There is no news towards defeat of Kalik but I still write to remember these days past.
The iron fortress is cold, like the metal holds onto the frigid terrors that plague this place.
I have never felt the pain that I felt there. Sirocco and Hrist did all they could to ease my pain and help me heal.
Although their help is needed and I am grateful for all they have done, I can not help missing Lilian. She served by my side for so long I did not have to voice every need or desire any longer, she knew what I wanted with no words.
Once consciousness returned I noticed Muidos was no longer among us. Sirocco relayed that he was scouting but he did not return before the storm.
As time goes on I am feeling more at ease with those I travel with.
Hrist brings so much light and gentleness but still stands strongest among us. I still do not fully understand the meaning of some of her words or motivations but I know she is good and wants the best for all. I have come to trust her judgment and find much comfort in her embrace.
Sirocco has strange habits of what he calls meditation and research. His magic comes differently to him, from his mind more then his soul. His practices do not look pleasant but painful, although I am interested in taking a closer look at the finished writings etched in his skin.
Each day my wounds get better and some energy returns. I am able to join my companions, slowly, with the help of Hrist, to explore the Iron Fortress.
There was nothing to be found until we reached the dungeon. That is where River was being held.
This poor woman was in a condition worse then any my father helped. Hrist said she was broken, although I am under the impression I am not grasping the full concept of this description.
I wanted to cry for this woman and take her pain. How can someone be so awful to another living being?
Hrist sang her lovely song of words unknown to me which seemed to calm River, as it does myself.
River had no name except the name that was given to her by her "master" (the spawn of evil vampire) that name was Cacula.
River speaks in a tongue I do not understand but we have been able to share base communication through motions and magic.
Magic is not something she is unfamiliar with.
A very large sandstorm kept us at the fortress longer then intended. We were stuck there for 6 days. During our time in the Iron Fortress we were all able to heal from wounds taken during our battle. We also found a well of water to replenish our supplies.
Although this was no easy task. Hrist and Sirrocco spent much of their time digging for the water. It was days before there was much more then drops.
But their efforts were not in vain as water finally pooled in the small hole they made.
Once we left the fortress our fates took a turn for the worst.
The encampment we left was nowhere to be found after the storm passed.
I now sit with the mountain range on the horizon. The blazing sun is leaving the sky and our walk will begin shortly.
I want to cry but I am too exhausted. I have never felt this tired and worn. My skin is hot with the kiss of the sun. The sand burns under my feet. I have had to tie a new knot in my clothes to keep them from falling off.
The few things left that made me comfortable and made this desert bearable were lost in the storm, allies and friends gone.
Things are more empty now then ever before.
I have never felt so dirty and alone.
Magic has become my new servant. Helping me wash and comb my hair.
If only magic could take away these pains that surge my body and make me weak. It hurts to move. My skin is raw from rubbing sand on it to keep clean.
Before we ate the bugs, that were trying to eat us, we had no food for two days.
Golg awaits us, only a day away. I can push through all the pain while I think about all the good things that await there.
Food...a message to my sister and mother...a bath...
A change of clothes...someone to wash me...
A new maiden...
