The Journal of Aiden McBride.....

[blessedone]

The Lieutentant sits there looking into his half empty mug of water and then finally looks up after several minutes pass by. "Sir?" she says again and as she does, Aiden realizes that the serving lady is standing at his table. "Yes?" he replies half-heartedly. "Ya needin' any food or more drink sir?" as she tries to give him a smile and warm face, but, all Aiden can see is the darkness that surrounds him and he just shakes his head 'no' without even a verbal answer for her. She takes her leave and he returns to his thoughts as he reaches for his leather bound journal again........

My soul thirsts for something that I cannot find. My prayers to Helm are steady, yet, there is something missing deep within myself. I walk a fine line I feel, between my faith and will of Helm and my duties and the bloodshed I have seen and dealt. My anger swarmed over me in a manner with which I have never seen before. My thoughts of my parents and of loss sent me to a place that I had never seen before and it makes me weep. I never wish to see the likes of that place again. I got out of Beregost for but a day to get some fresh air and one could only guess what had taken place. I barely made it to the Lion's way when myself and my dwarven friend, Ironfaar, were waylaid by a band of Hobgoblins. FOOLS! Did they not know the anger of the dwarves? My anger was nothing compared to the devastation he brought upon them! They were dispatched soon enough, but, what was worse was the sound of the war drums and war cries in the distance.

Do the wicked ever rest? No, I said this myself, evil is ever restless and it stirred once more to fill the void of the Thayans no doubt. I did not have the time to concern myself with such ponderings at that moment though. Myself and the good dwarf made all haste North to the Gate to send word and prepare the Troops for war. Along the way we stumbled into my elven friend, Daelthrian. We told of him of the events as we once again made all haste North. We were ambushed by the likes of more Hobgoblins and even saved a poor traveler who was unaware. I asked that Daelthrien send word to the Fist at once and myself and Ironfaar would hold them off as long as we could. We finally were drawing close to the Gate and we could hear the sounds of the war drums making haste North to the East of our location and towards the fare city herself.

We were blessed to have picked up some volunteers along the way to aid us in the battle and in the end, we would need it for, as we came into the farmlands, a massive force not unlike the Giants and Goblins armed so well against Beregost, found it's way upon the very footsteps of Baldur's Gate! Right before the chaos began, I spotted what I fully believed to be a Drow running from the fields of battle! I cannot be for sure, but, it was somewhat built like Daelthrien and moved with the same grace as does he. The being had a hood over his head and so, I could not see it well enough to be sure, but, the skin was a black as night and it did not stick around for long at all that I know of, for, the chaos began and my attention was drawn to the battle at hand.

The force came down upon us in full and Ironfaar unabashedly swung his axe to meet the flesh of many in those fields. Many of the beasts fell beneath his heavy blow and I found myself in their midst as well laying them down with my sword in hand and anger swelling. This, as of late, seems to be a problem with which I need to address soon before it gets out of hand I fear......Soon, many of my fellow Flaming Fist soldiers arrived to our side. Many of those adventurers who came with us were wounded badly and had to pull out. The battle was long and chaotic and it took some time before we dispersed them enough to send them fleeing. I was doing what I could to shout out orders above then noise of the chaos in the area. Once the dust had settled, I realized how much of the fields were on fire. Many volunteers moved quickly to put out those fires and save Jorn's famrlands. Soon, I recieved a report that the scouts had located the beasts. The river Chionthar had their retreat blocked to the South and so the beasts fled in a North by North East direction. I feared that it was a rue, and so, I sent word for the soldiers to take charge of the Towers and keep watch to the East as well as to keep the scouts wary of the beasts actions.

Daelthrien, a good friend and ally as always, said that he would also find out what he could of the beasts and where they come from with notification to the Rangers of the region. I am surely giving thanks to Helm for his guardianship that day. I know that as of late, I have not been myself, but, he still finds it in his glorious wisdom, to send his blessings and for that, I give thanks to he who guides me.......

He who guides me.....It was anger that guided me that day South of Beregost and this brings shame to me. I have spent many, many hours in prayer after that day and still I feel.....different. My mind was overwhelmed with anger and grief. Darkness took hold and clouded my judgement and the anger took hold of my emotions and I can only think that it is the weight of the Duty that drove me there. I must learn to control such and accept such as my Duty. This is the will of Helm and I pray that he still sees fit to guard me in my weakest of human moments.........

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


Aiden finishes up his signature upon the last entry into his journal and looks to his now full tankard of water. He smiles as he looks up to see the server smiling back at him and she shrugs in a playful manner. He returns her smile and feels a bit refreshed as he looks around the Inn. Still, he cannot help but have a heavy heart after the other day........

[blessedone]

Days pass by and the days turn to tendays as he waits in the small town. He spends his time in prayer on the hillside outside of Beregost and it brings some peace to his worried and angered soul. The solitude of late has him in thought about so many things......

I cannot stop thinking about those Thayans. How easily they have been routed to another location. There is something that eats away at me about that. They did not seem like the ones to just 'walk away' from what they fought so hard for and yet, they have. The void they left behind was, as always, quickly filled, but, I do not believe they will be gone forever. Patrols and recruiting efforts have picked back up with a mild force and I pray that our ranks may be bolserted once again with honorable souls.

