The Journal of Aiden McBride.....

[blessedone]

Blessed is he who keeps his faith in the darkest of moments! Helm does indeed have use for me yet. His blessings have become more strong and my Faith is renewed and stronger than ever! I have spent some time clearing the Tradeway and guarding those who travel it alone. I have battled Wyverns, Ogres, Goblins and even Giants along the Tradeway to make it safer for those who travel that cursed road. This, I believe, is the reason for Helm's blessing upon me as of late. He has smiled down upon me. He guides my sword and guards my very soul. Blessed is he who keeps his faith in such darkness.....


I have been battling these beasts along the Tradeway and I feel as if something bigger than all of us is brewing. The once waring factions of the Thayans and Throne have joined forces, if only momentarily for mutual gain, to stand against the Red Dragon, Cindanithalixis. Only a tenday day or so ago, that foul beast landed right in the middle of the Gnoll stronghold. I do not know what it was looking for, but, it spent some time digging around before it took to flight and rained fire down upon that stronghold. I feel that the Dragon only aided us in the battle against the Gnolls, because I have recently found out that the stronghold was actually a Temple to a foul and wicked God.

Still, that was only a short lived victory, for, a group of adventurers decided they should hunt down the Dragon as they watched it fly to the South toward the Valley of Wyverns once again as it did before. I did not know how I felt about hunting down the very beast that sent me into the hands of death itself, but, I did follow the group to aid in guarding them should they decide to do battle. Battle they did encounter! I have never seen such beasts along the Tradeway! They stood like men, but had the wings like those of a Dragon. They were slinging spells like a most powerful wizard would. This battle, was ferocious! They did all they could to stop the group from following the Dragon, but, it did not work well.

The group found the Dragon perched on one of the highest peaks in the valley and they debated over whether to slay the beast outright, or speak with the beast. The only problem with this line of thinking was that the Thayans and Throne were not having the later of the two. They attacked the beast and the mighty Dragon destroyed many, if not nearly all, of the Thayans and Throne. The valley floor began to run red with the spilled blood of the two factions.

After all of the fighting had slowed, the group made their way to the peak to talk with the Dragon.

Cindanithalixis had much to say about thieves and his horde as well as the slaying of his children. In the end, it requested that the group seek out an orb. This orb or sphere was called by the name of 'Sphere of Annihilation'. This did not sit well with me. Stories hold that the Sphere is controlled by a necklace. If this is the case, then, I pray we can find the necklace as well as the Orb before the beast or the Drow can. I have already sent word to the Holy Order and I pray that Helm guide us and guard us in this race against Evil......


~May Helm bless us along our way with guidance and guardianship as we stand against the encroachment of evil.....

[blessedone]

The candle burns slowly, lighting the room only slightly, but, it is just enough for the young man to see to so that he can kneel down on the stone floor and he looks upon the statue before him. He carefully places a vial of Holy water before him and he closes his eyes and clears his mind and holds that image of Helm in his head and takes a deep breath; then exhales slowly. He opens his eyes, picks up the vial, and begins to splash a small amount onto his fingertips and traces across his forehead in one straight line as he begins his prayers.........

"Glory be to Helm for guiding my sword and guarding me in these dark times."

He puts more of the Holy water onto his fingertips and traces across his chest......"May his wisdom and strength flow through his followers as we face the evil that plagues this land."

He places the vial back onto the floor and begins chanting softly and a small, barely noticeable sphere surrounds him and for some time he does not notice the world around him. He does not see the flicker of the candle's light or the shadows that dance upon the walls or hear the slightest crackle of that flame. No, for some time, he drowns out all of the distractions around him to commune with his God.........Time passes by and soon the young man comes out of his chanting and bows his head, "Glory be to Helm.."and with that, the young man stands and lights more candles, grabs his journal and takes a seat......



Chaos has exploded in the region beyond that of roaming beasts on the Tradeway. The Iron Throne has been seen battling the likes of strange, almost otherworldy creatures. Myself and a couple of others were heading to the city, when we saw the battle take place. The strange creatures began to attack us as well, perhaps thinking we were part of the attack or defense? Either way, we battled against them and came out the victor. I spoke with one of the Throne members after the battle and I tried to find out if they knew what those creatures were, but, alas, they said that they did not know what those things were and that it was none of my business and to stay out of the affairs of the Iron Throne.

Those words did not sit well with me at all. We exchanged more words and then they decided to see fit to attack us! We did not wait for them to get the upper hand though, and, the battle was short indeed. I have seen these murderers at work before along the Tradeway and other locations. They are a vile bunch and it was by the will of Helm that they were defeated so quickly. Still, this was not the strangest of events.

My fear of organization has come to realization! While traveling South along the Tradeway with one by the name of Valldur, we were ambushed by the likes of Orc near the area of the wolves. We began to travel South further to investigate the reasoning behind why the Orc had come from the forest, when, we ran into a Dwarf and an Elf by the Gnoll stronghold. We talked with them for only a little while, for, a wave of Orc poured forth from the gates of that stronghold! Yet, Orc are a foul bunch and raid as they see fit in all regions of this land....

The one Elf that stood with that Dwarf was slayed almost immediately in the onslaught as the Orc poured out in wave after wave. Myself, Valldur, and the Dwarf all stood valiantly against the wave of Orc and we struggled to get the gates shut. That is when my heart sank momentarily, for, we could see clearly, that a Giant led this raid. I have fought only a couple of these and they are a terribly strong lot and I nearly lost my life in doing so. To see this one leading the likes of a large party of Orc, was, foul indeed. I shouted out to Helm that he guard us in this onslaught and stood against rank after rank of Orc. The Dwarf followed and Valldur was injured and nearly brought down. He barely made it out of the fray to tend to his wounds. Suddenly, two arrows appeared into the arm of the Giant and I took a quick glance to see that another Elf had appeared and aided in the onslaught with us.

I shouted to he and Valldur to send word to the Flaming Fist and they did. The Giant let out a roar and rushed forth into the battle. Myself and the good Dwarf stood against the Giant and were nearly killed, but, we stood our ground, were guarded by Helm and we brought the Giant down. The Orc were dispatched and scattered not long after and thus, we were blessed to have survived. The Fist arrived not long after. The Orc bodies lay on top of one another as we looked around and that is when I realized the severity of my wounds and the severity of the event that just passed. I was caught up in the moment of battle, in the moment of a single image of my parents and the raid in Tilver's Gap when I was but a child and the anger swelled up inside of me.

I should not have let that be my guiding way. It should have been my dedication to duty that led me, not my anger. One of the officers of the Fist suggested that we go and speak to Duke Eltan to tell him of the events, but, I was too busy thinking about getting back to the Temple to let the Holy Order know of what has passed.

