Journal: Aemundis Rel'thor 2

The following is a continuation of Journal: Aemundis Rel'thor 1.

blasphemous tongue to be sure. My guards reported that he was last seen fleeing through the West gate with a mob not far trailing. I do not think we will be seeing much more of this false prophet.

22 B.C. The Council of Kings took place today. I do very much wish that Raymund's annual visits were under more pleasant circumstances, but it was nice to see him nonetheless. Of course, Balwen did not attend and instead sent Mordeth. I was not surprised to hear his first request that next year's proceedings be held within S'handor. Mordeth's next statement proved more interesting, however. Apparently, there have been disappearances along the road between S'handor and Danatha'nir, merchants leaving for Caranduin then vanishing. If it was not for Raymund reporting similar happenings, I would have taken the snake for accusing me of treachery. Mordeth also reported that the Order of Light has begun to take matters into their own hands, planning a recruitment drive that would reach as far as Thalos. Gods, that zealous lot would move on a whisper of a rumor. I do not think there is anything to worry about. These claims are likely rumors themselves.

21 B.C. Nine counts now. Nine bodies found dead just outside of the city, all unrecognizably ravaged. Someone is trying to make a point. Someone is testing my resolve. By justice I will have their heads. Fire and Hell! I am doing my best to hide this from the people, but reports of the tribes gathering in Danatha'nir have begun to circulate within the city. The tribes only assemble like this in times of war, and that has not happened for eighty years. The people say that Athaekeetha was the one to call the gathering. Gods! What can be so grave as to rouse the master of war and the wild folk? Worse, Zigmut and Amedus have just arrived from S'handor, spreading the Word of the Light. I must maintain control over this.

20 B.C. The past few months have been strange to say the least. The people linger in a state of perpetual fear, and rightfully so. The bodies hewn about the city's perimeter grow in count. In the place of children and merchants, my weary guardsmen aimlessly patrol the streets. As I peer into the night-sky, I cannot help but wonder what evil lurks in the horizon. At times, bestial cries howl from the mountains and forests. There is a darkness covering the lands. It is the shadow of Dyphrities. Light! What will you have me do? Are we being punished? Many of my people have left the city to join with the tribes in Danatha'nir or with the Order of Light in S'handor. Perhaps I should send my son and wife to Balwen's fortress. Gods, this night is dark.

18 B.C. I thought I had lost this journal, though I find little comfort in it now. I write with what little strength I have left in hopes that my son and wife will one day find my words and know that I loved them to no end. Two years have passed since that dreadful night. The following is my account of what happened on the True Night of 20 B.C. and the events that took place thereafter:

I was roused from a shallow sleep by a shrill scream. The wails amassed, one after the other, until all of Caranduin cried in horror. People staggered into the streets from their homes, covered in boils and burns. The few clerics that had not joined with the Order of Light frantically rushed about the city, some aiding others and some joining in the howls of anguish. I called to my guards and ordered for my son and wife to be escorted to S'handor. There, I hoped they would be safe behind the fortress walls. Later that night, legions of horrifying creatures attacked Caranduin. For weeks, I fought side-by-side with Raghtimus and the rest of my guardsmen until we were forced into the park. There, we stood our ground, battling the twisted bestial forms that poured into the city from the night. Light shined upon us when morning came. Tribesmen from Danatha'nir joined our men and we managed to push the hellish creatures out of the city, but the victory proved to be a shallow one. Each night, hordes of the beasts barraged our defenses. Many were lost - some to the demon and many others to the plague that continued to ravage Caranduin. Scouts reported the same tragedies in Thalos and S'handor. This continued for two years. Only