charged the vrock demon.  “In the name of all that is natural in this world, I smite thee, fiend!” Shallahai cried out as he drove Yuindr into the demon’s hide to the hilt.  A pulse of green flared out from the blade and into the vrock, desiccating it.  Weakened considerably, it lived on.  The vrock was strong, withstanding the effects of a horrid wilting.But that attack was just what Lilian needed to be free of the demon’s grapple.  She rolled away from the vrock, kicking it as she tumbled.  Then she stood holding her blade and readying for the inevitable attack.“Canaan!” I prayed.  “Imbue my weapon with your grace, allow me to penetrate the skin of this demon as easily as your light penetrates the darkness!”  My mace glowed white in response to the prayer; it was a magic weapon.Hu Li’s strange clicking sounds stopped just as a white light appeared to his left.  It took shape as a celestial dire wolf and immediately joined the attack on the vrock.  With another intake of breath and a clicking sound, Hu Li pointed at the vrock demon and three magical globes pulsed out from his outstretched finger.  Hu Li's magic missiles punched the vrock in the chest, wounding him further.The wolf snarled and attempted to bite the demon’s thigh, but missed as the vrock maneuvered out of the way at the last second.The demon screeched and a cloud of its deadly spores were released from its foul body.  Shallahai, Lilian, Damien and the dire wolf were all affected by them.They screamed as the spores dug into their flesh, taking root.I glanced back at Talon, a plea for aid on my mien.  But Talon kept pulling on the thread of his sleeve, his robe beginning to unravel, oblivious to our plight.The vrock lunged at Lilian, but she was again ready.  As the demon prepared to wreck her with tooth and claw, she cried out, “In the name of Canaan, Lord of Light, I smite thee, fiend of darkness!”  Her longsword flew down in an arc and penetrated the vrock’s thick hide like butter.  It bore down through its spine, breaking it.  The vrock fell over, unmoving.Shallahai shook his head clear and sheathed Yuindr.I looked around for other threats.  “Canaan, grant me the wisdom to see that which is hidden from me.” I prayed the prayer to purge invisibility.  But I saw nothing lurking nearby.Hu Li’s dire wolf completely succumbed to the vile spores and blinked out of existence.Shallahai prayed and a green light flared from the holes in his flesh where the spores had penetrated, completely healing his injuries.Lilian did the same, as the white light of Canaan coursed through her body, the flesh knitted.For good measure, I prayed over them both that Canaan would remove any lingering affliction with my prayer to remove disease.  Then I gave ministrations to Damien.After everyone was attended to, Talon walked up to the group, his robe apparently mended.  I looked at it curiously, but said nothing.  I must admit that I was angry with the monk, and beginning to doubt the teachings of his Master.“Well, Talon.  I see your tactical genius paid off, again.” Hu Li’s shrill and grating voice cut through the silence.“She got away.” I said, exasperated, ignoring Hu Li’s outburst.“We must make haste to this Demonclaw and confront Cranston.” Lilian said while mounting Lilian.Damien began to trot toward Brightstone Keep.  Shallahai followed.  I agreed.  If Cranston is willing to give us information, perhaps we can stop Caladriel.  We must make haste.I mounted my own horse and Hu Li followed suit.  Talon merely walked, his pace easily equal to that of our horses.* * * Our journey to Auros was materially uneventful, but spiritually awe-inspiring.  The road to Auros is sprinkled with farmsteads and small villages.  Every now and again, we caught a glimpse of the ivy and holly covered Canaanite Cross on doorways.  I was so filled with joy at the sight of these signs of change, that I could barely contain myself.“Shallahai?” I asked “What is the word for marriage in the Old Tongue?”“It is Mairist.” Shallahai replied.“Ah. Thank you, my friend.  I think that shall be the name of the New Way, Mairistism; the marriage of the god and the goddess.” I said satisfied.“My views on Canaan, as his followers in this land reflect him, aside Evora, I am pleased at your insightful and enlightened beliefs about him.” Shallahai began.Shallahai had never before spoken to me about his feelings on this subject.“I spoke with Master Baern and Talon’s Master about your teachings and the idea of the two being each a side of the same coin.  We agree in principle.  All things are of the Green, including Canaan.  Canaan could not exist without the Green.  