I finally comprehend that all who are around me are completely deranged.

The morning was quieter than usual but otherwise normal. I forged ahead on the path, not looking at my companions who were equally as silent. Carnation flew off in a flurry of feathers when Ren approached her at first light and so was absent for most of our journey. Who knows what Ren said to irk her so.

Black plumes appeared in the sky as we approached the villiage of Freiburg; this is where the insanity of my companions manifested. My advice… move on. Dorian prattled on about “working on our reputation” and the others seemed genuinely interested in seeing if anyone needed our assistance. They have no sense of priority! Our contract with Iskandar lay back in Theringrad, yet none cared or seemed to remember as they eagerly turned foot to the village.

Vani went off to play with some children while Jean supervised. The rest of us talked to the Burgher of the town, branded ominously with the mark of the Witch-Hunters. Words spoken furtively by a local woman revealed the dealings of the Burgher with the Tong, who I now understand to be some local thugs mayhap? The rest seems like ridiculous human dealings, not our business.

Again, with no benefit to ourselves, our group further pursued this nonsense by following J and Vani to a barn and farmhouse. They sprinted off, leaving us to try to catch up to them, only to have them scamper away as we got close. At last, J approached and spoke of an injured man inside the house, opportunity finally shining upon us to earn some coin from healing him. J seemed spooked after restoring him, finding out that these Tong had put pressure to the man. I cannot see why this troubles her. We surely can handle a few rough thugs. The worst news, he had no coin to pay us, only a bottle of wine and some supplies. A poor deal.

Worse news, back in Theringrad, Iskandar tried to short-change us for the relics we had collected. Also disheartening is the news that our contract with Keith Keithson has been nullified due to the fact he is now a frog. I can only hope that the deed offered by Iskandar to Shoreline (or Bloodstone?) Manor in Malkara is of some value. Dorian showed some good sense in asking for Iskandar, now in a new body as well, to accompany us on our journey and for the exchange of goods to only to occur upon our inspection of the property.

Some passion of mine has stirred at the chance of owning some land. We are essentially homeless, and to own a manor, it would feel like I am reclaiming some of my old life. The others do not seem as stimulated by this prospect, yet I am certain they will see sense. That or I shall make them see sense. We shall possibly gain some gold from accompanying a young woman to Malkara as well. May the might of Nurzhan keep my companions from killing us all with their inquisitive meddlings first.