Meadow 27 - Crystal Chapel

I sit here in my cell at Crystal Chapel and it falls to me to record the days events. Yet, so much has occured and there is so much to think about, I find my mind wandering in contemplation of these things. So much emotion today! How do I keep it from coloring this accout? The emotional impact of certain events should not be hidden. If we were in a haunted tomb, detail on fear and terror would be useful and important. However, I find that I am reluctant to report the full emotional depth of today's events. Too much that is personal for each of us. I must remain impassive in some of my accounts. I choose not to violate personal privacy in this journal.

Jaden and Blackhawk had left well before Jotork and I. Blackhawk was scanning for any hidden places as best he could in the pre-dawn hours. The nearness of the new moon compounded their vision problems. They made it a great deal of the way before Jaden let some of his concerns be known to Blackhawk. He felt some degree of responsibility for his lady as well as Raven.

Around an hour before dawn, they both heard a roar in the night. This was followed by a rain of large spikes. Taken unawares, Blackhawk and Jaden both suffered injury. They were able to locate the attacker. A large monstrousity with a lion body, draconic wings, a vaguely humanish head and a tail with detachable spikes. It was with these that Blackhawk and Jaden were initially greeted.

The battle sounded swift and fierce. After the initial volley, Jaden's combat intuition kicked in. Rapidly unleashing his response, he evoked a raging ball of fire around the thing. Blackhawk ecognized a danger in allowing the creature to focus it's attacks in one area. He prepared his bow and moved into some brush. It is a testament to their speed that they were able to respond before the creature had even landed. Though it had surprised them initially.

The creature landed in front of Jaden and mauled him terribly. I saw his robes later and poor Jaden looked as if he suffered a withering assault. I can hardly blame him for enchanting himself with invisibility in the hopes of being given a respite from the onslaught. Blackhawk fired upon the beast, apparently drawing it's attention. It had been preparing to sniff Jaden out. In response, more spikes flew in Blackhawk's direction. One left a particularly nasty wound, having driven through the muscles in Blackhawk's leg. Under the inspiration of pain, Blackhawk was able to recall that the beast is known as a manticore. A foully evil creature that has the cunning to match wits with many men.

Jaden was torn with indecision. Another assault with the spikes would place him in deadly peril and yet Blackhawk was being charged and assaulted by the manticore. Suddenly, with a flash and boom, a bolt of lightning ripped the sky apart and unleashed itself upon the beast. Little was

left of the thing as Raven stepped out of the brush a short distance away. It seems she had been returning from her fruitless search for Lia when she saw the Manticore attack. She landed, changed shape and brought down destruction from the sky. She tended to Jaden's and Blackhawk's wounds as best as she could and they all trudged back to Bliss to rejoin with Jotork and I.

Arriving shortly after dawn, they found us hustling out in search of them. I was relieved to see that nothing ill had befallen Raven. Though, Jaden and Blackhawk seemed in bad shape. I suggested that we return to Bliss, recover and leave the next day. Jaden would hear none of it and Blackhawk did not seem to feel it was necessary either. I was as prepared as I could be, so we began the journey to the Wind Shrine.

The journey, in itself, was pleasant. For the most part, the terrain consists of stands of evergreen trees and pale grass. I'm sure during another season, the grass would be full and lush as well. At one point, we heard a roar on the wind. Unfortunately, the cloud cover was so thick, and so low, that we could not discern any creature. It was difficult to even tell if the sound was simply higher in the mountains, or actually in the air. Given Jaden and Blackhawk's experience in the early morning hours, we were very aware of a possible air assault. We met a Ranger, on horseback, on the trail that offered praise for handling the manticore. He had not seen Lia either, but offered to convey a message if he did see her. He also informed us that another group of Rangers would be riding up the trail later and that a Troll had been spotted during the day. With that, he continued on his patrol.

The mood of the Company was difficult to judge through the journey. We all seemed to be somewhat introspective. Or perhaps we were just tired. Particularly Raven, she didn't rest at all during the night. Nevertheless, I was surprised some time later when everyone began discussing "something" that had flown overhead. Apparently, I was the only one to miss it. I guess something really big flew overhead in the clouds. Needless to say, this did little to give us comfort against an assault from the air.

It was a short time thereafter when a bunch of fey folk came darting out of the woods and started circling Blackhawk. Raven tried speaking with them, but initially did not get much further than learning that they appeared to be calling Blackhawk "Young Master". They did seem quite excited to see him, but we did not initially have much idea why. They were also most respectful to Jotork, calling him "your Lordship". Blackhawk had a question he wanted Raven to convey, but he seemed to have a word stuck on the tip of his tongue. In the meantime, I played a tune for their enjoyment. They seemed to like it. I've never played for Pixies before. Finally, Blackhawk was able to remember the proper name of a Sylph he met in Alusia. He began to ask Raven to ask them about her, but as soon as he spoke her name, they began tugging on his ears. Laughing the whole time, the finished their assault upon Blackhawk and disappeared back into the forest.