The Duke commanded my presence not long ago and I had to leave the small town. I was not sad to leave that place. I was growing tired of not having a chance to spend time in Helm's Temple, in silence and in solitude within those walls. Yet, this brings to mind of the assassinations of the priests and the lack of information on the killer. Whispers have reached my ears of one who, again, stalks the shadows and leaves his calling card. A small, dagger charm. That is one whom, has a strong detchment to life iteself. The skills which he possess are beyond me. I was fortunate that day that I was a target, that, Daelthrien was close by.

The shadows once again come alive with such vile acts. Fighting such an enemy will not be an easy task and fighting the moral destruction he will surely cause will be even harder. We lost many good soldiers after his campaign of terror so many moons ago. I have to wonder if Justin's leaving is what has brought this demon out to play once again and if so, what of the rumored agreement? These things will surely come to light soon enough I am sure.

Well, the Duke asked that his soldier's anser his call for a ceremony. So many new faces that I have yet come to know. Some I only met that very day. The Duke called forth one who layed low a Drow not far from the city and presented him with a Medal for such actions. He then begin to question his act upon such a vile creature. He, as do I, wondered on such things. How does one kill by race alone? I know well the foul reputation they have and this should be reason enough. They have proven their skills and brought with them the truth of that reputation in the form of an all out assault upon the city herself so long ago.

He should not have a heavy heart for his actions and the Duke and I expressed that to him, still, I understand his struggle. The Duke also spoke with me and presented to me a Medal as well. Do I feel that I diserve a Medal? I did only what I swore to do in Oath. I did only what I have done for so long now. Still, I did stand with pride after recieving that Medal. It made me feel a bit refreshed with the knowledge that the efforts do not go un-noticed by those who sit within the walls of protection. I know that Helm see's all that I do and that should be all that matters, but, I am only human. No matter how hard I try, I am but a human with such thoughts. It seems as if lately the roads have become more safe for those who travel it. I hope that the efforts put forth have deterred those who would commit such crimes.

Now is the time for me to re-focus my dedication to Helm and re-affirm my duties as a follower of Helm. I shall do what I can to pre-pare those in the ranks below me to rise up and be the future of leadership. I shall begin my own campaign of sorts to battle what is surely to be a struggle of Moral in the near future. To provide to them, the courage and knowledge. Provide to them strength of will and fortitude through training. I pray that this works to aid them in the most dire of moments we surely will face in the future. To face the demons of the shadows......

Demons of shadow......this sparks something that I myself must face. I must face my own demons of anger. My short temper and anger is the one thing I have controlled for so long, but, as of late, I loose that control. So many things have come to pass that make the burden so much more heavy upon my shoulders and the control so much harder to enforce. Perhaps in time, my issues will come to pass as nothing more than a phase in my life that I must pass to become stronger. I pray that I walk this path.....in a rightous manner that is right in the eyes of Helm.

~May he who guides me and guards me.......always be there with me in my struggles......


With that, the small man closes his leather bound journal and looks up from his seat in the Temple. He nods his head slowly as he looks upon the statue of Helm and feels a sense of peace rush over him. Peace, the first peace he has felt in some time and this brings some joy to his heart.....

[blessedone]

The battle hardened priest makes his way to the Temple of Helm early in the morning. He has received word that he has been called forth by the new High Priest, Brother Halif of Helm. Aiden has not met this new priest as of yet and a multitude of things run through his mind as to what this call is for. He wonders if now, after his most recent promotion in the Flaming Fist as a Lieutenant, that, this has caused a rift in his position as an Initiate of Helm with the Holy Order and begins to think they will ask him to step down from his mantle of power within that organization. He hopes that this is not the choice he has to make, but, one that he knows he will not hesitate on should they but speak the words and ask for such. Soon, he finds himself in front of the large, double doors of the Temple and looks upon them with slight hesitation in his heart. A moment passes along with a thousand thoughts in his mind and he feels that he is ready to face that which is to come to his ears. He opens the Temple doors and the strong odor of the Divine incense of the Temple rushes his nose and he sees that it is thick in the air.

There is an eerie silence as he makes his way into the main chambers and only the clicking of his heels can be heard echoing down the entrance hall. He can see that many have gathered for this, but, for what, he cannot figure out. He quickly finds himself standing in the main entrance way of the main chambers for a moment and he notices two guards flank the pathway that leads to where the High Priest stands looking to Aiden. “Aiden, step forth please.“ and Halif’s voice echoes loudly in the silent chamber. Aiden’s stride is slow and steady as the red cloak of the Flaming Fist flows out behind him. He approaches the two Guards flanking the pathway and they each in turn give praise to Helm. Aiden follows suit and gives praise to Helm as he passes by the two Guards.

Those seated cannot help but turn and look upon he who takes that path to the High Priest of the Temple. Murmurs and whispers are heard and as he looks upon some of the faces that he passes by, they nod as if to approve of the one they look upon, so he thinks. The fiery young man returns the stares with a warm smile and as he comes close to High Priest Halif, he takes a knee and bows low for the man before him and the thick smoke of the incense swirls about him. His blazing red cloak spreads out on the floor and as his head is lowered, his red hair falls around his eyes. High Priest Halif spoke to Aiden with praise of his deeds done in the past. He spoke of the many things with which even Aiden had forgot about that surely they knew through his many reports to them over time. Things he had forgot about until those words hit his ears and brought back much to his mind. What got Aiden to thinking was the fact that, the High Priest mentioned the actions they had seen……..

