Been away from Theringrad for a few days now. Away now from squabbling men and women with the lot throwing their coin as swiftly as their magic spells. It’s a little bit like home actually – haves and have-nots all around and nothing in-between. Don’t like dealing with the haves so I’ve been watching them. Setting my sails to catch the breeze.

Dorian and Narcell’us secured some jobs with the wizarding folk – doing a job for a minotaur illusionist now. Name’s Iskandar. Pay’s too good. You’d be well on your to the deposit on a galley with that kind of coin. But a good reason to go on the open road. Thought I’d like the open road.

Feels like I'm trapped in a brig walking through these woods. At least the company’s been warming to me. I don’t hide my feelings very well – thankful for their care and all – but something’s not right that’s hard to shake. A sunless day is one thing – a starless night is another. Heard some stories about forests around that block the path of the Sun and stars. Didn’t believe them – thought the folk were just flirting with me. Turns out they were right.

Vani’s taken to my shoulders on the trip! What delightful fun! I’ve an assortment of things in my hair now, most dropped from Carnation. Maybe there are some nice things in these woods, after all.

On the way to the job we passed some travelers. Carnation scouted and saw them, whispered some things to J, then they took a look together. J looked like she saw a merrow when they returned, so I stood at the ready. Turned out to be rangers in a hurry. Shared some quick words and they headed to Theringrad, looking for the leader’s brother or something along those lines. They had a quick pace – wonder what was up?

Magic to the West during my watch. Thunder without rain – an ill omen. Thinking about what we’re meant to find. Little magical devices, like cages with nothing inside. A cage is meant to keep things inside – wonder what has come out. I need to see the stars and listen to the stories about them. Wish I could remember more right now.

These magic cages are an evil thing. A village now gone, people and all. Like those depth charges the tower wizards peddle to any idiot that wants to sink a merchant ship. Vani grabbed one – she’s quick – and I could only freeze. Seen that before – thought she was done for. But the thing didn’t work – magic came out after the Unravelling. Minotaur was right at least. Magic’s stuck around though, and turned into creatures. Tried to kill us.

Carnation fell from the sky in an attack. Warned her beforehand. Tried to get her to tether to me, keep her out of harm’s way. She didn’t like that idea – why didn’t she listen! Triggered something in me. Moved quick. Brought my enemy down. Felt good.

Collected the cages now, just set up camp looking upwards. Smoke swirling upwards, but I can’t see all of the sky. It’s still mostly starless.