Ryyan's Journal - Session 7
I have made a terrible mistake.
When we were offered the choice between going to war with the ETE immediately, or taking the time to find allies first, I thought choosing the latter would prevent unnecessary deaths.
Instead, not five minutes after that decision, when my aunt, the Grand Duchess, expressed hesitation as to breaking her alliance with the ETE, Shrike killed her.
I know that Archie was the one to wield the knife, but Shrike pulled the strings. He knew Katarina would succeed as Grand Duchess, and that Pendel would have a powerful ally in the Flamewrought Vigil. But to end her life so quickly, without even trying to debate the issue… I am certain we could have convinced her to change her mind!
Even as I write this, days later, I still am in shock. As we traveled south with the Nihmish (or Guardians, as they prefer), I could barely muster the effort to move my feet. Visiting the Earldom of Decent would have been a pleasant outing, had I any desire to take in the sights of such a unique culture. My companions were invaluable in assisting the Earldom with the needs of their refugees, and it was their efforts, not my own, that secured two legions of soldiers to secure Koal’s island.
The swamp we trudged through the next day was bleak and exhausting. We barely had our camp set up before we were attacked by two bog dogs. Again, I froze in the middle of combat, and had to force myself into motion, before we were overwhelmed. Once again, my companions demonstrated their skills in battle, while I simply stood back to support them. At least our arrival to the Nihmish Great Hall went well, and now Pendel will be a bit safer with their warriors bolstering our forces.
I feel the eyes of my companions on my back, and I sense their questioning of my actions. I am starting to think I was never fit to be their Leader. Is this Shrike’s doing? Is he trying to tear us apart, as much as Pash tried to force us together? Why do these dragons care so little about the harm they cause, the strife they sow?
I miss Caper. At the very least, she asked us if we liked the story she led us on.