From the Journal of Laurent Gilles, manservant of "Valierre" du Paix of Montaigne.

This afternoon finds us a very miserable, dejected group of weary travelers! Oh, but I wish that the good master had never set out on this, so far, ill-fated journey.

But then again, in spite of everything, I see that these fine gentlemen have begun to show their true merit! In the face of these many adversities, all of them have managed to somehow pull themselves back up and continue on, an inspiration to me who is by no means someone of their fine caliber!

I have but a short while to write this as my master and his worthy allies discuss their next move. Being unobserved, I find that I am in the perfect situation to do the observing...

My good master, the worthy, Valliere, has shown greatly his true talents as a logical thinker and is even now demonstrating by his actions a type of restraint that is new to these young and rash, but otherwise very capable gentlemen. His measured way of thinking has kept them from dashing off after the unfortunate Lia, may the Prophets have mercy on her, since to do so in our present condition would have been foolhardy and most likely only reward us by further losing us in this accursed forest! I do not hold out much hope that we shall ever see thAT worthy, bouncy, lass alive again. But then again, the Prophets may see fit that she live. Only they now know her fate.

This forest! This forest seems alive and malevolent. It seems to press in close and resent our presents. Well, I can assure the reader (and the forest itself) that the quicker I leave it to think its dark thoughts undisturbed by my presence, the better!

Master DeRicci is hurt once again as most of us are, including myself who barely survived a drop from a great height by a winged demon that several here have called "gargoyles" or some such. I survived only because the Prophets saw fit that I should grab a branch to stop my fall. The fall would have most assuredly killed me. And I have it on good authority (that of my worthy master) that the good Master McCormick actually fell from a greater height than me and failed to have my good luck! He actually impacted with the ground! Even so, he raised himself to his feet and emptied two barrels into the creature that was worrying Reynaldo! That man is a bear! If all of his countrymen are so resilient then I fear that they cast men there from a different, sturdier material than they do in other countries. He is a man's man that I would put up against any other I have ever seen.

And Reynaldo DeRicci is a man of good humor and quick wit, always ready to crack a joke, pull a prank, or give an encouraging word in spite of recent "set-backs". His strength of will and determination are a thing to be admired. He is also very good with that sword of his. I have spent more time patching him on this trip, however, than I have spent doing almost anything else, it seems. If he lives beyond the rashness of his youth, I am sure that he will be the one most surprised... A good man, never the less.

Ah, our Castillian "friend". This gentleman (and I use the word loosely at times), is very quick with both his sword AND his anger. I fear at times that his tongue and or his actions will set him at odds with my master. This would be unfortunate as each one is very skilled with a sword and both are quick to duel in defense of their "honor". I hope it does not come to that as I have begun to see a slight change in our good Castillian. He has begun to see us as companions instead of some folks that he just happens to be traveling with. (Of course I am nothing but a Montaigne "servant" and so, being twice cursed, far beneath his notice). However, with the eye of a great deal of experience, I can see that he is opening up more and has become more patient with the other gentlemen. He has also shown an admirable force of will when it comes to keeping his word and attending to the worthy pursuit of honor. This is one that I perceive is hard to become friends with, but once granted that title, would defend the friendship with his very life.

We have also picked up a crewman from the Windy Bough; a sailor named James. He doesn't talk much so far, but has proven to be a hard worker (a bit more than the gentlemen in the group as he is more used to the rigors of labor) and a worthy man to have beside you in a fight. He Avalonian common sense and practicality are refreshing in such a rash group of young men.

And, ah, once again back to my master. He is a very capable man, born with a good deal of "horse-sense" that usually isn't very apparent in those with noble blood. Having grown up near a large, wooded, hunting reserve, my master has also picked up a surprising array of wilderness skills for one of his breeding. I pray that these skills can lead us to the lake at the center of this cursed forest and quickly at that! I have faith that the ever-practical Valliere will be more than suited to the task of completing this mission and returning us safely to the bosom of Montaigne...

Ah, Montaigne, how I miss your carefully manicured lawns, trimmed hedges, and most of all, warm safe houses! To sleep in a warm bed with a full stomach is a pleasure that I have begun to dream about in the few, scattered moments of slumber I can snatch!

The Vodacce, Reynaldo, has fashioned a crutch and has decided to lead us onward! His valiant effort seems to be thwarted by the fact that he has set off in the wrong direction! Now that my master has called him back and pointed him in the correct direction, I must leave off writing so that I may pick up the bundles that it is my lot, as a servant, to carry.

It is my utmost hope, dear reader that my next entry will be written in a more civilized location. Then again, just being capable of writing another entry, (that is, being alive to write one!) would suffice in lieu of the other.

I, Laurent, have put this to pen, on this fateful day, the -th of -----, 1668. May Theus have mercy on us, His faithful servants, and grant us freedom from our travails.