The thick smoke that was hanging in the air was slowly beginning to thin over time a bit as the talk went on and Aiden stayed silent. He did not even raise his head to look upon the Priest as he spoke. Then, something happened. High Priest Halif said something that shocked Aiden true to his heart. “You are now to be known as Watch Knight Aiden McBride of Helm.” He had just been raised in the Holy Order to a Watch Knight of Helm………

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Fear, doubt, rage and the cry for war. A lust for blood shed that is gladly drank down no matter how bitter a wine it is by those who seek such. Do these things have an impact on ones very soul? Indeed they do. They will eat away at you slowly and surely until your very heart is full of that which you fought so hard against. I have for so long fought against such and faced such evils, that, I myself almost became lost in those very evils and the bitter wine was becoming sweet upon my lips. It was only a few days ago that I learned much more than I thought I ever would. Visions of Wisdom beyond anything I ever knew within and without through the eyes of another handed down by The Vigilant One himself. The Temple called me forth and the new High Priest Brother Halif appointed me the title of Watch Knight of Helm. Yet, with this title came a tradition as old as the Order itself. Solitude within the wilds. Solitude until a vision was bestowed upon me. A visionary journey with which I could have never been prepared for, but, only if one was truly blessed enough to receive such from Helm himself would I receive such a visionary journey. How was one to receive such? How was I to know? I was not trained from the time I was a child as most of the Priests and Clerics of the Temple were nor had Cecil ever mentioned such as this to me in my youth. None the less, this was my task at hand and Brother Jalfest was to take me to the Woods of Sharp Teeth for my time of Solitude. My time of reflection within myself and await this vision of Helm. Wait to see if I was truly worthy to serve him or not.

We were finding our way to the woods easily enough and along the way Brother Jalfest spoke words that would ring within my ears till dawn. “Your recent promotion stirs a controversy from within. It is no secret that we need members badly and frankly your actions lead us to raise concerns that you are a bringer of war, so let me just say that there were surely more, appropriate candidates. Yet, it is the choice of this new High Priest who appoints you as Watch Knight within the Order. What is done is done now.” As I stood there now on the edge of the woods, his last words before I made my way into the deeper parts of the woods clung to me as a nightmare one cannot be rid of, “Meditate or spend time in prayer….or not….” as he shrugged, “No matter, if you have not returned by Dawn, know that, you will be excommunicated ….” I stood their and watched as the old Priest turned to make his way back to the City and he stopped for but a moment as if he had more to speak on, but, did not and continued on. I could not help but think of the implications he lay before me. A controversy that I was a bringer of war…….

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[blessedone]

Aiden watched as the old man made his way back to the Temple within the city walls and then looked to the woods before him. He could not stop thinking about what those words meant. So, he slowly made his way into those foul woods to begin his ritual of solitude as ordered by the High Priest. It did not take the small man too long before he found a spot suiting for his ordeal through the night. He looked around a bit and listened for anything in the area, but, heard nothing and figured it would do. There were a series of small rock formations and so, he undid the straps of leather on his shield arm and placed the shield up against one of the rocks. He begin to the long slow process of undoing all of the leather straps on his armor and placed the pieces into a neat pile next to his shield along with his weapons and pack. He then donned his ceremonial robes that he normally only wears in the Temple itself. Aiden finished the task of changing his clothing and then took a moment to clear his mind of the multitude of thoughts that were racing in his mind. Prayers began and his praise to Helm was steady. Many hours passed and his legs became sore and still nothing took place. He decided to take a knee and try to continue with the same course of action. Prayer and praise, but, nothing still and even more time passed. Becoming a bit frustrated, he took a seat all the way down to his rear and crossed his legs and lowered his head to give silent praise to Helm through meditations. It did not take long before his eyes became heavy with sleep and the man found himself……lost……..

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

What did he mean with such a conviction? I could not have known until my solitude in those woods and journey I was unknowingly about to take. I made my way into the deeper parts of those woods. I know well the reputation this region has for the Orc who roam and the many other foul beasts who call this place home, but, this was the spot chosen for me and thus it would come to pass that I would spend my time in solitude in such a foul place. I had to sit down after what seemed like many hours and tried hard to continue my prayers and even tried to chant for some time, but, wary were my eyes and heavy was my heart as those words rung in my ears…”Bringer of War…” a void of silence hit me as the words would not find their way to my lips to cross and bring praise to Helm any more. Lost I became. Lost and alone in the darkness was I and my eyes grew more wary by the minute as I sat there in silence. Not but the rustle of the beasts of the forest did I hear. I do not know at which point it took place, but, it was as if I was in a dream like state, though, fully aware of all around me as I stood there suddenly in that terrible pass of my early childhood.

The sounds of battle raged all around me. The Orc, Goblin and caravan where there before me. The slaughter of innocence was all about me as confusion turned to anger when I looked upon familiar faces and listened to familiar voices telling a young boy to be at ease and to hide. I screamed for them to run and instinctively reached for my blade as the horde fell upon them. Yet, I was not there amongst them, for, they heard not one scream from my mouth. These were the familiar faces of my parents and the blade that took them from me. The blade and the Orc who took pleasure in such a strike. Rage filled my heart and mind as I reached for my blade and suddenly I was in my armor with weapon in hand. I could feel the blood rush through my heart as it began to pound heavily and I looked upon those I loved with a pool of blood gathering around them and the grip tightened upon the hilt of that blade. The whispers in my mind told me that I could strike them down. Strike them all down like the flies that they were. I could change all of this. I could stop it all. I shouted out to Helm in my rage and begin to pray for protections and guidance, but, only the largest of the Orc stepped forth as if he could look upon me when no one else could. Rage filled eyes looked upon that beast as it stood there and asked me what I was to do? The beast spoke to me. Shock set in and the tears begin to flow. I wept for those I loved and missed so much. My rage and anger was about to be played out on this foul Orc and as I raised my blade to return the favor of such pain, a thought flashed into my mind. “A visionary journey…..” and it rang in my head like a Temple bell right on my ear.