Still, we went to speak with the Duke and he thanked us greatly with gifts and kind words. To my surprise, he offered me an opportunity to join in the ranks of the Flaming Fist. I had not considered it before, but, I do remember speaking to one who was a member of the Holy Order of Helm and a member of the Flaming Fist. They are a good group and guard the city and her people as well as the surrounding area. They do not stand for the likes of the Iron Throne, and so, I agreed, for, they hold the same values that I follow through Helm. There was a ceremony held and I received a new set of armor and the blessings of the Duke. I am sure I have much to learn as a member of this Organization, but, I am willing to learn as much as I can to aid in the good fight. After all was said and done, I gave my thanks and returned to the Temple.

I do hold hope that this raid was just an isolated event and that they are not truly organizing for a full blown attack, but, I will be ever on the alert to insure that, should this take place, I will be there to stand against them......

~May Helm guide us and guard us in all that we do as we stand against the evil of this land.....

With that, the young man closes his journal and looks to his, once again bandaged shield arm, and hopes that it heals as well as before.........

[blessedone]

The candle burns slowly, lighting the room only slightly, but, it is just enough for the young man to see to so that he can kneel down on the stone floor and he looks upon the statue before him. He carefully places a vial of Holy water before him and he closes his eyes and clears his mind and holds that image of Helm in his head and takes a deep breath; then exhales slowly. He opens his eyes, picks up the vial, and begins to splash a small amount onto his fingertips and traces across his forehead in one straight line as he begins his prayers.........

"Glory be to Helm for guiding my sword and guarding me in these dark times."

He puts more of the Holy water onto his fingertips and traces across his chest......"May his wisdom and strength flow through his followers as we face the evil that plagues this land."

He places the vial back onto the floor and begins chanting softly and a small, barely noticeable sphere surrounds him and for some time he does not notice the world around him. He communes with his God.........Time passes by and soon the young man comes out of his chanting and bows his head, "Glory be to Helm.."and with that, the young man stands and lights more candles, grabs his journal and takes a seat......

The Tradeway is a dangerous place indeed and the wicked beasts that roam it are becoming more and more brazen it seems. This evening, a foul and wicked looking thing appeared suddenly out of the darkness of the night. I was traveling North along the Tradeway when the beast appeared. I had never seen anything like it. Those red eyes pierced the darkness and it stood like a man, though, it appeared like a wolf. Not like the Gnolls who have a dog-like face. No, this beast was more akin to the wolves that roam the Tradeway.

It lept out of the darkness, though, it did not attack at first. I was so shocked as to what it was, that I stood there for but a moment before I prayed to Helm to guard me and at that moment, it attacked me. I struck it with my fine blade, but, it did not make a mark at all! The blade did not even cut the flesh! Fear would have taken me had it not been for my faith in Helm. That is when it began to flee the area and went South along the Tradeway.

I chased after it, but, the beast had an uncanny speed with which I could not keep up. The thing came to rest on the road not far from me, in the area of the Goblins, and so I attacked it. Yet, it began to flee again. It did not seem to want to fight and at that moment, Ujio, appeared and hollered at me to stop. He said that it was trying to flee me and that it was more scared of me than I of it. I do not know if that was true or not, but, it caused me to pause for but a moment as it fled into the darkness. I could not have kept up with the speed it had.

It did not take long before word of the beast had spread as it ran wild in the darkness of the night and a howl could be heard carried on the night air. Soon, a gathering of adventurers were on the hunt and not long later, a group of the wolf-like beasts, only smaller, attacked us near the bridge North of Beregost. We all stood against the things as they came from all directions! We came out the victor's and went straight to Beregost. This is where the true horror was discovered.....

We traveled to Beregost to make sure the townsfolk were safe and that is when we came across a site that was foul indeed. The bodies of a few Orc had been seen in the streets near the merchant along with the half-eaten bodies of two Flaming Fist Soldiers set upon pikes! I do not know if this was the work of that Wolf beast or the work of that Ryokami, whom is rumored to follow the likes of Bane, but, the locals say that it was the likes of the Thayans that did it. I do not know the truth of the matter as of yet and it seems well beyond the actions of Thayans for sure and more the actions of one who would follow such a wicked and foul God....

I spoke with the likes of the Lathandar Temple Guards and they knew nothing of the matter. The only one who might know something is that Merchant that is always there on the streets of Beregost. Some tried to speak with him, but he fled in terror. It was apparent that the man wanted nothing to do with this situation. He fled rambling on about either not wanting to be next or not wanting to be eaten. His words were like that of a mad man. I feel that if I can find him in a day or so, he may speak with me on the matter of the Soldiers.

Still, we tried to hunt the beast with no luck at all. Some called it a werewolf, though, I have never heard of such a beast. I have also sent word to Duke Eltan of the matter and it seems that a Duke already knows of it, for, the Temple Guards in Beregost stated that it was already under control and being taken care of. It is because of this, that, I shall send word to the Order as well to insure that they know of the matter at hand if they do not already. I pray that this does not meld into the matter with the killings of the Holy Warriors and Priests that was rumored not so long ago, though, I fear the worse on the matter....


~May Helm guide us and guard us as we stand against this new evil that plagues the lands.....

[blessedone]

Aiden paces back and forth and the click of his heels echo down the halls of the Temple. His head aches from all of the events as of late and from all of the thoughts that pass through his mind. He finally takes a seat and picks up his journal...."Helm guide me" he whispers as he begins....


Where to begin with all that has happened? What is my duty? My purpose? My duty and my purpose is to guard those who cannot guard themselves. Aid those in need of Aid. Stand against the likes of Evil. THIS, is my purpose. So then, where does the Law fit in? The Laws of men....This, is something I have found to be in an area that I am not sure I understand at this time. I have had to deal with a multitude of 'Law' issues as of late. I have had to aid in chasing one down that decided to cast some form of magickal darkness upon Cpl. Crownsilver and run from us after refusing to be searched while being pointed to in a theft. That was strange indeed. He was fully armored and carried a spear. Yet, he wielded magicks...I do not know about that one. I shall see him again I am sure.

I also had to take one into custody this very night as well afterward with the aid of a good dwarf. The man attacked me unprovoked while on the Tradeway. He never did say why, just tried to lie his way through while I took him to the Gaols. I turned him over to their care for the night until further notice. I have had, and it sickens me to say this, but, I have had to aid the Thayans as per a Trade Agreement, and remove some who would cause trouble near their booths of sales......