And to unite the two beliefs, belief in the god and in the goddess, would unite the people of Turgos and would end the persecution of the followers of the goddess, and soften the step of the followers of the god.  While our views are not entirely yours, we approve of the message you are spreading.  And I will do what I can to assist you in this.”  Shallahai explained.  “You will have our support.” He added.    I was overjoyed at hearing this.  So much, that I took the opportunity at every village along the way to speak to the villagers of the unity of the mother and the father, just as I did at Goldfire Glen.  I showed the villagers how to make the Mairist cross, just like the one that Hanna had made for me.The people of these villages seemed almost relieved to hear a Priest of Canaan espousing the virtues of worship of The Green and suggesting that the two be equally worshipped as they work together to make the lives of their followers better.  I could feel the ground swell of support for this new religion.  And while the joy I felt was indescribable, as small part of me knew I must remain humble so as not to be corrupted by success and lose sight of purpose and message.  * * * *When we reached Auros, the gates were open and the guards recognized us, waving us through with smiles.  Our first order of business was to see the duke and inform him of our success at Brightstone Keep.  Although we had failed him, I also held out hope that Allustan was still in Auros so we could explain to him the magnitude of our failure.  Despite its initial seeming irrelevancy, it is now clear that the treasure in that Wind Duke’s tomb inside the mines is significant.Leading our entourage, Lilian, astride her horse Damien, trotted up to the courtyard of the Ducal palace.   She hailed the guards, who immediately recognized Lilian Evenshire, Champion of Canaan, and the rest of us Heroes of Goldfire Glen, and Saviors of the Exalted Child.  A page was quickly dispatched into the palace, and moments later a guard from inside the palace ushered us inside, explaining that the Duke and Duchess were having their breakfast tea in the west wing courtyard, and that we were to join them there.  Lilian dismounted and dismissed Damien in a flash of white light.  There was a collective intake of breath as the guards, amazed, witnessed the miracle.  Hu Li and I dismounted also.  A page took our steeds to the stable, and another showed us the way to the Duke.  On the way, we stopped at an antechamber to wash after our long journey.“Lady Lilian, it is good to see you again.  Evora, heroes, please join us.  The Duke rose, smiling, gesturing to the chairs around the table. I bowed respectfully and sat, as did the others; though Shallahai did not bow.A servant brought us tea and biscuits.  “My lord, we have news from Brightstone Keep,” Lilian began.  “The humanoid presence there has been vanquished, orcs and trolls.  Your soldiers have all died.  A half-orc, calling itself the Kurjan, apparently led the force, and though it pains me to speak of it, he was assisted by a demon: a succubus.  The succubus had apparently enchanted several villagers and farmers from your land, and held them in thrall to do the Kurjan’s bidding in the Brightstone mines.”The Duke seemed saddened by this news, but did not interrupt Lilian as she continued with her tale.“We freed the peasants and farmers and fought the force in the mines.  Unfortunately, it proved too powerful for us to vanquish.  The succubus called another demon to her.  It eviscerated Talon.  Only by the might of the Green, through Shallahai, were we able to destroy the vrock.  We retreated.  Master Baern, the Druid of the Wiltangle Forest, restored life to Talon.  We knew we had to put a stop to whatever the succubus was up to, so we returned to the Keep to destroy her.  But as we battled yet another of her demonic allies, she and the Kurjan phased away with a box she said was the treasure of the Wind Dukes.” Lilian finished.“I think that they teleported.” I added.The Duke paused for a moment, taking in this news.  Then he looked to me.“Demons at Brightstone Keep.  You are a priest of Canaan, Evora.  Is this a church matter?” He asked.  “Need I call in an Inquisitor or Exorcist?”Something instinctual caught hold of me and I responded immediately and abruptly.  “No, my lord.  The Arch Mage Balian The Everwatchful has us on a mission to find and destroy this succubus.  Let us attempt that path.  If it fails, then we shall see.”  I let the last thought linger off.The church would ask too many questions and would probably make life miserable for the poor peasants that were held prisoner at Brightstone Keep before their Inquisition on the matter was done.  And I feared the worst should that happen.  