The first pomegranate I had was at the port in Volos when I was half my mom’s height. My friend Kengar swiped a couple from one of the fat merchants lining the streets. Took us a while to open – he had a knife that he still didn’t know how to use. We were small and stupid and hungry. I don’t even remember how long it took to crack that stupid fruit open. Inside was something beautiful - little red stars that popped in your mouth. I miss those times and Kengar too. He grew up to be something I’m not.

We set out from Theringrad late into the night. Had to send to find the illusionist - almost left without him. Almost thought we had a new companion when Vani brought Elaine to us. Took a while to set my sights straight, but it’s her. Calling her Elsa on the trip to be safe.

A few companions have taken ill. Narcell’us looks green at the gills. Ildan is caring for her. A shame – wanted Elaine to catch his eye. Would have been fun to see. Dorian is keeping to his letters throughout the trek and doesn’t seem too interested with the path. It’s long and straight and black. Vani poked around a bit to see its make – can’t figure it out. It’s not as warm as I thought it’d be baking from the Sun. Maybe some of that old magic still exists around here.

We skipped down the way for a spell to lighten things up for Elaine. Poor girl. Tong are not to be crossed and we did that. Still not too sure what their interest would be for her in particular. Lots of others around that become property and she doesn’t seem very special. Maybe she uses magic or something. It’s tough to figure this out. Skipping is a challenge with a wee one like Vani.

Carnation has perked up on the road. Was worried about her on the way back to Theringrad. It must be the openness around and our spirits. Girl is young and wants to see new things. Can’t skip worth a damn though.

Day’s travel went smoothly. We quartered in a place called the Old Road Hostel – told that it’s midway between Theringrad and Tachros. Never been there myself – folk would spin yarn about it all the time though on the open water. The streets. The scents. The scandals. All of it very glamourous. When we went in, I saw something I did not want to see. Two Tong hobgoblins lounging around, hopefully not waiting for us. A messenger with a bodyguard. Figured I’d warm to them, say hi. See if they’d piss me off so that we could fight. Bodyguard was cold – knew something was up. Wanted to give her a sailor’s greeting. J kept looking my way – she didn’t want trouble. Messenger drank my gift so there was no reason to give them a sailor’s greeting. Disappointed in that.

The messenger had some information that I need to write down or else I’ll forget about it. Two places mentioned. Squirrel Cellar and the Hound and Hydra both in Theringrad. Will need to head there with the party to see what’s up. Must go to Malkara first.

Tong marked the hostel sometime in the night. Carnation scouted it and let us know. Vani stepped out to figure things out – knew it was something bad. Hope that she changed the message or something like that. J kept Elaine company throughout the night. Such a shift in her manner – don’t blame her. I regret not taking the two outside and taking care of them. That wouldn’t be good though – they didn’t seem to mean us any harm.

Decided to wait out the Tong’s departure for a couple hours and stay out of their way to be safe. Iskandar was spooked and I’m not sure why – didn’t notice him being too involved with what happened last night. He has tricks around though and probably knows a lot more than he lets on. J has been keeping a close eye on him – she can see when he’s being troublesome. I can’t figure out his tricks.

Almost made it to Tachros but a skirmish ahead slowed our progress. Carnation and Vani scouted the situation. Winning group was still there. Carnation couldn’t see so well – Vani had a better look. She looked like a corpse when she came back. Not sure if she’s seen murder before. A terrible thing to see for the first time. She couldn’t even make out what she saw, so we hid as they finished their business. Wanted to see them for myself, but would have to fight the whole group. Hiding was wise.

A caravan was plundered. Sad sight to see – especially an unarmed group like that. Merchant vessels always carry at least a master-at-arms and they all learn how to fight. That’s at least fair. This wasn’t. Blood and hacked up parts everywhere – they didn’t stand a chance. They were the group that Vani and J were with – a shame that we didn’t band together. Elaine needed a talk. So did Vani. These things happen, and at least they had a proper burial. That’s a comfort that not all can receive.

Road to Tachros was sad. Big weight on our shoulders. Vani tried to keep things the same though and I didn’t understand all of that. She seemed so sad just some minutes before and all of a sudden she was back to herself. Disrespectful of the dead. Give them a day and then move on. But not sooner than that.

Tachros too big without any waters running through it. Little dirty rivers filled with waste. Don’t like it here. Staying near the water at a place called the Wet Cat. Vani and the wizard decided to put on a magic show. I walked out – couldn’t stay. Carnation was out too. I vented and needed an answer – why? Why spend that time with tricks? Carnation gave me a pomegranate. Took me back. Takes me way back. Kengar is smiling at me – seeds in his teeth still. He tells me that things will be okay and that there are lots of fun things to do. Steal from the merchants. Outrun them as they chase us. Stay out and watch the tallships come in with their fish and steel and other things. Watch until the Sun goes down and mom goes to sleep. Stay all night long or until another one of mom’s drunk friends staggers out so that they don’t see me. I cracked open Carnation’s gift. Don’t need a knife anymore for that. They would see me now.