Headed to Kirth

3 Mirtul, 1373 afternoon
I have a lot to learn about the dark arts and this is a good thing. I never thought I would need to know about the ways in which the evil clerics do what they do. I know from my training that I need to know my enemy well, but I always thought that was getting a bit to close. Knowing that there is evil and injustice is very different that staring it in the eye. I cannot understand why their vile people want to hurt so many innocent lives. They fill their hearts with hate, anger, and fear and want more. It seems that they can never hate, destroy, torture or kill enough to satisfy there twisted hunger. I feel some how tainted by breathing the same air as they do.

Slyl is gone, and this ur-priest is never going to cooperate without his potion. Before I can get a handle on all that is going on the ur-priest starts casting. I should have wailed on him with the flat of my sword before he finished his words. Instead I warn him. I’ll never make that mistake again. Corim and I are engulfed in blackness, yet again. We both attempt to stop the ur-priest. Corim decides to run him through. While this method tends to stop an opponent from leaving it tends to make them unwilling to talk, since there DEAD. I tried to bring back the ur-priest but it’s too late. I can’t fault Corim but now we have lost a chance to know so much about their plans. One thing for sure the things set into motion are bigger than any one of us and will forever change all who touched by them.

We gather up everyone and form a caravan with a couple of coaches and I lead us to Kirth. Corim and I give some gold to each person to help him or her start a new life. The way is level and the only burden is in my heart. We see the glistening sunlight shine against the snow on the top of the distant Earthspur Mountains. The first pleasant view I witness today. Up ahead is a wagon. I move ahead and catch up to speak to the coachmen. To my surprise it is Gustav Halorel my fathers trusted employee of more years than I can remember. He seems shaken and hurt. He is with Evan a cleric of Selune. He tells me how he almost died and that if it weren’t for Evan he would be dead. I figure anyone who would save a stranger can’t be all that bad, Even if he worships Selune. Gustav tells me that there is trouble at home and that my whole family is moving to Kirth. They argued about sending this shipment, and the Zhentarim are involved. Even with all that has happened I can’t imagine this would harm my family. I feel a change within I cannot explain or understand a weight on my heart that is overwhelming. NOW THIS IS PERSONAL. I check the shipment and know Gustav is unaware that it contains the doom of Kirth. I can’t believe that my family could be strong-armed so completely. I cannot share this with anyone yet. Kelestri will want to destroy the shipment for sure and that will only bring suffering to my family. I must investigate and wait for the right time. I only hope that I can stop this from harming anyone in Kirth.

I know it is a surprise to everyone that I know Gustav and he works for my family. I did not want to brag that my family does well. Kelestri thinks I’m a merchant and I put on the façade of a warrior. She can think whatever she wants. I know the years of study and dedication it takes to be a paladin of Tyr. The years of reading about religion, tactics, history, battles, siege engines, castles, and politics. I can remember the days of marching and the cold nights in the rain and snow. I can even remember a few cadence tunes. A merchant can’t buy his way into the ranks of the worshipers of Tyr.

We arrive in Kirth and the city guard greets us at the gate, or what’s left of it. They charge us 5gp each to enter. It’s outrageous, but there are bigger issues to worry about. Corim and Slyl are having trouble convincing the register to accept their names. I wonder how many they use. It’s none of my business, but I try to smooth things over. We decide split up and to meet at dusk in the temple to Ilmater. I tell Gustav to guard the shipment and wait to deliver it. Pavel, Averiy stay at the temple and deliver their urgent message. Kelestri, Alyona, and Slyl go to find some goods. Leaf, Corim and I go to the tavern that Gustav is to deliver the shipment to. I decide to tell Leaf what’s troubling me and ask for his service in uncovering who wants the shipment. He agrees. I am pleased he is not judgmental about my keeping a secrete. I try to be discrete, but I doubt I will succeed. Leaf is doing some talking too I hope he is doing better than me. Corim is enjoying a drink when all of a sudden a beautiful women approaches. She joins him and I know I am not wanted right now. I she refers to him and herself as a Teifling. I think I heard the name once in passing I think that is a racial reference. I try to find out from the locals about what happened this week in Kirth. The bartender confirms the shipment and asks why I want to know. I tell him that I want to meet up with an old friend. He is suspicious, and I am not gifted as a liar. I am not getting very far with him. Leaf must have found out something by now. I’ll go talk to him and see what he knows.

My working theory about how Kirth may meet its end:
The shipment of Banite blood will be used to affect the town. The Baneites army of mercenaries attacked Kirth. Later a second Baneite army came back pretending to be reinforcements and the town welcomed them with open arms. They will then gain the city’s confidence and corrupt it from within. May Tyr give me insight to see past their deception and fully learn their scheme.

We return to the temple of Ilmater and are greeted with respect. We are introduced and now we can talk. I hope I can speak openly and honestly without anyone questioning my sanity. I probably look paranoid and suspect.