Journeys of Ravenhill

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Entry I

"I've decided to start and keep a small journal of any clues I've found out of Serenas trail. I've should have done this years ago. It might be that I don't remember to mark everything essential here for future reference. Perhaps this will not help at all and I'm beginning to loose my last hope of finding out what happened to my beloved sister. Be that as it may, I must give this a change. I start at the beginning so maybe it will help to get the bigger picture. Besides I've never kept a journal before, might as well start now.

It was the year 1342, The Year of Behir, that father passed away in an incident while on duty. He was on a strike team to a den of criminals that had plauged the city for quite some time now. The guard had tracked them to a house down by the docks. He was stabbed at the back, while they assulted through the front door, even if they had the advantage of suprise. The coward got killed in the strike... Unfortunately. Damn you old man, I could use your help right now and I miss you greatly. Not long after that father was burried with traditional Helmite and Tethyrian way. I remember mother come to grief, she didn't say a word at the funeral. She just stand there weeping, my sister as a shadow behind her, silent and in tears like all too many guests. I, myself, felt crushed, sorrow and great burden perhaps. Last man in the House of Ravenhill. Grandfather would be spinning in his grave that moment, to see where we had adjusted. Did it matter? It is not like we had any noble right for maybe a century, only name and crest reamined and still everyone seemed to act like it. At least what was left of us. Me, mother and Serena. Silly line of guardsmen.

Perhaps a ten day after the funeral, Serena took off or was taken away. Dissapeared without a trace. We waited two days. No word came our way in any direction, I started to ask around myself. A simple journey to the local tavern proved a bit longer than I first thought. I said to mother I'd not return until I found out what happened. It's what I intent t do, no matter how long it takes. My last look at her eyes... I couldn't bear her any ill news anymore. I've sent her letters and a few have come my way. I told her in them I'm on her trail and I was close to solution. I tried to make it seem as optimistic as possible Perhaps those are the things and a fool's hope that keep her still sane enough. Perhaps she has given up hope long ago and dispared. No matter, I will never be at peace myself until I find Serena, be her fate what it may be.

I learned that she had left with heavy supplies along the road towards Castle Tethyr. Easy enough to find out. Boys at the gate regonized her right away and she was no stranger to the Innkeep. I followed her trail. At the castle it took some more effort, we hadn't left Darromar never, but on few occasion. I was there at least a week and learned little. I was getting desperate, moving in the keeps vicintiy, asking every traveler, commoner and merchant I came across. I finally learned that someone with raven black hair, a birth mark on her neck, shaped like a leaf was seen going towards the mountains. That only ment she went North and to Amn. What in the Hells what she wanted in Amn?

This marked the at least four year time I spent in Amn trying to figure out where she went and what had happened. I traveled across the country, finding no clue of her. I felt failed and angry. Still l never gave up the search, though at times it was close. I started working as a sellsword, a mercenary, bodyguard. Hells the things I had gone through those few years there. It was in fact my assigment in Athkalan that, by mere change of luck, brought me a clue I had looked all those long years. I was a guard for a weatlhy merchant. It was my last day at that, and the grin on my face must have been priceless and wide. I couldn't, but smile when he released me of my last shift and handed my last payment. Old man was heading some place and retire. Fair man enough, rare thing in a city. I walked through the bazzar. It was a buzzling day, the place was packed with people going on their business. Suddenly my eye caught a raven black hair, wind blew her long back hair away and there it was. All too familiar birthmark I regonize a mile away. It was like Helm himself guided my eyes to it. My eyes locked on the woman. Instantly I started running towards her, pushing the people off my way. She was far. It was hopeless, no matter how hard I pushed I couldn't get through the crowd. She dissapeared into an alley. When I finally reached it, there was no trace of her. After that I spent almost all my coin asking around for her and finally got a clue after some days. Someone looking like this woman left for North not too long ago, with a trade caravan. I did the same.

I came across the Cloud peaks and made my way North, asking around. I've met a fair many people from all walks of life. Few I'd call friends. I'm sure they will help me, if I ever find a clue. For now I'm going to settle in and look around the area here along the Sword Coast. If I find out something I'll write it here. Hope I don't loose thing."

