Torn Journal

Name: Torn Journal

Description: The first half of a small, handwritten journal.

Author: Cambarth

How obtained: From Virindi Overseer in Mount Lethe Magma Tubes.

Pages: 6

Text:

''4th of Frostfell, 13th Year of Exile

''Today a most curious thing occurred. Asjan and I were discussing worker productivity when there was a soft knock at the door. Upon opening it, a violet-cloaked figure wearing a mask floated - floated! - in the air before us. Asjan gasped and froze. I asked this creature if I could help it, reasoning that since it knocked politely, in our fashion, it must have Intellect. The Thing introduced itself as "Lord Sarvaen," a noble of Arwic, and offered me a business proposition. I asked what it had in mind.

''"Sarvaen" floated in the room, the ragged trailings of its cloak fluttering, and explained that it had need for the unique crystals I had discovered in the mountain. Its voice was... Ah, but I lack the words. Deep it was, and oddly cadenced. It was beyond question not a man's voice, and sounded as if it came through a tunnel, or from the grave. Straight-faced, I asked what it offered in turn. At this, one violet-draped "arm" rose and placed a gem upon the table. I did not see its hand for the folds of the cloak.

''It was a ruby; large, flawless, and more finely cut than any stone I have ever seen. I have not the words to do justice to this amazing artifact.

''Exchanging raw crystal of undetermined worth for such incredible craftsmanship seemed like a sound decision, so I offered to draw up a contract. "Sarvaen's" cloak rippled, as if a swarm of insects were beating against the interior, and it said that true men preferred to do business without records.

''At this, Asjan's nerve snapped, and he ran from the room shrieking hysterically. The Thing turned to mark his passage, and I believe I saw a flash of violet-blue light from behind the corner of its bizarre mask.

''The deal, fortunately, was quickly agreed upon, and "Sarvaen" left a small pile of jewels behind, as a token of its good faith. I calculate their worth to be in excess of 100,000 Pyreal.

''I do not trust this Thing by any account. But one cannot argue with the profit - which is, after all, why I am in this hellish place!

''7th Frostfell

''Asjan has disappeared. A badly written note, supposedly from him, was found, saying that he went home to Qalaba'r. I know the Thing did it. It still believes that I believe it is a man, and it must remain so improbably ignorant