Was this the vision I was to see before me or was this a dream? To look upon the past of my childhood that made me who I am this day? The path that led me to Valborg and Cecil and eventually to Helm himself? I stayed my blade and placed my anger in check as best as I could and the beast went back to the slaughter. What was I to do? I wanted badly to destroy the whole raiding party of Orc and Goblin, but, I stayed my blade. Perhaps that was the purpose of such a vision as this. Learning to control my rage and not act on such. To not let my rage guide me through such an ordeal or ordeals of my life. Though, before I could even begin to ponder on such at that moment, my tear filled eyes begin to blur and my head swirled as dizziness took me………….

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[blessedone]

Sleep took hold of the man as visions swirled within his mind. The darkness and cold around him and the beasts that roamed never took hold of the vulnerable man as he appeared to be deep within meditation or sleep to the untrained eyes. Surely it was meditation…wasn’t it? Two adventurers wondered into those woods as the small man sat there motionless. They tried to speak with him, but, nothing did he say for, he was lost in emotions within his own mind. A flurry of things took place before his eyes and around him, but, none could see it for it was all within his own mind……..

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I soon found myself standing before a set of large gates and a woman approached me. She begin to speak to me and reached out for me with a skeletal hand. I did not know what to think of such and stepped back from the threshold of the Gate and the skeletal woman cried out to me. “Child, what have you done to me?” as it crumbled into dust once it crossed the threshold. Something told me I knew those bones. They were of my past, but, whom I would never know now that they crumbled into the dust of the past. Though, I have to wonder why it called me child. Were those the bones of my mother? Why? Why would I see such as this?

For what purpose or lesson would I learn from this? Fear crept into my heart as I stood there looking to those bones and then, another figure appeared before me. Out of those large Gates came a stout figure with which I knew almost immediately. Valborg. That dwarf had a walk that could not be mistaken, but, why was he here in this vision? He spoke to me about why I had not searched harder for him and Cecil. Why I left them and why I did not come back, though, he then turned to forgive me. Forgive me? My doubt of long ago once again found way to my heart and mind as he spoke those words that struck home. Why did I not go back? Had I truly forgot them over time? I truly did not know. Valborg then spoke to me of how they found the Kingdom of Old and offered me to come back to the foothills of those mountains. I thought a moment, but, before I could answer another figure appeared before me.

That face of warmth and comfort with the knowledge passed down to me was a site to behold after so long. It was Cecil. He stood there before me and right next to Valborg. It was as if the memories of old came rushing back into my mind. My heart longed to return with them. Return to Tilverton and those foothills, but, I had a duty here now. I could not return. Could I? We spoke for some time on many things and then, a lady appeared. Her face was familiar, though, I could not remember her to be for sure. She said that she lived in Tilverton when we were children and that she never had the courage to speak with me. Though I do not fully remember her, her face was so, familiar. They all asked for me to return and I thought on it for some time. I do not deny that I long to return to such a familiar place as such. Friends and family, but, I know that I have duties here. They pressed on and I finally refused such an offer. My duty and my place is here now. Here in the City of Baldur’s Gate. I refused and tried to explain my reason for such, but, instead, something foul took place…..

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Aiden explained to the three that his place was here now and that he had to stay. He had hoped that one day he may return, but, now was not that time for such. The stout dwarf before him just flashed a wicked grin, “So be it. You have chosen your path.” and with that, the three before him transformed into the very shadows of the young man’s soul! Rage, Fear and Doubt! The very things that threaten to drag him into the darkness never to return. The path he has been traveling down and struggling with for some time now.

Aiden did not hesitate to draw forth his sword and raise his shield against the onslaught of the shadows of his soul. The battle that was waged took much out of the wary man, but, in the end he defeated the darkness of his soul. The shadows and demons he had to face were defeated after a long and enduring battle. After the battle he stood there looking to those gates with wonder as to what was coming out next. There was no way to be gone from that place, only to go forth. Suddenly, his vision was blurred and as he took one step his head swirled with dizziness much as before. Then….he was gone from that place…….

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[blessedone]

I had to battle that which was creeping slowly into my soul. That which was eating away at my resolve and making me question myself much as of late. That which made the once bitter wine of war and bloodshed, turn into a lust that was sweet upon my lips. The darkness itself in form before me and barely did I stand the victor against such. Site was taken from my eyes and darkness surrounded me. It was if time stood still and I found the site coming back to my eyes in a moment. The darkness slowly cleared and I found myself in grassy plains. A man approached me with the smell of dirt upon him. Fresh was the soil that he smelled of and he had not but a shovel in hand. Surely an undertaker he was. He asked me to follow him to a site which was to be prepared. He began to dig and I asked him what this was all about and as he prepared the grave, he asked for me to prepare myself. Prepare myself for what? He just motions to the fresh grave. Was I to die at this moment in time? Was this what the purpose of this journey was? Suddenly, the coffin just beneath the mud began to rattle and slowly open. The figure that was beneath rose up slowly and undead was it’s form. I was struck with fear as I looked upon the remnants of what appeared to be a soldier once. A Fist soldier none the less.