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Entry II

"From Nashkel all the way to Baldur's Gate I've reached for this past weeks. No sign of Serena. I think I'm bordering mere desperation in my search right now. I was so thrilled to get a solid evidence of her location in Amn and to actually see her after so many years. It was only a short glance, but still it threw years of doubt from my weary shoulder. I'm thinking of sending mother a letter to Darromar about this. I've made a good fortune of gold on my time here on the coast. I think I'll send her some of it aswell.

We were traveling from Beregost to Candelkeep with my friend Hoihe. He calls himself a drgonblood. Says he had a dragon ancestory. Likeable enough man, liked to talk my ear off magic, dragons and all other things inbetween. My earts were hurting badly at one point. On the road we ran across my friend Mateo and a few other traveling with him. One of them was Irini. At Candelkeep Mateo approaced Irini, he had agreed to help me finding my sister. Irini proved to be a High Priestess of Auriel, the Icemaiden. God of Winterlands and Cold. It was a good thing too, as we later found out. We come to agreement that she would accompany us to the North, across the Fields of Dead and Troll Claw Hills to Waterdeep. She claimed she had traleveled the way and was familiiar with it's dangerous and terrain. We set out to our journey straight away. It had me thinking, perhaps Serena in deed was in Waterdeep. Such a metropolis would be ideal location for a girl like her to vanish. I didn't knew if I liked that thought. but it made some form of sense. As much sense as my sisters doings could make.

Our journey went without trouble to the edge of the fields. There we decented on the foul and decayed place. It was silent, like all the ghosts of the past were observing our evey move in the plains. It was roaming with undead. Travelers and adventures dead and later haunted to guard this hollow place. Never the less the might of Auriel, my sword and Mateos mischief easily get past them to the Troll Claw. Here we encountered ogres, it was a hilly terrain. Steep hills bordering the road made me very uneasy. I was almost certain we would be ambushed or trapped sooner or later, but it never happened. After this we came to a river crossing. The Trolls of this region had destroyed the town errected here by brave, but foolish settlers. No doubt most of them ended up as their prey. The Trolls were numerous, but we got past them. After a short way we came to this rock region. No trolls was seen in a long time. Irini pointed out that this was a land cotrolled by a population of Stone Giants. It got me thinking we had wandered into our deaths, but Helm be with me when Irinin brought down the might of Icemaiden on them. They just dropped dead as they felt the freezing grasp of her!

The conclusion of our journey was near. Soon we would decent to the other side of the claws and even Irni was not sure what awaited on that side of the Hills. Our way was cut short. The tall hill had collapsed and landslide had blocked the road. Unpassable mountain of boulders, rocks and dirt stopped our journey short. A cave rested nearby, but even it had collapsed long ago. I was disasapointed. I really thought this could work. After this we agreed to travel back to Baldur's Gate and look for a pass to the City of Splendor by ship. The way back was all too similar than the last. Although little less suprise and wander on mine and Mateo side. At the farmlands we bid our farewell to Irini and continued to the Hardor. No luck with the ship. It seems I've no choice than to wait and see when I can buy a passage to Waterdeep. I think I'll try to get some work and earn more gold. I need to get my mind off this subject for brief moment."

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Entry III

"For days I tried to search a ship able to get me over the sea to Waterdeep. It seemed all trade vessels or boats were either full, not willing to take extra passangers or simply heading to the other direction. I even visited Ulgot's Beard in my desperation. I heard it was a port of some sort. I took the boat there, but it proved nothing but a little hamlet on the mouth of Chionthar river to Sea of Swords. That option out the way, I returned to the harbor for a few more days. The results were even more depressing. Beshaba seemed keen throwing eveything she had against me and I admit she won this round. I decided to return to my search here around Baldur's Gate. I had looked everywhere and saw or heard nothing. I decided again to wander between Nashkel and The Gate. Working for this "Thunderhammer" have so far proved most profitable. I never understood why he needed so many of those horns. Perhaps he has his reasons, what ever the case the man pays well. On a side note I've spent more and more time in the The House of the Guardian in Nashkel. I talked to the priest there and told him I would be at his disposal should the Temple have any need for my skills. So far there has been no demand for them however.

