29th Meadow, 802

I survived the pilgrimage to the Wind Shrine. There were a few moments when I wasn't sure that I would, but here I am. Where to begin? We were accompanied for the first leg of the journey by the Abbot, Darius Greybourne. He was quite informative without saying much of anything... He pointedly conveyed that we must not be persuaded to turn back, and there were moments that I thought we might. We saw a golem, a multicoloured winged serpent, and an angel, who asked us many questions. It was difficult to endure the angel's questioning, as the questions were quite tedious with only black and white answers. It was impossible to tell what virtue we were being tested for. I assume we passed, for we were allowed to continue. I encountered some strong voices on the trail, testing me, questioning me. I think perhaps they were easier for me to endure because they were just louder versions of my internal dialogue, but the others were similarly tested and I believe it was difficult for them. The voices tried to bargain with me, but for some reason the promises seemed hollow and the temptation wasn't great. I know that anything worth having is dearly bought.

It was near the top of the trail in a cavern that I felt the most discouraged, a crystalline storm buffetted us and began to cover us in icelike glass. There were many creatures, elves, dwarves and human, standing forever frozen, encased in crystal pillars. Somehow we made our way out of the cave, and were amazed to see Sister Fara coming toward us, her face alight and her arms open in welcome. She showed us around the Shrine, where she is the guardian, and I detailed the public part of our visit in the company log. My personal observations I have saved for my journal, so as not to muddy the waters. I could have stood forever in the glorious hymn that echoes around that holy place, for it made me feel like I did when I was a child and my mother was singing me a lullaby. So safe, so loved. It was a wrench to leave, and I have made myself a promise that I will return, sooner I hope, than later. Even Stephen's hideous vision could not ruin it's beauty for me. When he first told us what he had seen, it was like a physical blow to my heart, but I went outside and stood where the hymn was the loudest and my tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy as I felt the song say over and over, "You are loved. You are part of the one." I felt then that I could never do any evil, that I was part of the most pure and beautiful creation, and that I could only do good forever after.

As I documented in the log, the sword did not yield to me, but for some reason, I feel that I may be the one to wield it. I never would have thought myself worthy, and I must say that without the message of the hymn ringing in my ears, it is harder to believe, but while I was there, I felt somehow destined to do great deeds in the name of all that is good and light. The leap from the cliff was the most incredible thing I've ever felt, (well, almost) I seemed to be held by unseen hands. I should have been terrified, for the fall was 3 miles, but instead, I felt exhilarated. The rest of the company seemed to feel the same.

My lady and I have come up with a means to communicate through the proprietress of the Elfsong Tavern and so I am content for the moment. The one sour note in all of this, besides Stephen's vision, is the note I got from Uncle Max. Alfred had something important to tell me, that is certain. But how will I find out now what it was, when it sounds as though even Uncle Max didn't know the whole story?

I must stop now, as the exertions of the last few days are beginning to catch up with me.

Maxfield Jaden Fox