Mairistism was but an infant, weak and helpless.  It would be an easy matter for the church to crush it now, if it were to find out about its existence.  It’s better to keep them from wandering the peaceful agricultural villages of Auros where Mairistism is taking root.“Well then.  You have done as you were commanded.” He told Lilian.  “I shall have a scribe prepare the proper paperwork to deed Brightstone Keep to you.”  He said smiling.  “But you will need to garrison it so that an invasion like this does not happen again.” He admonished the paladin.“Of course, my lord.” Lilian said, bowing.  “I do have a question, however, Your Grace.”“Yes.”  He responded.“It was my understanding that only a noble could own land in the kingdom.  How is it that I, a mere ward of the church, can own land?” Lilian inquired of the Duke.“I am surprised by your question, Lilian.” The Duke began.  “For it bears a false premise.  Lilian, you are no mere ward of the church.” All eyes were on the Duke.“The Evenshires, your parents, were the hereditary Baron and Baroness of Tyrond, the Barony in which Goldfire Glen is situated.  Once they were killed and you and your brother became wards of the church, your lands were taken from you, by right of the Regent.  But your title?  That is yours.  And nobody can take that away from you.  You are Lilian Evenshire, Sixth Baroness of Tyrond.  And as such, you may hold land in the kingdom.”  The Duke finished with a smile.Nobody was more shocked than Lilian.“My lord, how can this be?” Lilian asked incredulously.  “Baron Guyere and Lady Syrilla are the Baron and Baroness of Tyrond.”“Not quite.” The Duke said.  “The Regent gave over the lands and stewardship of Tyrond to Guyere and Syrilla when you and your brother became wards of the church.   Your brother, as a Priest of Canaan, can never claim that title again.  As part of his oath to Canaan, he cannot hold any earthly title.  But you Lilian, you will always have that title.  It is your birthright.  Guyere and Syrilla are pretenders to the title.  The Regent exceeded his authority when he granted them the title of Baron and Baroness of Tyrond.  He purported to divest you of your lands and title.  But he can never do that.  And I know of very few nobles that would support such a decision, for if the Regent did it once, he can do it again to anyone who displeases him.”  The Duke finished.The duchess cleared her throat, displeased.  “If you will all excuse me.” She smiled politely and got up.  We rose and bowed and she departed the courtyard.The duke looked after her for a moment.Talon, who had been rubbing the Duke’s fine silken tablecloth against his check for most of the conversation, broke the silence.  “This is most interesting news.” “It is, indeed, Lilian.” I added.  “You are a Baroness.”  Reflecting on this revelation, more questions sprung to mind.  “Your Grace,” I began.  “Guyere is a baron in your duchy.  He, like all of the other barons, is loyal to you, is he not?  A pretender he may be, but in that case, Lilian’s claim on the barony must create a conflict, does it not?”The duke looked me full in the eye for a moment, as if measuring my intent.  He dismissed his servants from the courtyard, leaving only us, the duke and his house guard.  “Guyere and Syrilla are lackeys for Malfoy.  They have no loyalty to me.  My outspokenness against the Regent and certain of his “reforms” to strengthen the Church of Canaan in Turgos is well known and has earned me some enmity.  Malfoy does not trust me.  So, when he had the opportunity, he installed a puppet baron, Guyere, in my duchy to ‘keep an eye on me.’  No. Guyere has no loyalty to me.”  The duke explained with disgust, taking a sip of his tea.“Syrilla is worse.  Do you know of the Nightsong Guild?” The duke asked.He was met with blank stares.“The Nightsong Guild is an organization of rogues that the government, the church and rich nobles and merchants often employ to do the things that they would not or could not do.  Sometimes someone needs something to get done, but can’t do it legally due to the delay in getting approval for that action and the irreparable harm that would result in such delay.  The Nightsong Guild is called in to accomplish what could not be accomplished by legal means.  Likewise, when action is required that goes beyond Canaanite Law, the church sometimes calls in the Nightsong Guild to get it done.  Now, everyone knows that this goes on and it is an accepted part of our society, provided everyone turns a blind eye.  And most everyone does turn a blind eye, because while the Nightsong Guild engages in illegal practices, its scope of services does not extend to capital crimes.  