A few days ago, while I was traveling with my friend Hoihe we ended up talking about our journey to the North with Mateo and Irini. I told him our destination and that, for the time being, could only be reached by sea. Little did I know, Hoihe proved to be a sailor and it seemed his captain and crew were building their own ship. Tymora finally smiled upon me. It was not long until we met his Captain, a man named Mealir. He said that the "Wanderer" would be completed at the end of the mounth and then we could further discuss my passing. He said nothing of price. I've no idea what a such a journey would cost me. Makes me worried, if I can afford it at all. Never the less, I had a ship, although not ready one, to take me to the City of Splendor. It was the best damn thing in days."

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Entry IV

"War, it's what have been in my mind of late. I was on my way to Beregost to fetch some steel, as I usually do for Malz. When I was walking the Trade Way, I saw a collum of smoke coming from all too familiar direction. Amn had responded and attacked the Flaming Fist and the town while I was on my business at Baldur's Gate. I rushed towards the scene, I was greeted by a unit of mercenaries by the bridge. They quickly explained the situation to me. It seemed the town was almost lost and that the remaining forces had rallied behind quickly made palisades and still hold the road leading out of the village. I joined the denfens and it was not long until I realized how vastly the Fists were outnumbered. The Amanian legions keep hitting our position hard. They finally managed to flank our defenders with a manuver. They sent a small unit to the right line, while a large force was waiting for others to engage the attack. Then they sent out the other unit from the left, which defenders were few in number now. I, myself, got knocked out while I was battleing one Golden Legioneer. The Amnian military is well armed and trained, but this I already knew. I finally woke up out of town, carried there by the remaining defenders. One thing was clear, Amnians won the town. They set the whole town on fire! Do they not have any shred of Honor. Luckily the innocent and civilians were able to flee the town right before the attacks started. Typical Amnian shred. How I dispait those years spent there.
For the moment there was nothing to do. The Flaming Fist started to errect defense encampment at the road leading to Beregost. It was clear they could not try and retake the town, it was impossible. Amnians outnumbered them by far. The remaining defenders traded words about the goals of this whole fiansco. It was certain that Amn wanted the Baldur's Gate and the Dukes to call their own. There was no other logical expanationf to this war. Even Amn would not go to such lenght to revenge a dead Ambassodar. I decided to head towards Friendly Arm's Inn for the time being and enojoy an ale there, while I still could.

It was here that I came across Demetrius Benthel. A priest of the Watcher. I told him of the war, which he was oblivious to my suprise. One would think everyone were talking about it and had for sometime. I brought him an ale and we sat in the Inn enojying it. The man perhaps reminded me of Father. For the moment it flooded dear memories to my mind. Also, he made me think what my father once taught me. "Protect the innocent, unable, old and weak. Stand for that you deem worthy and good" It was always the one line father always kept repeating to me.... And perhaps I had forgotten it on my search. Demetrious agreed to help me find Serena, it seemed he was capable of casting a scrying spell. I was struck stupid, why had I not figured to use this out earlier. He asked nothing for it. We talked of war, it brought me again to me fathers line. When my mind treked back the years I had spent looking for Serena and the man I was before, I knew I was changed. I did not fight for honor or my fathers legacy. I fought and defended for gold, had for the passing years. I had perhaps realized it in Mateos, Catam and others words aswell. I raised my shield in defense, but I had lost the why of it. It was truly good to meet Demetrious and I will aid and protect him as I'm able.
But after our talk and ale finished, we agreed to see the war effort ourselves and traveled to the Flaming Fist encampment together. The fist had dug in, and fast. They had builded a well fortified palisade, and they had reinforcments. It was quiet for now and our aid was not needed. Demetrious had to leave, but I stayed. I will meet this Watcher again.