I know that there must be order, in order for society as a whole to work, but, what about those who abuse the system? What about those whose wisdom you now question? How do you handle those? How can I justify guarding one who controls the likes of magickal constructs? The likes of an Army who walks with them? The likes of Murderers! They wage open war with the Iron Throne, take innocent lives and then hide behind the 'Laws' of the land! Over the last Tenday or so, I have had to stand there while the Thayans arrive with a War Band and sell wares made from the likes of their wicked hands! Worse of all, they had the written consent of the Duke himself! Which one I do not know, but, how can someone sign an agreement with the very ones who aided to cause so much damage to the City?

So, they pay for their damages? They caused it! My anger overwhelms me in this matter. I feel torn by the very Duty I have taken an Oath to uphold. I do not know where to go from here. I know that the Thayans pay the taxes on the items sold, but, at what cost does it come? Every item they sell bares the mark of the Thayans upon it. The mark of murderers and lier's. This does not sit well with me. It does not sit well with me that I, Aiden McBride, Initiate of the Holy Order of Helm, had to sit there and look upon the murderers standing there and could do nothing about them. War machines stood so near the gates! The same kind of beast that caused such havoc within the city and without.
Caused so much death!

No, I could do nothing about it with the signature of the Duke upon that agreement, at least not without feeling the lash of failure in my Duties. Where does one stand in such a matter then? Do I stand with the Flaming Fist and uphold the Laws of men who sit in a protected chamber and know nothing of the truth outside their gate? I do not feel as if I can do such as that. This, I believe, is not the will of Helm. Yet, if I step down as a member of the Fist, then, have I failed in my duties as a guardian? No, this cannot be the path of thought I travel down. I say now, that I will not stand for the protection of Murderers. My first loyalty is to Helm! My Duty is to stand against the ever encroachment of Evil in the lands! I did not take an oath to protect Murderers! Therefore, I stand as a Guardian as is the will of Helm. A guardian that is free from the enforcement of the 'Laws' of the land. I am a Guardian, not an enforcer of Laws. I see now the city of Baldur's Gate does indeed need aid, but, aid from those who are not controlled by the likes of coin from murderers....


I fear the worse will come with the likes of the Thayans having so much power behind them from the cities politicians and it is for this that I shall send word to the Order, so that we may have more eyes upon them and be better prepared for when the time comes.......not if it comes, but when it comes......


~I indeed pray for peace, but I prepare for war....and may He who Guides us and Guards us in life as well as in death, prepare us for the times ahead....Praise be to Helm!

With that, the young man closes his journal, looks upon the statue of Helm and kneels down before it. "Helm, here I kneel before you and ask of your guidance in these matters. I ask that you guard me along my path, should it be your will. Helm, I pray that I can protect the innocent people of the lands as I stand against evil." he lowers his head and begins to chant softly and a sense of renewal pours upon him. Slowly his chanting comes to a stop and he looks upon the statue of Helm once again and smiles a warm smile. Aiden stand to his feet, straps his sword back to his waist, and hefts his shield as he leaves the Temple with a determined face.....

[blessedone]

Restless was his sleep and he is awaken once again with a sudden jerk of his body. His mind was racing about and suddenly he was peering into the darkness as he realized it was nothing but a dream. He takes a deep breath and sits up and pulls his red hair back from his eyes as he gets out of the bed. He lights up a candle and pulls out his journal.......


Choices are a matter not to be taken lightly. They deal with your very soul. Should I make the wrong choice, then it will haunt me until my last breath. Yet, what is the wrong choice in a matter that I do not have all the facts of as of yet? This is the hard part. I know what I do not like about the Treaties and such, but, how do I make a difference in an organization that does so much for the people of Baldur's Gate if I am not part of it? This is the struggle. If I leave, then I cannot do much to aid them in making change. If I stay, then, do I run the risk of failing in my first duty as a follower of Helm? Or, is this not truly my duty as a Follower of Helm, to stand and be vigilant for anything that is suspicious and aid to right the wrongs?

Complex it is indeed. Still, I have decided to stand and watch and be ready for when something happens so that I can be there to aid those who aid so many. I have spent many hours in prayer over this and it seems that this is the path I am to take. At least I pray that I am correct on this...Another matter that I struggle with is the enforcement of the Law. This is a tough one indeed. I stand neutral in most matters without proof of the deeds, but, it seems that once again, I must wade through rumor after rumor to find a small piece of truth. Once again I had to stand there amongst the Thayans as they sold their wares only this time, Cpl. Crownsilver was present and so my choice was a little easier to deal with.

We had to deal with the likes of a little chaos, but, mostly things went well until a surely dwarf decided to sale his wares right there next to the Thayans booths. I do not know of any Law that says he could not, and so, he was allowed to. True to form, the Thayans complained that he was dissruptive and asked that he be removed. I tried to be diplomatic with all who were involved, but, it was not working so well. Soon, a fully armored figure, the same one from the man-wolf hunt not long ago, stood and faced the dwarf with threats. During the argument, someone stole the goods of the dwarf. Now, how do you deal with this? Where is the guardianship in the matter?

Myself and the good Cpl. did what we could and began to search folks who were in the area during the theft. Once we began to speak with the armored figure, he refused to be searched. Suddenly, he cast a magickal darkness and was running away! We gave chase, but he was gone very quickly. These are the matters that bother me the most. How do you keep the peace when you are not but a guardian? This also falls back to choices to be made and how they can affect you. I just pray that I make the right choices for all involved according to Law and my own moral compass. Perhaps Helm will continue to guide me in these confusing times and I will be there when the time is needed for me to be there....

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these trying times.....

[blessedone]

Surely my choices as of late have been right in the eyes of Helm! He has seen fit to renew my faith in the organization of the Fist and how they are to present themselves and deal with matters.

Just a tenday or so ago, I was called into the Castle to be met by Hurbold. I stood to attention and noticed that the quartermaster was gathering some new looking armor. Hurbold explained to me that my dedication to duty has been noticed by some as well as my courage in the face of enemies. Word has reached his ears and thus, I was promoted. I was promoted to Cpl.! This is a joyous moment for me. I know that my anger was against the Dukes and not the organization itself and I have done some soul searching to come to a conclusion on a course of action. Now, I have been promoted. The ceremony included the receiving of new armor with new rank insignia, a beautiful scabbard for my blade and a new helmet.

This was not all though. During the course of the ceremony, I received two medals. After having received the two medals, an adventurer came into the castle to receive word about recruiting. His name was Ulfjar, son of Thorkel, son of Harald. He seemed a powerful and prideful man. Hurbold and the Quartermaster exchanged a few words with him and he was inducted into the Flaming Fist. They were going to retrieve his armor, but, I asked the Quartermaster if I could pass along my armor. It had seen much action and served me well in my duties. They agreed and luckily it fit fine. After he put on his armor, we stood there in the position of attention as Hurbold sounded off the duties of a Flaming Fist soldier. Ulfjar, son of Thorkel has been placed into my command as of now and I have delegated the authority to him for patrol South along the Tradeway to Beregost as I did before him. Cpl. Crownsilver has been promoted to Sergeant now and I believe he will make a fine Sergeant. Perhaps we will have more recruits to add to the ranks and be able to patrol the Tradeway more and make it safer for those who travel it....


