The Ogre's Pendant & The Rat in the Pit

Book 3: The Rat in the Pit

From Chronicle of the Solidblade Knight

Hail to Lord Amitiyah, son to a murdered father; may our joy balm your grief.

In thy name is the glory, may my deeds lighten thine heart.

'Tis the 21st Day of the 3rd Moon of the 306th year of your sorrow.

I must confess to you that my journey through the Forest of Giants was fraught with the unexpected, and not at all what I anticipated.

Though I did enter that place to battle the foul Danu the Bottomless in your name, I found no satisfaction. Sadly, the ogress chieftain was slain by treacherous wizardry before our clash could begin. It leaves me melancholy for what a glorious battle that would have been.

Alas, my Lord, all was not lost. While in my travels to confront Danu, I found myself in a most unseemly plight and was met with a pair of southlanders who became my salvation, and I theirs.

One is named Kyembe of Sengezi - who folk call The Spirit Killer. He takes a strong offence at Demons, and this I can admire. I have heard words both fair and foul spoken of him. Yet, I found your tears turned sweet against his flesh - so I conclude that the fair words have the right of it.

The other is Wurhi of Zabyalla, who folk uncharitably call The Rat. Of her I know little, though I am told that she is a thief of some repute. I have yet to test your tears on her skin.

Together, we overcame a force of superior numbers. We saw three demons slain. We thwarted the schemes of a foul wizard and ended his depraved life. We raided the vault of the long dead King Gergorix for a sizeable hoard of treasure.

Are these deeds not worthy of glory? They are not the deed I first sought in your name, but they surely are feats of greatness all the same. May they please you when your heralds sing them in your ear.

At present, Wurhi, Kyembe and I winter in the walled city of Laexondael, the heart of trade in the northwest. I have claimed my old quarters at the Lovers Paradise - the seneschal still holds it in reserve; I had thought the memory of the aid I granted Paradise would have faded. Happily, it seems not, and I have vouched for my companions lodging.

I daresay they are more than capable of Paradises princely pricethough at the rate the Sengezian buys others drinks, I do wonder for how long. It is a joyful time, and I hope that - in some measure - that joy is shared with you, o grieving one.

Even if that joy is in more earthly things.

And so, there is little else to write: I celebrate life and fellowship as you would have me, and wait for the swift wind to glory to blow me where I next must travel.

I still find Eydis Rune dormant. I am not called yet.

Your humble servant writes so that your followers may know the deeds done in your name. May your glory spread across the land and choke the murderous Stheno and her treacherous servants. May your suffering, one day be hers.

- St. Cristabel Esclanore, the Solidblade Knight, Sworn to King Merzhin of Traemea, Sainted of Amitiyah

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