I stayed my blade for but a moment to see what this new form of visionary ideas was about to assault me on this journey. We spoke of many things. War and self-sacrifice, putting down the banner of duty for comfort. I then asked who this skeletal figure was, though, something deep within me already knew. I was looking upon the figure of myself as long as I stay my course. It pointed a boney finger towards the stone above the grave site and it read my name, though I could not see the year itself. Angry it became as I asked how I died. It refused to tell me any more other than it would be painful, but, that the future can be changed. All I had to do was change my path. It questioned me about the worth of my sacrifice when in the end it would be for nothing. Nothing! Should I die in defense of another, is this not an honor? I would gladly die in defense of another should it come to that. I would have gladly given my life in place of the many fallen in battle! It struck me as odd that I myself would suggest such as this. Then it became even more angered as it said to me, “Very well, your path you have chosen..” and raised it’s sword to bare down upon me. I had to fight myself in this skeletal form! Praise be to Helm for such guidance and guardianship in that battle, for, surely I should be dead. The bones were crushed after a very long and tiresome battle that took much out of me.

I planted my sword into the dirt and had to take a knee to gather my breath and looked up to see the undertaker was gone. I was still in the grassy plains known as the Field of the Dead and I looked to that grave. No longer was my heart heavy I noticed. No longer was my soul burdened within me. I found the strength to stand and heard the chorus of the Divine all about me. I looked around but saw nothing until a gaseous form begin to take shape and appear before me. A child of fare skin and red hair looked upon me. I knew my own face, but, did not know those glowing eyes within it’s skull. When the child spoke, I knew then who it was before me and I wept. His voice was as soothing as the calm winds and steady waves on the shores of the sea and I fell to my knees. I found that I was indeed tested by The Vigilant One. “Many times where you close to wrong doing child. Many times did your demons nearly take you. This was indeed a test. A test to see if you were truly worthy of such as my blessings and worthy of the title you will now receive….“ He spoke to me of the wrong path of my ways.

I was indeed a bringer of War because I did not understand that to guard was not to kill all around who may or may not cause harm and bring death in my life. I had it wrong all this time. A twisted view and vision I had. I was becoming lost in the slaughter of warfare. Pouring over manuals of War. I thought that by destroying all threats around me, that, I could prevent anything like what took place in that pass so many years ago from happening again. I know now the error of my ways! Lighter did I feel. My shoulders were no longer bowed with burden, but instead were broad with purpose. My heart was free from anger and the long slow fear that ate away at me. My mind was free of the doubt of many years. I, Aiden McBride, was free at last…..

The young man closes his leather bound journal and looks up from his desk in the Temple. The smoke of the incense filled his nose and the thoughts of the visionary journey filled his mind. His smile was true for the first time in a long time since his arrival in Baldur's Gate. No longer did he need to worry of the past and dwell upon such things, for, he knew the truth. Wisdom was bestowed and the error of his ways was cleansed. A new journey for the young man started this moment, started upon the finish of this entry. A new dawn and a new purpose was rising for Aiden McBride - Watch Knight of Helm.........

[blessedone]

More and more time had been spent in the Temple of Helm as of late and Aiden enjoyed the peace. His prayers and time in meditation was beginning to take more and more of his time as he studied the ways of Helm and was not being seen on the Tradeway near as much since his promotion. Surely the Fist had more recruits to fill in where he had left off in his promotion, but, alas this was not the case. Still, he patrolled the road South to Beregost without one single soldier by his side as he has nearly always done. This time he would come to regret this decision once again and only by the blessings of Helm would he walk away again.......

The small man began his day as he always does with his morning routine of exercise and bathing. Morning ritual and the burning of incense in the Temple. He gathered up his gear and begin to head down the streets of the city towards the Gate. He pauses at the gate to don his helmet as he looks to the wary Guards who have not done their change over for the morning shift and he gives them a salute. Moral seems to be at an all time low as the two men give a half-hearted salute and their Lt. takes note.

His walk is slow and with purpose as he makes his way South along the Tradeway towards the small town of Beregost as he always has done and he always will, for, it was the way of the Fist and it was their duty. He notices that the farmers seemed to be more busy this year with the tilling of the soil and the herding of the animals and such.

Slowly, the seasoned veteran made his way past the camp site where adventurers always gathered and began to enter into the more wild and dangerous areas of the region. Wolves roamed freely and only a couple dared attack the heavily armored and armed man and eventually he made his way to the stronghold of the Gnolls.

Aiden made his way South still and noticed something that did not seem to sit right with him and he acted swiftly. Two men were fighting on the road right in the threshold of the stronghold! He reacted swiftly with a prayer to hold one still with Divine blessings and as he did so, the other fell to the blade of the man. He was not quick enough it seemed, but, to his surprise, their was not a killing blow to be had for the man's body was as rigid as could be now. Aiden looked over the man who was so near to death and was about to sort this out when the blessing broke it's hold on the man.

"Sheathe your blade and tell me what has happened here....." Lt. McBride began as the man glared at him through wickedly angry eyes. "This man, has robbed me time again and I finally caught him! Yet, here you stand, denying me my justice and I am the bad man?" as he spit the words out Aiden looked between the two of them and began to wonder if the truth was being told or not. He had heard so many lies on this road that, the truth seemed to be a fleeting thing of the past, not but a legend in this region anymore. The Lt. looked back and forth and would have let out a long and tired sigh had he the concern to even do as such. He was tired of such duty as this and he had been thinking it over for a long slow while now.......