~May Helm guide us and guard us as we continue on in our duty to stand against the likes of evil in these lands.....

[blessedone]

One can only walk so long before they are the target of anger and oppression. Cowards roam the Tradeway that attack from the shadows because they lack the fortitude to stand and face their enemy in the light. This light is the thing they fear, for, it shows their true self deep within. It reveals who they really are and that, I believe, is what they fear more than anything else, or why would they hide in the shadows? I have faced this first hand and only by the guidance and guardianship of Helm I live.

Seems he works in ways that I cannot understand at this time, but, I do not question his reason for such. I faced three or more bandits along the Tradeway South of the City. They attacked for reasons unknown beyond the fact that I am a Corporal in the Flaming Fist. They rushed forth from the darkness with anger in their eyes and hatred upon their hearts. Helm guided me and I laid one to the ground while the others soon fled after the attack. This did not keep them away though, for they returned with vengeance in their souls. I would have lost my life that day had it not been for Helm's guardianship over me in the form of aid along that road.

It took some time to recover from those wounds and I have sent word to the chain of command in reference to this incident. Now, fully healed and back on patrol, rumors fill the air of one who walks in the shadows seeking only the Fist. They say that there is a price upon our heads. A price on our heads. This idea does not sit well with me at all. They seek us out specifically for reasons unknown beyond that of coin! I finally returned to patrol this day and was ambushed by one from the shadows once again. I was able to face him quickly and thus the attacker fled. I gave chase only to find that the attacker once again fled to the shadows. I was giving warning to Jorn and the farmer's about those in the area when one of the farmers were killed right there near me. I once again was able to face the attacker and suddenly, two more appeared from the shadows. This, I believe was their tactic. They know that guardians will rush to the aid of others and there they sit, waiting, until we are close enough to strike out.

I was able to lay down two of the attackers and take the other into custody. Daelthrien soon arrived and aided me to take the prisoner to Candlekeep. During the travel, the attacker would not say much beyond taunts and such. We were barely South of the Farms when the attacker tried to escape by attacking Daelthrien suddenly. We had no choice but to take his life to keep him from escaping. Pvt. Ulfjar arrived soon after and suddenly we were under attack again.

This time, these did not appear to be any bandits. No, these were warrior women of some sort. Some were adapt at wielding magicks and some others seemed adapt at the use of Prayers to some God or Goddess. Their prowess was something to behold, but, we stood the victors with the aid of Vale, a wizard who just happen upon the fight as well. I do not know what kind of madness and chaos is going on here, but, something needs to be done soon. On top of all of this, I barely survived an attack by one whom I could not even see until darkness took my vision.

I stood at the Gate of the City when suddenly I heard a clanking sound at my feet. I looked down to see the rumored charm of the dagger. I quickly began to look around but, saw no one around. I ordered one of the sentries to retrieve the charm and then I heard his voice. It echoed upon the walls around me and I could not tell where he stood when he talked. The deepest of shadows held his wicked body from my eyes, for, I could not see him at all. It was either that or some form of magickal spell upon him. He seemed to rather enjoy speaking of killing and how there was indeed a price upon our heads. He also spoke of an employer who was paying well for such, though, he did not speak much more on that.

I ordered that the sentries stand close to me and prepare for his appearance should it take place, but, those two were frozen with fear and did not move. Daelthrien was walking into the Gate when the assassin was speaking and instantly knew of the situation, for, he was there when Pvt. Ulfjar was taken. We prepared for the attack, but, I was not prepared for what took place.

The assassin revealed himself behind me in but a flash of blades at my waist line where the armor meets as I turned around to face him. There was a sudden flash of pain and I believe a poison or something went to work that would not allow me to move. I could see the assassin make quick work of my flesh that peered through the kinks and lap overs in the armor and I could feel every gash he placed upon me, but, I could not move. Daelthrien attacked the assassin and did well to guard me, but, I fell to the deadly strike of those blades. I was barely alive. Daelthrien later told me that the assassin let loose some sort of darkness upon the area and disappeared. For the assassin to have disappeared right before the keen elven eyes of Daelthrien, is skill indeed.

Moral is going to need a boost to insure we can keep hold of order among the ranks. We will need to get control of rumors and learn how to better battle these tactics that they use. Sheer brute force will not win here. I pray that Helm reveals a course of action to take against the likes of these cowards that we face in these dark times....


~May Helm guide us and guard us as we stand in the light to face the darkness of these times....

[blessedone]

Cold, is the air around him and it sends chills to his spine and those red eyes pierce his very soul. Aiden grips his sword tighter and silently prays that Helm guard over him as he rushes forth to the foul being. He barely raised his sword in the name of Helm before a light flashed all around him.......The small man is suddenly awake and nothing but darkness surrounds him. He looks around and realizes that he is, once again, awaken by a dream. He sits up and takes a deep breath as he pulls his long red hair from his eyes. "Helm, what is happening to me?" as he gets out of bed and lights a candle. He pulls his journal out of the desk and then begins to write.....

Seems that all of the fighting and wickedness that I have seen is catching up with me. Perhaps I am not as strong as I thought? I have been spending less time in the Temple and in communion with Helm due to all of the fighting and my duties as of late. I have spent too many hours pouring over manuals of warfare and not enough in prayer. Bloodshed is all around me and in this region and it grows heavy upon me. I have even nearly forgot the whole reason I came to this city and the friends I am, or once was, in search of. Does this make me less of a friend or member of a family? What am I doing? Have I lost or am I loosing my way?

I have seen many good men loose their lives as of late as well as seen the innocent get slaughtered. I know that I could not leave this place now. There is too much going on that I can aid to make better. Still, I miss Valborg and Cecil and all of the dwarves in that mountain range. Those who raised me up to aid in making me what I am this day. I have not heard from them since that wicked night in the Cloudpeaks even though I have searched and searched. I have sent word to Cecil in Tilverton to let them know that I live and have found the famed Candlekeep, but, that we need a Tome for entrance. Perhaps, one day soon, I can be reunited with them. I know that Cecil would be proud to see what I have become by his foundation and teachings. I know that Valborg would stay and fight along side me against the likes of these Giants and Goblin that now try to lay siege to the small town of Beregost, but that he could not stay for long. Only long enough to see many of them slaughtered!

