New powers are at hand, I can almost see the ether shift ahead of me when I concentrate. Some elements now yield themselves to a magic I have never possessed; Nay, must not become too engrossed in the idleness of these pleasures.

The desert beyond is equally devoid of worthy endeavor, at least thus far. We did scout a burrow of some size. Wreaking of poison and bubbling flesh is how we left it for now, the surroundings here must first be explored.

Only one worthy foe dared to show himself. I feel as though I have met many a scarab through my times; some even larger. People revere them, fear them, seek them...the ancient here slain fell just as easily as whole centuries fade into nothing.

A way beyond was within reach, but the burrow beckoned. We will enter it still this night and find what lies therein.

As soon as we cleared the way inside, my being was shaken. A light pierced through me, a gleaming furnace within. For the first time Abhaya seemed to look at me with fear. I was able to regain my constitution if only for her.

Perhaps she thinks me a fool to venture into these depths, but I feel that I must enter. Though, I must concede that I'll have to consult her more at times. Her adaptations during battle have turned the tide more than once; wisdom would be to honor such deeds.

What appeared as a simple strap, was indeed a warriors burden. I left it with the blacksmith. She has mended my wares many times and should be rewarded for her efforts.

May some worthy ally find it useful.

This lair is truly maddening. Intricacy at work in a colony of the lowest of creatures; these wyrm and scarab have but one desire -- find flesh, consume. They fell easily to our growing power.

I at first shuddered to think what the depths hold, and yet suddenly, when I saw Abhaya's face; I too could sense great vengeance beyond.

When we found "it", I could scarcely believe my eyes. I suppose even the vermin have their kings. His poison burned our eyes and choked our breath; but there was no quavering in our stance, he will be fed flesh no more.

Our exhaustion was complete, and I knew that I must lead us back to our huts to slumber in relative safety. There was a staff, gnarled and aged beyond recognition.

Abhaya was suddenly weak; and the way back was still hours of suffering. I remembered a strange fellow who practically threw some potions in my direction when I emptied my gold into his urns and sought to walk away. Maybe now is the time.

After many hours of silence, pushing through mud and fetid corpses. Nothing can be spoken at such times, there is no speech for it, nor opportunity to part your grimace.

We spoke at camp, I told her of the staff, how it was odd. It was decided we would leave it with Cain, in his frailty, may he at least enjoy some artifacts to study. Suddenly, Abhaya came forward and grasped my hand.

"Forgive me." is all she said, there was a hesitation and then, hiding her expression, she walked off into the darkness.