He looked to the man, "So, I am to know what is going on when all I see are two men fighting? I am to instantly know that this man has robbed you?" and as he did, the man's face surely became red with anger as his eyes narrowed. "Just like the Fist. All show....If you deny me my right again..." and he let the words linger and Aiden did not hesitate to respond. He quickly placed his hand on the hilt of his blade as he looked the man right in the eyes with a glare of his own, "Dare not threaten me Sir. I have only done my duty as I have swore to do. If you have such a problem with this, then perhaps you can go and speak with Duke Eltan about this. Yes, and tell him that Aiden says hello why you are there...." and the seasoned soldier eyed him more.....

"Yes, I believe I shall do that when next we have tea..." and the two began to part their ways, but, then it happened....The shadow fell upon Aiden's life once more as a hunter stalked it's prey. Lt. McBride didn't even get a chance to turn around to travel back North along the road when he felt the chink of metal on metal in his back. The would be assassin had missed his mark and only a slight cut had made it's way onto his skin. He drew his blade in the flash of an eye for he knew instantly what was surely to come if he did not turn to face his foe.

The red cloak flowed about as he turned and swung his blade as he turned, but, he swung to high for this foe was shorter than most. Either a gnome or a dwarf, Aiden did not know with the heavy armor and full faced helmet on. The only thing the soldier knew was that his life was on the line once again and this one looked like the one who attacked him not long ago.

The assassin made quick to move in on the startled soldier and did his work with all haste. He found every break in the armor and knew the armor well. Perhaps from the first meeting they had, but, either way, the seasoned soldier of the Flaming Fist was lay low on the Tradeway and the one man who he crossed words with, stood their with a smirk on his face. The assassin leaned in low over the body of the soldier and opened up his full faced helm just enough to allow a mouth full of spit to find it's way to Aiden's face and it was quickly closed. The man of the shadow's looked over to the only witness and let out a most foul laughter as darkness took the area and he slipped off into the shadows once more.

Aiden lay there bleeding badly and appeared all but dead as the witness walked over to him. It would seem that the man did not realize that Aiden was a member of the Flaming Fist nor did he care as he stood over him without a care. "Seems I have nothing to heal you with....a pity", he says as he allows a smirk to creep upon his face. Aiden felt the pain all through his body as he slipped closer to the Fugue plane and his mind was going numb. He was barely able to allow his lips to quiver out one last prayer to Helm before his sure passing from this plane. Then, it happened......

It was as if the light of the Heavens them self opened up and shine down upon the bleeding man. The pool of his own blood seemed to slowly seep back into the wounds that were upon him and the witness stood there in awe. He shielded his eyes from the Divine light that came down upon the dying soldier and watched as the man began to heal right before his eyes! If one listened closely, one would have sworn they heard the voice of Helm himself in but a whisper upon the winds telling Aiden to get to his feet, but, one can never tell.......Either way, to his feet he did rise. He began to stir about and slowly force himself to his knees. He slowly found the strength to look up to the Divine lights that shined down upon him and took a deep breath as he knew with no doubt who was responsible for his living.

The Watch Knight of Helm slowly but surely rose to his feet and the witness could not help but look upon him in shock and awe as he surely could not believe his eyes. Aiden looked to the sky and gave his most humble thanks to his God.....Helm. The light seemed to be pulled back into the Heavens and Aiden reverted his eyes to the witness who stood there with his jaw dropped to the ground. Words were not exchanged this time as Aiden looked him over and took note of his armor and the look of his face. Surely this one would be on the radar soon enough and the blessed man turns to travel to the North.

He was alive, but, limping severly and still bleeding as he made his way to the Gate of the fare city he swore to protect. He had to get the word out to the men and the chain of command that, once again, assassins stalked the shadows around them and to be pro-active in these darkest of times that were upon them.........

[blessedone]

The seasoned soldier was knelt before the statue of his God, Helm, and his head was lowered in prayer and respect to the Vigilant One as he asked his blessing this day. It seemed as if many moons had passed by before Aiden was back on the patrol again, but, in reality it had only been a tenday or so of healing and not doing much other than paperwork. Healing once again from the attacks of cowards from the shadows. He finishes up his time in communion and raises with his final prayer and looks upon the statue with a warm smile on his face. "Praise be to he who guards us and guides us in these dark times...." Aiden turns about to head to a different room in the Temple and the swirling incense smoke trails behind his clerical robes for but a moment. He finds his usual desk and pulls out a leather bound journal and begins once again......


Many blessings has he placed upon me and I am grateful, no, grateful is not even a strong enough word to express my gratitude to Helm for his blessings upon me. Dark tides wash upon the shores of safety once again and I have to wonder why they seek such chaos and wickedness. Do they find such pleasure and gratification in the realm of death that they seek to spread it to all they can and make the realm of life a place to fear? Surely the men can see what goes on around them and they are fearfull to do their duties because of such. They have families who await their return each night and it pains me to know that there are some who have not returned from their post of duty due to these cowards.

I know that it was a voluntary Oath that they took, but, it does not keep me from feeling for the ones they left behind. Still, without such brave souls, this city would surely fall to the likes of the shadows that attack from within on a daily basis it seems now. There have been a multitude of whispers upon the winds and it speaks of those who stalk within the very walls of the city itself. I have been trying to seek such knowledge and I think it was that knowledge that I seek that has caught up with me in the most recent attack. I had not learned a thing and still do not know a thing beyond the death of two or three within the city and yet, just to seek such knowledge means to be the specific target of those whom I seek.