Perhaps this is what saddens me a bit. The fact that I now cannot leave this place with a clear mind knowing what goes on here. Many battles as of late against the dead and wicked beings of the abyss. Battles against Goblins and Giants and other foul beings. There has to be a source for all of this. There must be a way to stop the attacks! Beregost. That poor town and her people suffer greatly on a regular basis. I was in that battle against the likes of those Giants and Goblins. The fighting was vicious and heavy and the blood still stains the road into the town. Lt. Aegis Feld, it is only by the will of Helm that he lives. He fell during the fighting and those Goblins would have torn his body to shreds had not someone shouted that he had fallen. It was only by the guardianship and guidance of Helm that I was able to wade through that bloody mess and get to his body before they did indeed rip him apart.

He lay on the ground, bleeding badly. I fought off as many of them as I could before the fighting slowed and eventually stopped momentarily it seemed. I looked upon his body, broken, bleeding and it seemed that I was too late, for, he was not breathing at all. It pained me greatly to see him this way as well as the fallen soldiers all around. Many called for orders within the chaos and what to do next. I did not know what to do. I asked Helm for guidance and did what I could and begin to shout out orders. I then turned my attention to the Lt. again and knelt down beside him. I am no leader! He has to live! I placed my hands upon him and prayed like I had never prayed before. I had heard Cecil tell me many times that faith can heal all. It was this thought that I had in my mind as I prayed. I suddenly felt a surge of power through my body and felt it enter my hands. Light seemed to shine suddenly and in a flash it was gone. Then it happened.

Lt. Aegis Feld coughed! He coughed and began to breathe! I praised Helm and begin to bandage up his wounds quickly and helped him to his feet. I begin to make my way around to bandage up all of those who needed it as well as I could. Soon, Sgt. Crownsilver arrived and the fighting picked up again. Helm has blessed us all indeed and we were victorious in the end. The Giants and Goblins fell to the swords and spells of adventurer and soldier alike. The fighting led us all to a Giant among Giants and a wicked looking knight of some sort. It's eyes blazed red from beneath that helm. Then, it was gone. The giant too fell and we found nothing that would lead us to more knowledge as to what was going on.

I give praise to Helm that we lived that day. I give praise to Helm that he saw fit to bring the Lt. back from the grip of death itself. Perhaps he still has a purpose for which is unknown to us all. Since then, the Lt. has been promoted to Cpt., Sgt. Crownsilver was promoted to Lt. and I was promoted to Sgt. in the Apothecary Division. The Holy Order was aware of my actions as well and sent word. Still, much is still to be learned of this threat and much work needs to be done to prepare for what may come next. One thing I must do now is....is to spend much more time in communion to Helm. He has blessed me greatly for my faith in him and I do not need to forget that it is by his will that these things take place.


~May he who guides me and guards me in all that I do, bless us all as we stand against the evil that plagues the lands......

[blessedone]

Strange and dark times have been upon this region for some time now and it is evident in the most recent of events. A day or so ago while patroling the Southern end of the Tradeway, myself, Ujio, Rowina Millows, a Monk named Argos and I feel as if there was another, but, I cannot recall, were ambushed by the likes of Trolls and Ogres on the Lion's Way. Not just regular Ogres. No, these were slinging spells! Much like the ones encountered during the search for the Black Drake many moons ago. We as a group decided to find the source of the beasts and entered into the caves on the cliff side near Candlekeep. Many dangers indeed lied waiting for us. It was as if they knew we were coming. I give thanks to Helm for his guidance and guardianship over us all, for, I would be dead now if it were not for the others.

We fought the likes of stronger than normal Minotaurs, Trolls, spell slinging Ogres, Giants and many other foul beasts along the way. In the end, we encountered a strange red robed man surrounded by tentacled beasts he called, Illithid, that had control over a horde of Giants, Trolls, Minotaurs and such. He told us that he only wanted to rule Thay. He had a hatred to Thay for their wrong doing. He was seeking power and wanted to find his path through any who might see him to his rise! He offered to kill all of the Flaming Fist as a start! I do not understand this madness. He seemed as if his lust for power over ruled his sanity! He wanted to kill us all, but, I spoke with him and played on his pride and promised to spread the word of his power and what he seeks. He called himself the Puppeteer and he agreed to allow us freedom.

Strange and dark times we shall still be in for some time. The roads had been still for a bit, but, I knew it to be too true to last for long. The beasts that roam the tradeway have increased with all of the wickedness rising in this region. Battles rage daily on that road. As I write this, the information has already been sent to the Duke and the Weave Masters as well. I see them as a stout ally in the times ahead of this region.

~May Helm guide us and guard us all in these dark times.....

With that, the small man closes his journal and places it back into his pack and rests his head. He stares into the darkness and slowly his eyes close as he enters into the realm of sleep......

[blessedone]

The candle burns slowly, lighting the room only slightly, but, it is just enough for the young man to see to so that he can kneel down on the stone floor and he looks upon the statue before him. He carefully places a vial of Holy water before him and he closes his eyes and clears his mind and holds that image of Helm in his head and takes a deep breath; then exhales slowly. He opens his eyes, picks up the vial, and begins to splash a small amount onto his fingertips and traces across his forehead in one straight line as he begins his prayers.........

"Glory be to Helm for guiding my sword and guarding me in these dark times."

He puts more of the Holy water onto his fingertips and traces across his chest......"May his wisdom and strength flow through his followers as we face the evil that plagues this land."

He places the vial back onto the floor and begins chanting softly and a small, barely noticeable sphere surrounds him and for some time he does not notice the world around him. He does not see the flicker of the candle's light or the shadows that dance upon the walls or hear the slightest crackle of that flame. No, for some time, he drowns out all of the distractions around him to commune with his God.........Time passes by and soon the young man comes out of his chanting and bows his head, "Glory be to Helm.."and with that, the young man stands and lights more candles, grabs his journal and takes a seat......

Lies, Rumors, Murder and Evil plague this land! Something has the people not wanting to trust in the Fist. They believe us to be the oppressor, well, at least a select few and I have to wonder their intentions and ill placed lack of of trust. I have had to face the ever growing challenge of choice and Law again. This time I let Helm guide me in my choice. Myself and a group of adventurers were ambushed by the likes of strange looking Hobgoblins that appeared to be from the deepest realm of the Cloudpeaks if I had to guess. We took them down quickly and they continued to attack. Still, we stood the victors in the end. Now, the choice that was laid before me was one of Duty and Law. We met one single Hobgoblin named Drork who claimed to be the leader and conspirator of the raid, yet, did not attack us. He claimed that those we killed were not even trained and that they were the outcasts. Much like our criminals. My choice was to kill him right then, but, some wished to hear him out. He said to us that the attack was nothing but a test to see if we were worthy to speak with.

