Somewhere on the Eisen coast, once again battered and sore (and wounded)...

Alas, it is as I expected. I must say that I agreed with my master (as I do in most things as a rule) when he expressed his misgivings about traveling with the Vesten raiders. While the price was certainly right, I knew that we would encounter trouble if we took passage upon their ship. While I must admit it was somewhat amusing (shame on me) to see my master attempt to row the ship alongside a huge burly Vesten, I regret that he was subjected to such appalling conditions.

Well, it was Master William's idea and, unfortunately he is rather thickheaded though I must admit he is very good natured and bright in spite of his youth and heritage. (I had heard that many of the High Marchmen are not too quick in the head. Maybe I should just chalk this up to prejudice.) Nonetheless, he seemed set on traveling with these 'fine gentlemen' and we were all too weary to argue (even if my station would have allowed it...).

No sooner had we sighted the Eisen coastline than the captain of the 'dragonship' decided to put in for supplies. As I suspected, 'putting in for supplies' involved attacking a peaceful fishing village and carrying off anything of interest, including 4 women. While our group didn't participate, with the exception of one of the Vodacce, Pierto (and even then only to tell villagers to run), we all felt rather guilty for sitting back and letting this happen.

The Vesten were all in great moods in spite of a couple of losses and put in at a sheltered cove to enjoy the fruits of their 'labors'. When it became clear that they would all soon be enjoying the women, I was proud to see my master, and William and all of the others step forward to prevent this unclean act.

Instead of just attacking, our group, (led by Master William), attempted to talk some sense into the barbarians. When this didn't work, a fight broke out; one that I thought none of us would live through. We fought fiercely, but went down one by one until only a few were left. Somehow, wounded and tired, we were able to defeat the battle-weary Vesten and win the day!

But a sad victory it was. We had lost the sailor and our dear companion James to the barbarians' blades. I have only now finished covering his earthly remains with the rocky soil of this desolate Eisen shore. We have piled the other bodies on the dragonship and plan to burn this in what Master William claims is a decent tradtional Vesten 'burial'. Though these men were fierce and barbaric, they didn't know anything different and so deserve to leave this world in the manner in which they would have wished. I can certainly respect, if not totally understand, the ways of other cultures besides my own. At any rate, James shall be missed. His quick sword and quick wit have come in handy many times since he first joined with us. May the Prophets welcome him home...

I know that I am not alone in saying that I will be much relieved to finally make it to our destination in Eisen. Not only will it be nice to see Coleson again, but also it will be nice to rest in a real bed and eat food prepared by someone other than myself, the Prophets' willing!

Speaking of which, I must attend to my duties. Having bandaged the wounded (all of us are wounded to some degree) I must now prepare the evening sup and see about gathering wood for the night's fire. It is winter on the northern shores of Eisen, after all, and the wind will blow bitterly cold tonight!

May the Prophets some day see me home safely to the loving bosom of my wife and family. I pray this with an ache in my heart but the fervent faith of a churchman and loyal servant of the prophets! May Theus grant that ALL that remain return as well, health and heart intact.

I must go now; my master calls...