I was eager to help, I did not want to see this lands fall under Amnian colors. Turn it into their vassal trade kingdom where money would rule and every man of power would corrupt and be rotten to the very core. Some were foolish, venturing to the taken town to fight the Golden Legions on their own, it was suicide. Pure maddness going against those on their own. I did not participate. I wish to aid, but I won't throw my life to such watsted and stupid effort. It didn't take too long before Gereral Scar himself entered the encampent to attent to Lord Duke Eltans war concil in the camp. The Duke himself was present aswell it seems. He was not happy with the way things were, that was evidnent. The Fists had scouted a supply caravan to the woods east of Beregost. Scar had no man to spare, but he wanted that caravan stopped. He then threw us the challenge. We were to stop this caravan, before it could bring supplies to the Amnians. I agreed, along with a group of men and women to do this. We set out to the woods, guide by a Flming Fist soldier. He told us to scout the woods, the caravan should arrive near soon enough, then we would attack it. It didn't take us long to find our objective. The battle was fierce, they had a force perhaps a thirtiy strong, perhaps fourty. I did not keep count, intel told us they were elite forces of the military. Still we cut threw them like butter and were able destroy the wagons. We searched the destroyed wagos quickly. Food and supplies were everywhere, but did manage to find rather fine items among the ruin. No doubt intented for hgh ranking officers or comanders, or perhaps rewards to motivate the men. With this we returned to the Fist soldier. Hw was pleased and we departed to bare the good news to the General.
The General was busy with the war planning, so he had sent a certain Liutanent to be his personal voice. He thanked us for the effort. No doubt this would hurt the enemy greatly. It was not long uhtil the Liutanent Velt, regonized our potetial and offered us another more dangerous task.

It seemed Amnian had laid waste to Flaming Fist forces in the West. They had bombarded the units badly with their siege engines and the scouts told that a little way and this engines would be in range to bombard the encampent to ruin. Our now larger group was tasked to take them out. I thought to myself this to be suicidal, pure maddness. How would our little goup hope to beat a whole Amnian regiment. the old me would have refused, but I now remembered the line. I agreed, though it most likely ended in my death. At least I would die for something that matters. Our brave group ventured in with an escort to the siter. It was a dire sight. The Fist unit there was down to only few men and they could not lend us aid. When I glances towards the field we needed to cross, it was like leaping to fires of Baator. Catapult fire range above our heads and some clashed against the wooden palaides. All agreed we needed to act quickly. It would only be an hour when a another Fist unit would lay waste on the field with their own catapults, killing all on that fields and driving the Amnians to retreat. We did not want that. We charged and fought. We cut rhrough their ranks, they were good, but our experienced and skilled group of warriors, priests and mages were in fact able to destroy the siege equitment. Not only that we sent the rest of the Amnian forces running like cowards! It was a success and brilliant struggle, although we were not without losses. We had the fallen raised and returned to the Velt. He was more than pleased and already was throwing us another task, I myself retired. I'm but a man and even I have my limits. I will continue tommorow to support the right side.

All this time, i wondered where my friend Mateo would be. Such a scene would be soemthing I think he would not miss, but it was War after all. Anybody would run or hide. I didn't, and proudly can claim I had experienced war in my lifetime. A claim not many in the House of Ravehill could claim. Father would be pleased of me this day. If only Serena and mother were here. I do miss them so."

[DeathlessFigure01]

Entry V

"War has come to a stalemate, it seems. The Amnians Legion still hold the town of Beregost, while the Flaming Fist still holds their fortified Trade Way section, leading to town. Both sides are amassing their forces for now, and it seems perhaps a slight calm has fallen on this dreadful section of the coast. The Amnians did try and push through the Hin village of Gulykin, so I came to learn. no doubt their goal was to capture the town and destroy it's denfenders. Then it would have been easy for their forces to attack the Fist Flank through the forest paths of Wood of Sharp-Teeth. Lucckily the halfling defenders with elves and their allies hold their position and pushed back the enemy to their old positions. The attack was a slaughter on the their side. It seems barely a few survived to see the victory. One can only hope the Amnians don't try this again anytime soon. The results that time would be a disaster. The Falming Fist however has one gained one major force now. The Lord's Alliance reinforcements had arrived in Baldur's Gate and currently were settled on the banks of Chionthar river. The timing could have been sooner, but there's no doubt they are needed greatly and appreaciated.

I learned of the reinforcments on my way to the Gate. I had not been in the city since the war started. I was hoping to see one particular half-blood and indeed I found him in the Balde and Star Inn. I asked Meair about the construction of the "Wanderer". The ship that was to take me to Waterdeep. Even in this troubled times I had not forgotten that I needed to get to this city. Pehaps I could finally locate Serena. The war had an impact on the progress, as I had feared. It will be more three weeks before the ship is finished and sea-worthy. It seems nothing can escape the touch of this acursed war. He did told me that he was asking 1,000 gold coin for the trip. It was more than a satisfying price for the journey. It seems for the time being we are all stuck here. I had hoped to Find Demetrious, but I had not seen him for awhile. I still wish to complere the scrying and make sure Serena is not in the area, or the vicinity. I think I need to look for the Watcher, it would be good to have another Helmite to travel with. Lately I've been vague to trust my back for fewer men. War can turn anything up, even good person worse. It also seems my firiend Mateo is affacted by this conflict.

