Company Log, 19th of Blossom, 801

We boarded the kayaks and went toward the next island fearing the worst. I am so very grateful to the Fianna for the fine training they gave us, we would never have made it this far without their instruction. I fear that poor Raven went into the water and was quite wet and cold by the time we made landfall. This island is quite a good deal larger than the last one. We immediately began to see wildlife, as Lia said, the islands are absolutely teeming with it. We first saw vermin frolicking, they are quite sleek and rather beautiful when they aren't trying to rip your throat out... A deer (the biggest I've ever seen) came bounding into view and close behind were some dire rats and three orgas. Believe it or not, the one Stephen and Jotork killed was small by comparison. The beach seemed to be home to some giant crabs, and as we walked inland a bit we were treated to a beautiful view, a stream running through lush woodlands, gorgeous. As we walked, we spotted a huge grey cat, eyes mostly closed and a twitch of it's tail the only indication that it was mobile at all. Raven approached it (brave girl!) and spoke with it at length. We only heard caterwauling, but at the conclusion of the conversation, Raven led us to a bear's den, which the cat had told her was unused at this time of year. Near the opening of the den was a paw print a good three feet across. Thank the angels the bear that made it was nowhere to be seen. As we were all in need of sleep, Blackhawk, Lia and I again took first watch. As we sat at the mouth of the cave, Lia leaned against me. I was so loathe to move my body was one big cramp by the time the watch was over (but it was worth it!) We saw lots of huge stags, their antlers were magnificent. Blackhawk made an attempt to talk with DeVal, who responded by eating some of his rations. Their conversation was interrupted by Raven, who was moaning in her sleep. DeVal crawled into her blankets presumably to comfort his mistress? As we were getting ready to change watches, we heard someone cry out in common, "Hello, is anyone there?"

We were startled to see and old ragged man, wearing the robe of a monk or some other religious pilgrim. He was soiled and tattered,bald, with a whispy beard and leathery skin. He asked Stephen if we had any food to share. As we were so close to the island of Tenebrion, I thought it unwise to involve ourselves with him, but trusting and kind as ever, Stephen agreed to give him some of our rations. As he stepped through the mouth of the cave, he shimmered and his appearance changed. He was now dressed in blue velvet, armed with a long sword and an ornate staff topped by a deep blue gem. I was suddenly aware that I couldn't move, nor could any of my compatriots. He smiled and sat in mid air, as if on an invisible chair. At this point I believed my assumption was right, for this must surely be Tenebrion. He told us that he had been waiting for us for a long time, and since we were unwilling to come to him, he must come to us. He told us he had dreamed of us, that for a thousand years or more, he and his brother Umbrion had been fighting for supremacy and that in his dream, he was made aware that we would side with one of them, and that one would finally win the battle, while the other would be killed. With that, he said "when the time comes, I want you to remember that I could have killed you here, but I didn't. Have a nice evening". After about 20 minutes, we were able to move again, and the rest of the night went quite peacefully.

Later: 20th Blossom, 801