We noticed that the type of trees was beginning to change. We were now walking in a forest composed of some odd looking deciduous trees. Large bluish green leaves and dark trunks. None of us readily recognized them. Soon the next patrol of Rangers caught up with us. We discussed several things with them. Including the possibility that the creature aloft in the clouds was a dragon. The Rangers thought it unlikely. Dragons usually avoid this area of the island. Too many magical protections. When they offered no other information, I pressed them to see if there were any other flying creatures that could account for the disturbance. I was somewhat surprised when they mentioned Rocs. I had always hoped such creatures were mere myth. I simply cannot fathom a bird of that size. At least Dragons can be explained by magic. I suppose it was more my Ardanian upbringing showing through. I guess I should take solace that Raven might be able to dissuade them from attacking us. If they really are big birds, surely a druid can do something about them.

After the Rangers left, we continued on our way. We were beginning to wonder how much further the Chapel was when we came across crystal striations in the ground. A lot of crystal. Near the trail, we even found a 4 foot column of it sticking out of the ground. Blackhawk was extremely interested and tried touching it with a piece of quartz he had. Upon seeing the small spark leap out at him, I decided I would leave it alone. After a bit more exploration, we continued down the road. It was a short hike before we glimpsed the chapel through the trees. A beautiful edifice constructed from blocks of crystal. Actually, an incredible building. If you are reading this account, you should see it for yourself. You might not believe my words if I simply described it. If you have already seen it, you understand that words fail to describe it adequately. I can hardly wait to see the Wind Shrine if this is a mere chapel.

Most of us entered the Chapel to see what it looked like. Blackhawk stayed outside while he changed his attire. He felt it important to enter in his pilgrims robes. Most of us immediately noticed Liz praying near te altar. Ironic that Jaden was the only one who didn't immediately see her. Clearly her departure has had an adverse affect on her. I nudged him and pointed her out. The look of relief at seeing her safe was gratifying. We all chose our own direction in the chapel and I managed to locate the Abbot. I spoke briefly with him and he invited us to dinner. It seems that Sister Fara has already contacted him about us.

Jaden and Lia had left the chapel when Blackhawk and I went to see to sleeping accomodations. Having taken care of that, I met up with the Company and told them that we had been invited to dinner with the Abbot. I also asked Raven if she would be willing to walk with me and show me the things I have always missed in my haste. She was a good sport and we left. I was hoping that by having somebody demonstrate patience and perception, I might be able to quell the desire to rush about within myself. We walked for a bit and discussed many things. Raven's friendship and guidance has been very valuable to me.

We all had dinner with the Abbot that evening. He was able to give us a little bit better idea what we could expect on the hike to the Wind Shrine. I think I have done a good job clearing my heart and have begun seeking some small measure of enlightenment within. Will it be enough, I guess I will find out soon! After dinner, we joined Blackhawk for a meditation circle. He seems to have been feeling a rift within the Company. It seemed important to him that we speak of our expectations from each other. I thought we had resolved that before our journey to Puddleby. Apparently not. It is odd, many of us seem to feel disconnected from each other. Why don't I? My true comfort with my companions is a relatively new development. Perhaps I do not see it because I am not looking. I don't know.

It was after Jaden spoke his piece that Carlotta apparated. It seems that she wants us to also recover her rapier. But, our immediate concern was if she could bring us word of Uncle Max. She confirmed for us that which we had guessed in Freeport. Uncle Max has been slain. I could feel the sorrow overlay my heart immediately. My cousins were downcast as well. It is troubling to know that we will never again see his face. Yet, I will not speak of our individual sorrow. That is for my friends to share themselves, if they choose to.

As for me, my thoughts quickly turned to desire for revenge. Fortunately, I was able to quell this urge. Perhaps those responsible can still be saved. Convinced that they can come out from under Darkness. Perhaps not. But, if I seek their deaths immediately, they certainly will not have the chance. I spoke my part, what little I really had to say. I sense that my friends would have me say more. Share more of my thoughts and feelings. Yet, I think I have said enough this day.

Blackhawk had more to say before Jotork spoke. Jotork was visibly agitated and spoke of his discomfort being in the chapel. He politely bowed out so as to not interfere with the rest of us. So as to not exclude him, we all followed him outside. Raven still had much to say before she brought out her pipe and passed it around. I've never smoked anything before. Though it did not bother Raven, the smoke was difficult for me. Blackhawk closed out our evening and we all headed for our respective beds.

I am not sure what to make of the days events. I feel as if I am riding the surf in one of our kayaks again. My emotions have run through highs and lows in the past day. And while everyone else seemed to feel better from the meditation circle, I find that I am not as comforted. I can feel the heavy feelings I am still carrying. For me, the better answer seems to be a personal meditation before dawn. If only I could soothe myself with music, but I do not wish to offend others. The night is deepening and I should sleep ere it gets much later.

Stephen Fox