By Helm I do not know why. The Law would not support such actions against the beast for it did not take hostile action against me, but, it was the leader of the raid and to let it live meant pending danger for more than myself and those around me. It meant certain death of innocent lives. Especially if the ones we fought were not trained. Now, the problem in dealing with this involved an Elf named Darius. I first met Darius on the road during patrol and he was involved in an alleged assault which we found out was a duel with that darn Gnome with the strange tattoos. Duels are apparently not allowed on the road.

When I spoke with Darius we took care of the situation and he received not but a warning. Now, when dealing with this Hobgoblin leader, he decided to make the point that to kill this single Hobgoblin who showed no threat would be a violation as well as a lack of Honor. Here in lies the complex choice one must make. To allow it to live and cause much more harm or to kill it to ensure the safety of the people? I chose to face the beast myself on his level to appease to his sense of 'Honor'. This, I felt would do two things. One, it was an agreed deal between the two of us only and would take care of killing him with a sense of Honor and two it would take care of killing in the name of Duty to guard the innocents lives he may take in the future. Fortunately the beast agreed and fell beneath my blade. Now here is where the problem will arise. Darius was no doubt angry that he was questioned for much the same actions and here I was doing just what he claimed to be doing. Yet, what is a duel? A gentleman's fight to see who is best? Well, if this is the case then, this was not a duel, this was a fight to the death much as an Ogre attacks with no thought. This takes place daily. Perhaps they are to be considered duels as well?

Still, it did anger him and he stated his dislike for such as well as saying that he could now see the worth of the Law in this land.
I truly believe that my choice was one for the greater good. I stood the victor and so Helm was with me surely. Therefore I take away the thoughts of that Elf and continue on in my duty. Over the past few days the road has been a dangerous place. More than usual. I have battled the likes of the walking dead, Lichs, Vampires, Mummies, and hordes of Gnolls and Orc raiding parties. The aid of the adventurers helped tremendously. Borton, Rowina Mills, Atticus and many more aided in the good fight. Ironfaar, Foinus, the stout warrior dwarf, aided in the great battle against the strange Hobgoblins as well. I feel that there are a great number of allys around us and it is good to see such in the darkest of times. The Weave Masters being one of them. Their rise to power so quickly has brought the unwanted attention of that Lich though. I fear the worse for that Guild.

Word has been sent to the Holy Order about the one named Borton. He has shown great faith in the face of even greater dangers. He is a follower of Helm and a brother. Perhaps he will be allowed into the Order as a faithful follower of Helm. Word has also been sent on the one named Atticus. It seems as if he is interested in becoming a member of the Fist. This is good. He is skilled in fighting as well as one of Faith. We could use another good soldier to aid in bolstering our ranks. Already we have two new recruits on the road. Alley being one of them.

I believe she needs a bit more discipline with regards to just rushing into battle head first. That is a good way to get one self killed...I know this first hand. I nearly lost my life rushing into the open gates of that Gnoll stronghold and was met by a Giant's Club against my shield and close to my head. I barely got my shield up in time to greet that huge club with my shield rather than my head! Perhaps some field training is in order for the new ones. This will aid in formations and tactics used against a large force as we faced this day. I have been studying much on battle tactics and such and have learned a lot. Perhaps it will aid the Fist. My last entry stated that the roads had been still, but, as I predicted. Evil is ever restless. I end this entry with but one thought....

~May Helm guide us and guard us in all that we do as we stand against the evil that plagues this land....

With that, the small man closes his journal and nods with a grim face as he gazes into the flickering candle light. He cannot help but think of the Hobgoblin's raid and what this Lich has in mind with his foul minions so close to the Gate of the city herself.....

[blessedone]

The small man sits before the statue of Helm in the Temple and thinks back to Francis Markus. The man had helped to nurse Aiden back to health after nearly being killed by several bandits along the road and many other 'incidents' while on duty. Suddenly, he hears what sounds like footsteps in the Hall and he quickly gets to his feet and looks around. A sigh of relief is let out as he hears nothing more and returns to his thoughts. Helm, it is by your guardianship that I live this day." as he gives a silent prayer to the one he follows. Aiden's eyes become moist as he thinks of the man and he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. He stands and goes to a desk where he opens up his journal to begin writing.....

Cowards with evil hearts. Greed and the lust for power seem only fuel their desires. What drives a man to go into a known evil Temple seeking only riches? What drives them to take a life for not but coin? These things I cannot understand. Wicked desires of the heart seem to drive them do vile acts. Recently Francis Markus' life was taken with no reason to the madness. Other Temples have felt the blow as well and it is madening to think that their is not one single trace of evidence of the act beyond a trinket. Evil is ever restless, this I know. I stand against the likes of such with the hopes that we can live in peace, yet, where is the peace if evil truly is ever restless? Where is the hope in such?

Such an act is beyond me. To take ones life for no reason, to have such a detachment to life itself must be a life of darkness indeed. How can one see the light and hapiness that is around if you are blinded by a hatred for life? What madness is this? They were not but Temple Priests! My anger has to be kept in check for I fear that I may travel down a path of no return should I allow it to consume me. I know well my own temper and soon the one responsible will be known!

Not long ago Lt. Crownsilver and I nearly lost our lives facing the likes of the dead along that road again and even a Lich. Ontop of this, Bandits attacked us at our weakest of moments and only by the blessings of Helm do we live! That stronghold has been a burden all too long in this region and is a soure of nothing but evil. Light shall once again shine in that dark place!

*************************

Aiden stops to take a deep breath as his face becomes red with anger as he writes......soon, he is calm once again and returns to his journal....

I have spent many hours in prayer over the recent events along the roadway and the Temple murders. Recently, two adventurers met me along the road near that very Temple to the wicked and foul God whose name I shall not write here. One of the travelers name was Nicotino, a halfling of some.....character. The other appeared to be a man clad in armor. He was very pale in the face and sickly to the nose. The little one was screaming out that his friend was diseased. I could tell that the man was suffering and so I tried to heal him with no success. Suddenly, well armed and armored skeletons began to attack us! I asked the two of them what they had done. The little one said that it might be the ring he had around his neck and that they were on the way to a Temple in the city. There was nothing I could do for the man there along that road and so we fought our way through many of those skeletons until we got to the bridge. I did not want to take the man into the very city itself if this disease was catching, so, we set up a camp behind the caravan area. The little one was busy talking about many things, though, I could not make sense of much of what he spoke of.

Camp was set up and I spent time in prayer to Helm so that I could be prepared to heal the man. Soon, I began to pray over him and spent much time in prayer over the man and still he was sick! The man then put the ring down to see if this was truly the cause of the disease and he was bound to the ring and could not step away! Soon, the dead attacked once again and so, he placed that ring back around his neck. I told the little one to rush to the city and get Troubazar and explain to him the situation and that I could not do anything for him. The little one rushed off and soon return with the wizard. Troubazar looked the ring over and then took the ring into his possession. He said that the ring was indeed cursed and said he would return.

