Dear Diary,
The morning after our visit to the fey court, we were finally ready to depart for Latebra Velora. As the others prepared, I took the time to check on my people, ensuring they knew we would be gone for quite a while—ten days’ travel one way, at least. After making my rounds in the village, I rode to Keralon to inform Rachnar of our departure and assure him that we would do our best to resolve the troubles plaguing his homeland.
It was a pleasure seeing him again. And I dare say he felt the same.
As I explained our intentions, he wasted no time drafting a letter of introduction—ensuring we would be well received upon our arrival in Latebra Velora. As we parted, I told him I looked forward to another evening of drinks and conversation once we returned. He smirked at that, and I’d like to think the feeling was mutual.
Our first day on the road north passed without incident—at least in the practical sense. But I did manage to get under Gael’s skin, which is no small feat.
A little teasing about leaving his beloved Dynia behind was all it took. He may not realize it yet, or perhaps he simply refuses to admit it, but he’s infatuated. He should act on those feelings before it’s too late.
I’ve seen the signs before. I’ve had plenty of experience watching my brother stumble through the same struggle.
Most of the journey was uneventful, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, we arrived near the site where we had once slain the demonic dragon.
A contingent of wizards and knights from Keralon had been sent to deal with the lingering effects of its radiant presence. They stood guard as workers methodically disassembled the vile creature, carefully containing its corruption.
That night, as we camped with the knights and workers, we heard troubling news—villages to the north were suffering from a strange and deadly disease, one that was ravaging their livestock.
A discussion quickly followed.
I argued against diverting our course. The knights of Keralon had surely been informed by now, and it was only a matter of time before someone was dispatched to handle the crisis. Straying from our path would only delay our arrival in Latebra Velora, and time was already a luxury we couldn’t afford.
But the others saw it differently.
One by one, they made their case—if no one had arrived yet, people could be suffering. If the disease spread, it could devastate entire villages.
And so, despite the delay, we chose the road less traveled.
Because, in the end, helping people is what we do.