I found my friend, laying unconsiouness on the ground at the refugee camp. The camp was enstablished by the Order of The Silver Rose. I'm not familiar with the order myself, but so far they had offered shelter, food and water for the refugees at the Lion's Way. I found my friend laying in one of their tents. It seemed he was alright physicaly, but he didn't do anything... Just laid on the ground. I was told by a healer that there was no physical injuries, but that his heart was broken. I later learned that he had been laying a long time on ground of the Temple of Oghma in the care of a priest, with this condition. Wendel, guide of Candlekeep examined him aswell. He found no injuries or any magical curses, auras or anything relared to the art. He was as confused as everyone elss. He agreed to take him into Candlekeep infirmary, where the nurses would look out for him. I suppose I should try and find out what's this is all about, but how can I? I don't know where to begin or even what is wrong with him. I have his journal, but in it is some songs and poets he wrote. nothing that doesn't seem to make any connection. As if the war wasn't enough..."

[DeathlessFigure01]

Entry VI

"The War has come to a conclusion it appears. As a last resort the Amnian tried to push hard on the Flaiming Fist lines. They destroyed their attempt to retake Beregost, as I hear it. They pushed them back to their Palaside with numbers of their legion superior to the Eltan's forces. Luckily the compined army of the Lord's Alliance arrived just in time, and Amnians didn't dare attack such a large force anymore. It seems they have retrieved from Beregost and the two large armies have agreed to the peace talks. So, comes to end of the fighting, no doubt the politics will still flame the situation for weeks to come. I took a walk around the town of Beregost personally, it was a sad sight. There will be a lot to rebuild, both physical and mental damage. I thank the Watcher this whole afair is now over.

It also seems Mateos condition has improved. I met him in Friednly Arm's Inn, sane and awake. He still seemed devastated of what happened to him. He explained it all to me. It seems it all had something to do with this woman called Alice, if I recall the name correctly. Mateo had help her and turning her invisible she had thought himself dead. Out of scare she had run straight to the gnoll caves and the savage gnoll had killed her. A man with them had accused Mateo of murder and he was filled with guilt and then the next thing he remembers is he woking up in the temple of Oghma, in Candlekeep. This whole thing with him seems beyond me, but it is good to see my friend standing with his own feet. Suppose what have happened reveals itself due time.

The war over, I will turn my full attention to Serena now. I can only hope she was not touched by the conflict, I would never forgive myself if she was in Beregost while the Amnians overran it and set in on fire. I must find out. I have decided to seek out someone capable of srying her location. We talked with Demetrious about it and he said to be able to cast this certain spell, but I had not seen him since the start of the war. I'm getting truly worried and I want to find out soon enough if she is here on the coast. I found that Hoihe was help in the matter when I met him in Candlekeep. He said there were more than a few mages able to cast such a srying in the Keep. More over Laitae and Guide Wendel for name the few. It was not long before the elf wizard met us on the courtyard. She mentioned that I need something of Serena's if the srying was to succeed, otherwise it might prove impossible. A sad set back right from the start, I had nothing of hers. Wish I had known this before I left Darromar, but how could I have? Perhaps I should send a message to my mother, she might still have something from my sister that could be used here. In fact, I wonder where my raven is. I sent him off to my mother, but he has not returned yet with a reply. I just wish nothing have happened to him. Otherwise I might need to travel back to home or hire a messanger. I so miss home and mother.

[DeathlessFigure01]

Thaler sits by a fire in his room in the Friendly Arm's Inn. He hasn't left the room for long time. He gently strokes a raven that loyally sit by his side. On the table rest an opened letter. The man face is grim, his eyes reflecting great saddness and anger as he pets his bird. Finally he picks up his quill. His hands shake as he manages to scribe the few words on the pages of this journal.

"...Mother is dead, our legacy burned down. Tethyr has gone mad."

The man then puts down the quill and turns to the fire shedding a few tear as he looses himself in his dark thoughts.