During this time, I spoke with the sick man about where they got the ring from and they said it was from the Temple of that foul God in the Stronghold! I did not understand why one would go into that place and the halfling began to tell me a story of how he was on a journey when he saw a dwarf. The dwarf asked for help to fight some Gnolls and the little one agreed. Soon, for reason unknown, they were in this Temple and looting the items within. Greed. Drives some into madness such as this. The little one was continuing his story when the wizard returned.

It did not take long before the wizard did return with the ring. Only this time it was stripped of the curse and most of the power it once held. Troubazar explained that the ring was cursed by that foul God of the Temple and was known to as a Ring of the Skeletal Lord. The ring's curse would turn any who wore it into a Skeleton Lord and then they would have the power to call forth minions! By Helm! This power is not needed in this region along with all of the other problems we have. Troubazar explained that the Temple of Mystra cleansed the ring and stripped it of most of the powers if held.

Troubazar placed the ring on the ground and the sick man was soon healed by the blessing of Helm. One would think that a lesson was to be learned here, but, greed drives some into a madness it seems. The halfling did not want anything to do with that ring and rightfully so. So, the little one picked up the ring on a stick and placed it into the campfire and began to wildly cast spells upon the fire! Acid and fire and a multitude of other spells untill I told him to stop his madness! The ring was still in tact and the once sick man, took the ring up. I did not get his name during all of this and he left soon after. Nicotino began to tell his story of how the ring came into their possession once again. He was speaking also of a place called the Corkwood. The Corkwood? I corrected him and the little one, of course, thought I was wrong in pronouncing this place as well as the Wood of Short Teeth. This did make me chuckle a bit at the innocence or madness of the little one.

Still, evil hearts and their lust for power will drive them into doing many things that make no sense to me. All I can do is be there as a line of defense for the innocent people in this region and stand guard, watching and waiting for the next battle to come....

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these dark times as we stand as guardians for the people of this region......

Aiden McBride / Apprentice of Helm

[blessedone]

The Sgt. makes his way in a hurry to the Temple and quickly sets his shield up against the table leg and the floor. He unstraps his weapons from his waist and then looks to the hall. He decides to unsheathe one of those swords and place it right next to him for quick retrieval. He goes to his pack and pulls out a leather bound book and opens it up and then grabs a quill and ink. He takes one more look down the hall and listens intently for a moment before he takes a seat and begins.....

Well, this is an entry that makes me a bit wary. Beasts of all kinds were set free from the Arena today and caused much chaos in the city herself. A hasty defense was set up in the Palace district to keep them confined to the West Harbor, but, myself and a couple of adventurers had to go in and physically drive the beasts back. We fought our way to the arena where we found more of the beasts had barricaded themselves in the Arena. Now, this comes to my mind as we stood there before those massive doors. Why were these beasts held here with no guards on post and why so many dangerous beasts here at all? For sport? The danger they presented to the city would have been a heavy toll to pay had they gotten out further into the city itself. How many innocent lives would have been taken for a sport? Either way, we made it into the Arena and begin to clease that place of the beasts. We found that they were not as dumb as one would think. They quickly armed themselves and began to fight back. We soon found ourselves in the Arena itself and the floor of it was covered with a foul smelling, mud almost like that of a swamp area. We moved to go around it as much as possible until I noticed the surface rippled just the sleightest bit. We readied ourselves for this new beast to show face and show face it did! By Helm I had never seen such a beast! It was as if the water itself rose up against us in a tower like shape and fought us! Our weapons mostly went through the foul thing as we splashed water all over the place and into our eyes and everywhere and that made it even harder to fight this beast. I felt as if it was not but a training swing as I felt no contact being made with the beast. Only by magicks did we bring it down and that is when two more arrived...By Helm we barely got out of there alive!

We finally made it to the lower part of the Arena and found something that bothers me....The gates in the lower part that housed these beasts had been blasted off with magick. The adventurer with us named Tengel, recognized the blasts as much like his own from magicks. They were from a warlock. Seemed a bit strange to me as to why the warlock would do such a thing unless it was a well executed distraction technique so he or she could accomplish a bigger goal. If this was the plan, then, it went smoothly because most of the Fist were not on post as they were busy fighting these beasts! The only clue we even could somewhat come up with was a freaking rumor. Nothing more. By Helm! We have to rely on a rumor to begin our search for this madman. Now, it is rumored that a warlock is working with that Puppeteer guy. This does not bode well for the city or the free people of the region.

That wizard has gone mad with a lust for power. Thay is his target, but, he comes through Baldur's Gate for his rise to power! Madness. This is once again a prime example of how ones own desires can breed and grow into an uncontrollable disease and make one mad to do such things. I spoke with Nahum on the subject as well. Well, we cleansed the arena and returned order in the West Harbor District and returned to Major Vespern to report our findings and lack of findings as well. The Major then handed out his reward to the adventurers as well as giving me some coin and then mentioned somthing I did not think I would really hear. He said that he would send a report to the Duke in reference to a promotion....A promotion in the Apothecary Division!

This is good news indeed and I have already begun to recruit for this Division as well. Our ranks have bolstered in the last few weeks and you can see the aid and relief they bring already. I am glad to see that order was restored to the District, but, I still wonder why those beasts had no guards over them if there were so many of them......

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these strange and dark times as we stand against the evil's that plague this land......

He lets out a sigh as he closes the book and then takes a moment to listen again. What was it that he was hearing or did he actually hear anthing at all and was just being paranoid? He has been the victim of assassination attempts before and the recent murders have him on edge.......

[blessedone]

Time moves slowly for one who waits for an end game to show face in these dark times. Many wicked hearts roam this region and plan the destruction of innocent lives or ways of life. This is why I stand in the face of such evil plans. To guard the innocent one who dare not stand, who have not the heart to stand or those too weak to stand. It is the will of Helm and is my duty as a humble follower of Helm. This I now ask myself, do I stay in this organization or do I lend my sword as a Preist of Helm only?

The Thayans now have an agreement with Cpt. Feld in Beregost and I have to wonder with what wisdom is this choice made? Duke Eltan has voiced his dislike of the situation with the Captain but, no so much with the trade agreement between the Thayans and the Dukes of Baldur's Gate. What is the difference? None in my eyes. There is no lesser of the two evils when dealing with these Thayans. They bend the Law to their own use and liking and bring goods in which is rumored to be made by slave labor in their country. They sell many magickal goods in this region that bare the mark of Thay upon them, though, I have to wonder what other enchantments are truly upon them......