I cannot prove this to be true of course, but, surely there is some
correlation between the two? There is the dagger charm, a known assassin, and then the death's of those adventurers. I begin to seek knowledge of an assassin' guild within the walls of the city and then I am attacked, yet, this time it was not the one who leaves behind his dagger charm. This was another. Many are the assassin's that have come forth from the woodwork it seems now. Have I stirred a hornets nest of killers who seek to usher me into the Fugue plane now? I was blessed by the very hand of Helm not long ago, but, how many times? I do not question my faith in Helm nor do I question his power. What I do wonder is how many times will he see fit to save me in such a manner as he has done already?

Dicipline will begin to break down if word reaches out that there is more than one who currently hunts only the Fist. Fear and anxiety will spread and patrols will stop all together becuase of this if a handle is not grasped swiftly. I have dealt with this many times now and it is becoming somewhat of a routine now. That is sad in and of itself. Sad that we must train to counter such as this and take away from the other duties that are just as important to upohold the defense of the city.

Many are the choices before the Chain of Command and the Duke himself in the end. I pray that wisdom leads our leaders in the time ahead and that we get a handle on this before the chaos spreads and the fear takes a stronger grip than it has. Until then, I shall lead from the front as a leader should and give strength to the men. Bolster their moral and show to them, that we may be the targets of such, but, we have the strength to continue on. We will overcome this and the darkness shall pass as it always has. We the leaders must be the beacons of light and hope to those who follow our lead........May Helm bless us along this road and may it be right in his eyes. May I walk a path that is his will and may we always be vigilant in our duties.

~Blessed is he who guards us and guides.......

With that, Aiden closes his book and takes a deep breath. The incense smoke is cleared a bit, but the odor still lingers in the air about him. Divine is the smell and it sparks a thought in his mind of the future. He slowly nods and his eyes raise upwards as he smiles. "Yes....." is all he says as he closes the leather bound book........

[blessedone]

A soft chant can be hear throughout the Temple Halls and the smoke of the incense filled the room. Slowly it creeped into the halls and met the nose of any who passed quietly. Aiden sat before the image of Helm with his eyes closed and he softly chanted a steady chant to his God. Praising him, giving thanks and in general, this was his time in communion with Helm. It was he whom Aiden looked to for guidance and wisdom in times of need. It was he who Aiden layed his trust and faith in the most dire of times and it was he who Aiden gave thanks to even in peace.

Aiden did not know how long had passed nor did he care really. The time he spent in prayer was time well spent and a time of peace. "Peace" he thought to himself as he looked up the image of his God. This word echoed in his mind and invoked many images. Now, should you ask the various races in all of Faerun what that word meant to them, you would have a multitude of answers even amongst themselves. Still, it was peace that the Watch Knight of Helm had been enjoying as of late and he was not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Few reports found their way to his desk as of late and this seems to have him on edge for reasons unknown even to him. Could he not just relax and enjoy the current state of peace they were in?

It has been some time since my last entry. I have found myself going from the patrols of the roads to Beregost and battling the likes of many a foul beast, to, mostly sitting behind a desk reading reports of activity, or, truly the lack of. The lack of.....why does this not sit easy with me? Have I not been seeking peace in this land for so long now? Have I not battled the evils of this land to hopefully see an end to their foul ways? Indeed I have. Still, I have to remind myself that no matter how hopefull I may be, Evil does not carry such ambitions as peace. No. They seek only to destroy and rule with an Iron fist and place all beneath them. I truly do not believe that they even know what the concept of peace is! Ravaging lands. Killing all who get in their way. I cannot understand such ways as this.

Nor do I care to try and understand their ways. Too long did I stare evil in the face and I slowly found myself paying the price with fear and anger creeping into my heart. Many things did I learn those many moons ago on my intiation, no, my journey into the title I know carry with the Church. No longer do I carry such burdens since. Peace seems to have found it's way to the lands, or so I thought. The truth of the matter is, the men fear patrol once again. Rumors have spread like wild fires in the lands and they know that we are targets once again and this time by more than a lone killer. I have not seen a report in days and this is not good. I know that it is not due to a lack of activity, for, there has been word of a battle on the bridge near Beregost not long ago. Foul undead again.....

Therefore, I feel it is the lack of patrol all together that leads to a lack of reports being filed on the activity as of late. I shall have to return to the duties of the Road Warden on patrol once again to be the example to those whom I lead. This is no burden. I do pray that we can find these silent and invisible killers and put the minds of our soldiers at ease. On a good note, an old friend has returned to our ranks once again......

Justin Crownsilver. My formor superior and mentor and friend, has returned to duty once again. He had been gone for so long in the lands of Cormyr on other duties and only have I seen him in passing once every few tendays it seemed. Now, he is back in the uniform that he should be in. Justin is a good man and I believe he will be able to bring the moral back to where it should be. Recent promotions and new recruits give promise and hope to the ranks of the Fist and I pray that we can come together as a fighting force once again and stand as vigilant watchers and guardians against that which plague these lands........


~Praise be to he who Guides us and Guards us as we stand against the evils of these lands.....Praise be to Helm.

Aiden McBride - Watch Knight of Helm

[blessedone]

The small man flips through his leather bound journal and has a slight smile upon his face as he reads some of the passages wrote so many moons ago. How many moons had passed since his last entry into the journal? He could not know now. He chuckles to himself as he reads over the battle with the Giant at the Gnoll stronghold and that fiery dwarf who stood the ground with him. He reads about his first encounter of the Drow in this region and the foul attack upon the city Gate and the slaughter they left behind and everything that spawed so many adventurers in his time. He seemingly began to long for that thrill again. The thrill of the front line of defense.....