[DeathlessFigure01]

Entry VII

"After all this years... I found her. She is dead. Dear Serena... Sister. I wish I had time to talk to you one last time. Fist I lost mother, now you. I'm broken, my heart is shattered. She is buried in the Gate's graveyard, but I've already made the arrangments to move her resting place. I need help witht it.. I ... I can't stand see her dead, but I know I have to be the one that burries him. I will find her a place so beatiful that fits her. No gravestone or crypt, nothing will distrurb you rest sister. Only I will know of your grave. The moving cost me much, but it doesn't matter. After I've moved her I have no place and no goal anymore. Our manor is burned to the ground and now is only a smoking ruin in the heart of Darromar. The people are on the uprise in home, killing nobles and apparently anyone that reseables one. Perhaps I will serve the temple in Baldur's Gate or in Nashkel, I do not know. Perhaps The Watcher is testing me, for I have lost everything.

I have taken Mateo as my appreantice and I will train him with weaponry as best as possible. I've trained many men, but never had an actual student, this should prove useful for both of us. He seems to be looking for soemthing, some form of gems. There has been grave trouble in the Gate. Tiamant the dragon god has been reborn and apparently his servatns were the true cause of the war. Troubling times indeed."

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Entry VIII

"For days I have been doing many things to keep my mind of my sorrow. I've sparred with Hoihe, taught Mateo, patrolled the roads, done short errands and tasks for all too familiar employers and people of this coast. Still at evening when I retire to my rented room, I feel terrible. My heart aches as I scroll through memories so dear, yet now so painful now. Childhood memories long since passed, early teen years wonder, joining and training in the city guard, everything of these all dear memories still turns my lips to smile for moment, yet after awhile it is but all gone, turning my face to stone and emotionless like it was before. Always saving Serena of all kind of trouble, wheter it was bullies or simple mistakes. I still remember when we played ball inside the house as kids. One time she kicked it right into a cabinet. It was an old, expensive and marvelouly crafted, like all Tethyrian craft of course. It had glass doors and they simply shattered to pieces. The ball broke the family set of dishes with it. A wedding gift from mothers parents, simple silver but huge sentimental value. Not a moment later mother and father came back home. Serena was so riddled with fear, she couln't move nor say anything, just stood there shaking. Father was a good man, but everyone knew not to raise his anger and I knew that anger right when he looked at us eyes wide open next to that broken cabinet. The yell and expression was something out of a nightmare. I have seen many things by now, yet even they can't compare to that feeling I had then. Regardless when his furious gaze turned to me, I said it. I took the blame, and I always did. If anything threathed her, or hurt her in anyway, I was there. If she ever needed me anyway, I was there. Yet I was NOT there when she needed me most... If I ever find out who stabbed her, have even the slghtest cursed feeling of someone that might have done it. The simplest hint of who it is that murdered her, I will make him pay. I'll punish him so badly he will regret his foul deed it the Nine Hells where he belongs! I will kill him and make him suffer.

All I have left is my raven. You are all that is left of my former life. Mother I wish you were here, you always knew what to say when I felt sorrow, but no. You Tethyrians might be angry on their rulers, perhaps apart for reason. I'm not the one to say or judge them. They have right of rule by birth and name, regardless how they perform that right and rule. Everyone should know their place. Just wait when I find that one bloody person who lit our modest manor in fire in his pure hatred, swallowing my mother in their deadly and hungry dance. I will deliver what you deserve, mark my word on it.

I am... Tired and perhaps angry, but I know I must move on and leave this behind sooner or later. I will not return to Darromar, at least not in a very long time or until I've made my peace, which I think now will not happen soon. For now I will stay here on the coast. So much have happened in the brief time I have spent here. Ground shaking events, that I was somewhat apart of. There a decent peolpe here and some not so decent. If nothing else, it reminds me little way of home... Former home. Perhaps I will turn to again to the familiar line "Protect the innocent, unable, old and weak. Stand for that you deem worthy and good." Father I have betrayed you, for I have failed you in the evey meaning of evey word of this phrase. I shall pray to Helm for guidance, for I feel betrayed him on occasion. I shall seek to better myself, in the matters I am sworn to uphold, even if I had to do them with a bitter and broken heart. I feel like I'm repeating myself here."