I feel that Duke Eltan is a true and just man, though, one can never really tell in these times. I pray that coin does not cloud his judgement on this situation with the Captain and the Thayans. I pray that coin is not the motivation behind any of these trade agreements, though, I feel that coin is the root of all of this. Too many times have I seen greed become the driving force of wicked hearts. A lust for riches and power has a strength unlike many others in all the lands of Faerun. I do indeed have a hard choice ahead of me in the days to come I know. Still, I will consider Justin to be a friend and ally as well as many others in the organization should I choose a path that differs from their own.

Many moons have passed and still I cannot understand how or where all of this will fit in. In terms of my duty with the Laws of the land, the Fist and the duties as one who follows Helm or better yet, how they will work together in the end. I pray that the way be shown, for, I am once again lost on the path to which I should travel in light of the recent news of the Thayans. I fear the worse will come with the likes of the Thayans having so much power behind them from the cities politicians and it is for this that I shall send word to the Order, so that we may have more eyes upon them and be better prepared for when the time comes.......not if it comes, but when it comes......

On a positve note, one of the regions Lich's has been destroyed after a great battle with it in the mines North of Beregost. This should be reason to rejoice in the name of Helm for his guidance and guardianship over all who fought against that foul beast.

~I do indeed pray for peace, but I prepare for war....and may He who Guides us and Guards us in life as well as in death, prepare us for the times ahead....Praise be to Helm!

With that, the small man closes his leather bound journal and sighs a bit as he begins to think of the future......

[blessedone]

So, it would seem that the Thayans have shown their true colors and we may be free of them for the moment. Yet, only time will tell what lays in wait as the silence sets upon the region and the wicked hearts grow restless in anticipation to fill the void that has been created. I find myself looking over my shoulder more and more as I rise in rank and wonder when the darkness will beckon me to it's cold arms and I have to wonder who it will be to heed that call.

Will my faith be tested? Do I grow paranoid to such actions that may never take place? Should I even allow my mind to travel down such paths as this? I look into the darkness which hides the cowards who strike from such places and wonder how lonely it truly must be for them and I shudder.....

The men are wary of patrols outside the city and recruiting efforts are all but non-existent. Yet, how can I lead those who fear the shadows when.....no, I cannot even begin to wonder down that path. My faith in Helm will be my guiding light for others to see. I shall call upon the mighty 'Watcher' as my guardian, my guide, my God!

*********he stops for a moment to calm himself************

What has come over me? What is this that takes place in my mind as if I am not who I am? This is a path to vengeance and one that I must avoid at all cost. Helm is not a God of vengeance, no, he is one of Duty and Honor. Not this madness that dances in my mind. No, I must calm my soul and my mind and spend some time in the Temple to think on why I think such thoughts as soon as my meeting with the Cpt. is done.

I am to meet with Cpt. Feld here in Beregost and I wonder as to what plans he has for me. My trust in him is little and it seems his slight display in anger while placing me in Justin's position, may show that it did not sit well with him to do such as this. I do not know. I pray that Justin's choice to return to his homeland serves him well and I wish him well in his journey and that we may share laughter and food once again at the same table. Dark is the road ahead and many are the choices. I shall walk slowly and watch all that takes place in a diligent manner......untill then, I shall be guarding the Coastway and the beautiful city of Baldur's Gate and her people.....

~May Helm guide me and guard me along my path......


He closes the leather bound journal and looks up from his table at the Inn. He takes note of the people who come in and out of that place and just nods slowly as he thinks to what the Captain may want with him.......

[blessedone]

The small man's red hair falls down around his face as he kneels facing to the East where the sun slowly rises. The mountains in the far distant South begin to gleam their white caps and he softly speaks......"Dark is the time upon me Helm. I kneel before you as your faithful follower and ask that you guard over me in these trying times. I pray that my path is one that brings honor to you oh Divine Guardian of his followers....." and so it goes as he continues in his prayers. The time passes swiftly for the man and as he finishes, he looks to the horizon and his green eyes are misty with a sense of loss. He thinks of Valborg and Cecil and Tilverton.......

His mind wonders through so many events that have taken place over time and he can feel his heart strain and his temper begin to flare and then he thinks of his parents. A rush of emotions run through and he searches for the strength to stand, but, cannot. He falls to his knees once more and weeps. This is the first time the man has really taken the time to remember his parents in a long time and he knows that he has not honored them as he should in memory and it overwhelms him. How would they see their son from the Heavens so high? One of faith and strength, or one who has not the strength when he is needed the most? He cannot bare to think of it all as his mind flashes back to those foothills South of Nashkel where the Giants now roam. That fateful night that brought his path to Baldur's Gate and the search for his lost friends. He remembers how he did not feel so brave as he became lost that night and looks now to the sun as it rises higher into the sky.........

He begins to think of the Giants raids upon Beregost, the slaying of so many Soldiers in the city of Baldur's Gate, the slaying of the Holy Men, the constant battles along the Coastway...His face becomes red as the tears slowly cease.....He begins to think of the attempts on the innocent lives as well as his own and he suddenly finds the strenght to stand......He thinks of the Thayans and of the Drow and of the many others who have decieved and his breathing becomes heavy in anger.......His mind races with all that has taken place and his face grows grim as he reaches for his shield and hefts it from the ground where it laid next to him. He buckles the leather straps onto his arm to secure the shield to his shield arm and as he does, he recalls back to when he nearly had his arm crushed by that Minotaur and by that Giant......he spits to the ground and double checks the buckles.....

He turns to the sun once more and takes a deep breath as he draws forth his sword. He looks to the blade as it reflects the light of the day upon it and he then thinks of the Wyverns and of the Dragons.......his grip grows tight upon the hilt of the blade and he turns to face the Southern route of the Coastway. Determination in his eyes as he makes his way from the field he was in and as he does he thinks of the multitude of deaths in this very city of Beregost and of the innocent lives lost by the stings of those wyverns, the fist of those Giants and he begins a swift stride towards the Southern route.......

It did not take long for the battle hardened Lieutenant to find his way to where the Wyverns roam and he seemingly entered into a rage. He cried out to Helm and as he did, his feet moved with a swiftness he had never known before! He felt his heart leap with courage and strength and he swung......Aiden was mad wild with anger and the beast did not even know what had hit it before the small man tore it to bits. The blood spray upon his face as the metal of his blade ripped the leathery hide and cracked ribs. It made a feeble attempt to bring that nasty stinger down upon his head, but, he could see it coming long before it reached him. His shield up high to absorb the blow. Once the beast made contact with his shield, he swung it out wide to deflect the blow to his left and as he did, he lunged forth from under his shield and pierced the beast in the chest. He gave the blade a vicous twist and then quickly retrieved the blade that was deep in the chest cavity of the beast. He made a dash to continue on the Southern route towards Nashkel........