It does not, for example, engage in assassination or kidnapping.”  The duke explained.  Then he spoke more softly in a conspiratorial tone.“There is, however, a highly secret organization that exists in Turgos.  One that is so morally irreprehensible that its members are not publicly known and access to it is only granted to the very powerful.  This organization, known only as The Black Hand, is made up of assassins and spies and murderers.  It is believed that whoever killed King Reynard and the Queen was a member of The Black Hand.  It is this organization of which Syrilla is rumored to be a member.”  He explained in hushed tones.“So you see, I have no love for Guyere or Syrilla and they have none for me.” He finished.“And you would like to see Baroness Evenshire running the Barony of Tyrond.” I stated more than asked.“I would highly support her claim to that title, should she choose to make it.” The duke responded.  “But all good things in time.  She would need more support before making such a claim, which means she must become more visible to the nobility of Turgos.  As I said, I am not well liked in Malfoy’s court.  My public support of Lilian could be a detriment to her claim.” The duke explained further.“This is all very interesting, but also very much irrelevant at this time.” Shallahai, who had remained silent during the entire meal, directed his comments to us.  “We have been charged with an important task, two to be exact.  A succubus is at large as is this Veshra, servant of Kharas’Vhoories.   Vanquishing these two threats are our priorities.” Shallahai reminded us.“Yes, you are right, Shallahai.” Lilian agreed, nodding her head.  “We mustn’t get caught up in politics right now.  This is not the time.  My lord, I will reflect on what you have told me.  Thank you for your candidness and for your support.”  Lilian bowed to the duke.A scribe entered the courtyard bearing a folded piece of parchment.  He placed it on the table in front of the duke and produced a piece of wax and small sliver of wood.  He caught the wood on fire using a candle from the table, while the duke inspected the document.  The servant turned to the duke for approval of the document’s contents.  The duke indicated assent to the scribe, and putting the wood to the candle, the scribe melted the wax on the folded document, sealing it shut.  The duke then placed his seal on the wax using his signet ring.  The scribe handed the parchment to Lilian.“There you are, Lilian.  The deed to Brightstone Keep.  May you keep it safe and it you.” The duke smiled.“Thank you, Your Grace.” Lilian responded, bowing.  Now we must be on our way.  The longer we dally, the more mischief the succubus will get up to.” Lilian continued.“Maggio le vostre corse sono facili.”  The duke said, rising. “May thy journey be free of troubles.” He evoked the long dead tongue of the ancients who, so the story goes, tamed Turgos thousands of years ago. We all stood and said our goodbyes.As we were leaving the palace, the duchess appeared from a side corridor.  She approached Lilian with a sorrowful expression.  She gently, but emphatically, held Lilian’s forearm.  “Lady Lilian, my husband… He means well.  But sometimes he lets politics get the better of him.”  Her expression was serious.  “Your mother was very kind to me once.  Unfortunately, I was not able to return the favor.  But I can to her daughter.  I do not wish to see you get caught up in political affairs.  Your path has been laid before you.  Your faith has been your guide.  Don’t stray from that path.  If politics lay in your path, let it come naturally.  Lead with your faith, Lilian.”  The duchess smiled then.Lilian smiled and bowed slightly.  “Thank you, Your Grace.”On the way out of town, we passed a tower, the only other structure in all of Auros that was taller than three stories.  It was round and thin and made entirely of obsidian.  It had some sort of ornate structure at its top and what appeared to be a flat surface.  As we passed it, a figure emerged from its reinforced steel door.  It was Helena.“Hello friends.” She called after us.We turned.“Helena.” I greeted her.  “This is your tower?”“Yes, it is.” She said, as she came toward us, wearing a traveling cloak and boots and carrying a backpack.  It was odd attire for Helena.  “Where are you off to?” Shallahai asked.“I’m coming with you.” She responded.“Why?” I asked surprised.“I fear that the succubus or those with which she has aligned herself has taken or may take an interest in you.  I seek to make sure they do not find you, should they begin looking for you.”  She explained.“How will you do that?” Talon asked.“A sorceress does not reveal her secrets lightly, monk.” She responded coyly.