Surley the follower of Helm knew well his duty and performed his duty well or he would not be the ranking officer he is now. That was the duties of the Fist and not of a Follower of Helm. His duty as a Fist soldier ties his hands and he has thought on this so many times in his tenior. He sits there flipping through his journal and looks to his shield that now hangs on the wall. A long slow sigh escapes his mouth and he nods slowly as he finds his quill and vial of ink to make another entry.........


So it seems that I once again look upon my path and once again look to the likes of Helm for such guidance in my life. I find my time in this office to be more of a burden now than of any real use to the people of this region. I once again face the idea of stepping down from the duty of the Fist and focusing once again on my real duties as a follower of Helm. My hands are tied while in the ranks of this organization and therefore cannot fully perform as I should.

There are many tales of foul undead not far from the city and worse beasts all around. A Fist soldier cannot perform such duties to face such a threat in this region, but, a Watch Knight of Helm can. Therefore, after many many moons in the service of Duke Eltan, I shall let it be known to him that I have need to step down from my position as a Lt. in the Flaming Fist so that I may perform my true duty as a Watch Knight of Helm. Justin is back in service now and the Fist shall servive as they have done before my arrival and so shall they after I am gone. I do look forward to returning to my roots and getting back into the field once more as a true Guardian of the Lands against much of the wickedness in this region and to focus on my Faith more strong than ever. This, I know to be my path as shown to me by the Vigilant One himself......

and with that, Aiden McBride, Lt. of the Flaming Fist and Watch Knight of Helm, makes his way to step down as a ranking officer and chooses to be not but Aiden McBride, Watch Knight of Helm...

[blessedone]

The sun peeks it's head over the Eastern horizon and the Watch Knight kneels before his God. The incense fills his nostrils and he closes his eyes. Hands raised high towards the sky he begins his chanting. Slowly, a feint circle of power is raised about him and his hands become clasped together. Silence fills the air as the final echoe drifts down the hall of the Temple. Helm has smiled on this humble follower for many moons now and Aiden was not about to take that for granted. He still knelt before his God. He still kept his faith even in the most darkest of hours and he was going to do this for as long as Helm would allow him to draw breath in the lands of Faerun on the Material Plane.

A few hours pass by very swiftly and he finally opens his eyes to look upon the image of his God. Helm. Slowly, the power of the circle is absorbed back to where it came from and Aiden stands to his feet. The last of the incense smoke wafts up into the air and he turns to make his way to his journal.......

Since my departure from the Fist as a soldier in the service of Duke Eltan, I have discovered many things in the land that surrounds the city. The tales of the Dead North of here are not rumors at all. These stories are based on the fact that the place is foul with such unholy abominations that roam freely. Overrun with the taint of evil. I have yet to find the source of such. Fields of the Dead, as they are known. I have spent may days in search of a source of the evil with no success thus far. I feel that there is a Tomb or similiar, beneath the surface or within those mountains, that sustains their existence through foul magicks. I shall stay vigilant in my search and report my findings to the Church. Until that time passes, I shall restore my strength with rest and return to those Fields to continue my search....

~May Helm guide me and guard me in this task......

Aiden McBride - Watch Knight of Helm

[blessedone]

The small man pushes open the heavy doors of the temple and the echo drifts down the halls. He stops at the entrance and takes a deep breathe. The familiar smell of the incense fills his nose and he closes his eyes. "Praise be to he who has guided me and guarded me in all my days...." he whispers softly. He was finally back in the city he missed and had come to call home since his time here. Finally, he had made it back to the Temple of this God, Helm........He shut the doors back and turned to make his way to his quarters in the Temple. The clicking of his heels down the hall catches the attention of a priest he had not seen before, but, Aiden continues down the hall and finds his quarters just as he had left them so long ago. He places his shield in the corner of the room and begins to remove his armor. The small man washes up swiftly and refreshes himself and then replaces the heavy suite with one of fine cloth and the symbol of Helm in the center. He pulls his hair back and secures it and retrieves a small vial of Holy Water and makes his way back to the general area. He looks to the statue and kneels down before it........"Praise be to he who guides me and guards me in all that I do." as he pulls out the small vial of Holy Water. He places a drop on his forehead and then one on his heart and takes a few minutes to clear his head......the small man then raises his hands up to the sky and chants slowly and softly at first. Soon, his chanting grows strength and speed until a feint circle is raised about him and he clasps his hands together.

"Praise be to Helm....." is all he says as he thinks over the past few moons.......time passes by and soon, he opens his eyes to look upon the figure of Helm. The power of the circle is absorbed back to where it came from and Aiden comes to his feet and makes his way back to his quarters.....


Many, many moons have passed on my journey. I have learned much in my time away as deemed by the Temple. My patience has grown in leaps and bounds and my anger has been silenced. Replaced by understanding and steadfast determination. I had become blinded by that anger and only now do I see with clarity. Clarity of the path I am to be upon given by that of Helm himself. It is only through Helm that I can accomplish what I do. My faith has grown in strength and I now have understanding with the meaning of "Ever Watchful"......Looking back on myself as a lesson to myself for my future self is part of my growth. My pride and anger was a weakness and my fear was a prison. No longer is this the case. My Demons have been faced in solitude once and for all. The Temple has shown me kindness and patience and Helm has shown me the way....it is now my task to carry out that which was given to me.......



Aiden McBride - Watch Knight of Helm

and with that, the small man stops his entry and closes his journal with a smile on his face. "Yes..." he thinks to himself, "the time is indeed right..."