“Well we would be most grateful for your company, Helena.” Lilian said, smiling.“Good. Let’s be off then.  It is a full week’s journey to Soliel.” Helena directed.* * * *I was saddened that Allustan was not in Auros.  I desperately sought to consult with him about our discovery at Brightstone Mines.  It will have to wait.With Canaan’s blessing, I was able to create food and water to feed and provide drinking water during our journey.Helena entertained us with stories of the history of Turgos.  Then, one evening, she told us a frightening tale. “I’m afraid Balian and I have not been completely forthcoming with you about Veshra and Kharas’Vhoories.” She began.  That got our attention.“Kharas’Vhoories is not just a long dead arcanist.  And he is not just a lich.”  She paused before continuing.  “Kharas’Vhoories is a god.”“Preposterous!” I said.“No Evora, it is true.” Helena insisted.  “Fifteen Hundred years ago he made a bid for godhood.  By many accounts he succeeded in that effort, but in doing so imprisoned himself until certain events are completed in a certain order that will free him.”  She continued.“So, he’s an impotent being—something less than a god.” I said, considering her words.“I can see that point of view.” Helena admitted.  “I suppose whether or not one considers Kharas’Vhoories a god is a matter of perspective.  But perspective does not change the fact that he is extremely powerful.”  She finished.“If he is freed….” She let the thought drift away.“You mentioned Veshra.  What of Veshra haven’t you told us?” Shallahai asked.“Veshra is no mere lower order demon.  She is ancient and powerful and extremely intelligent.”  Helena leveled her gaze at Shallahai.  “I fear for you.” She whispered to all of us.  * * * We parted company with Helena at the outskirts of Soliel.  She had told us to find the harbormaster and inquire of ships going out to sea.  We could secure passage on one of these vessels, though it might be pricey, Helena warned, as most captains will not take pleasure in the prospect of going to Demonclaw.Given that Soliel was The White City, the City of Canaan, Shallahai decided it best if he not accompany us inside.  He told us somewhat enigmatically that he would meet us on the ship we hire.  He then disappeared into the woods.We approached the gates of Soliel.  I said a silent prayer to Canaan that we be allowed entrance without a problem.  We passed the giant gates, the guards nodding to us.  Thank Canaan that we were not recognized.  Our taking the precaution of wearing traveling cloaks to hide our appearance as much as possible was well worth the effort.Staying to the alleyways, we made our way to the harbor.  A quick conversation with the harbormaster and we found our ship and captain.  Sweet Cheeks, captained by Captain Rutherford.    “Ahoy, mateys!” Captain Rutherford greeted us with a toothy grin, well mostly toothy.  “What can I do ya fer? He asked, squinting one eye and examining our clothing.“We seek passage, good captain, on your ship.” I told him, pulling back my cloak just enough to reveal my robes and holy symbol.“Aye, Father.  And where ye be headin’?” He asked, looking at the others.“To a place called Demonclaw.” I responded firmly.A hawk landed on one of Sweet Cheeks’s booms.“Demonclaw?!” The captain sputtered.  “What business does the Curia have in that wretched place?” He asked.“My business is my own, good captain.  And we will not be denied.  We have good coin.” I responded.“Good coin, eh?  It will be 50 silver nobles per head if you expect me to take you to Demonclaw.  But I won’t be stickin’ ‘round there to pick ye up, ye hear?”“Very well.” I said, accepting his first offer.A look of surprise passed over the captain’s face, quickly replaced by a scowl.  “Come on, then.  What are ye waitin’ fer.  Get on board, landlubbers.  We leave in an hour.”  He turned and walked back up the loading plank to the ship.We followed.“How will we get back?” Lilian whispered to me.“I don’t know.  But the harbor master said this was the only captain that would even dare sail to Demonclaw.  We don’t have a choice, really.” I responded in a whisper.As we passed the boom, Talon asked, “Where’s Shallahai?”The hawk sitting on the boom screeched.  We looked up and it winked at us.“Ah.” Talon said.About an hour later, we set sail for Demonclaw.  I have spent the last three days on this dreary vessel, Sweet Cheeks.  The trip has been uneventful.  I spent most of it writing this journal.  But we have become acquainted with Sweet Cheeks’s first mate, Thaddeus Grothe.  Talon and he spent hours discussing philosophy.We expect to arrive at Demonclaw tomorrow.</blockquote>

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