Well, my life with the Pathfinders and Friends will not be
boring. I don’t know if it’s luck, Fate, Destiny, or the spite of some as-yet
unknown god, but they seem to attract…activity, attention. Not trouble, because
not all of it is bad. Just activity. Happenings. Events that there is no
seemingly logical reason for these people to influence and yet somehow still do
with merely their presence. I’ve seen the like in the court of the Thief Lord,
but only twice. Then, it was as if the two were webs that attracted the strings
of fate from those around them. It is so with these Pathfinders as well. The
orc man claims to be a seeker of knowledge and one to right the wrongs, and that
may be true. But it is as if he and they are also the catalysts on which
Destiny rests and their choices affect themselves, this town, and the worlds
and planes beyond. It’s hard to describe to someone who hasn’t observed it. And
it is not comfortable for me to be in such a position with them. I have no
grand dreams anymore. I merely wish to do what I’m good at and make enough to
keep a roof over my head and food in my belly. I have no wish to be a Changer
of Fate.
Don’t attract the gods, don’t attract the emperors and
kings. Don’t make friends. Don’t seek for anything above your station. Don’t
make a fuss. Don’t set yourself apart. Perhaps the Thief Lord didn’t intend for
me to learn these lessons, but learn them I did. Often the hard way, and often
by his hand.
Bah! It is pointless to circle around that train of thought.
I did what I had to. End of story. On to other things.
Yesterday was the hunt and a surprise visit from “Lord”
Kaijitsu. The hunt went more or less how a hunt should go. I couldn’t get a
read on Foxglove. He seemed a little too good-natured. It’s a testament to my
time with the Thief Lord that my instinct is to distrust someone merely because
they are too good-natured. I was half-expecting an ambush once we got to the
woods. We found a boar easily enough, but Foxglove seems to lead a rather, uh,
sheltered life. Poor youngling could hardly use his crossbow. He seemed like
the pampered lords I know from Riddleport, the ones whose concerns include
parties, women, and profits (although Foxglove seems far less corrupt). Perhaps
that’s a bit of an unfair assessment of Foxglove, but the man needs to work on
his aim!
Lord Kaijitsu crashed the party at Ameiko’s tavern last
night after we brought the boar in. I only knew it was him because we saw him
at his manor two days ago when scouting the manor after his manservant claimed
Kaijitsu was ill. Seemed pretty healthy yesterday. Still cowered like a rabbit
when orc man put on his don’t-fuck-with-me cloak. I don’t think I’ve ever seen
anyone cower that quickly. Orc man has my grudging respect for that.
The past couple of days have given me a better assessment of
some of my associates. My opinion of the cleric hasn’t changed, but it’s good
to know I don’t have to rely on a potion to restore my health. I can tell she
gets annoyed whenever I call her Suzy. It’s rather amusing. It was also
entertaining to see her try and set up the half-elf with Foxglove. Her sunny
demeanor does make for good diplomatic relations (except in Kaijitsu’s case).
She and the orc man seem to give the group the advantage in making first
impressions. Not that I care about making a good first impression. But still. And
the cat surprised me today. Perhaps he is worth having in the group. His
climbing skills are rather impressive. Had I still been in the Thief Lord’s
employ I would have recommended he approach the cat for burglary work. A second
or third-story window would be nothing after that 100-foot cliff. And while he
isn’t quite as stealthy as my humble self, with a little training he could
navigate the homes of the wealthy as easily and skillfully as any burgeoning
thief. Let’s hope the cat has the sense to avoid Riddleport or he may find
himself assimilated into the Thief Lord’s army.
The information-gathering is coming along slowly. I suspect
we’ll be looking through The Old Light tomorrow. That and a little goblin
hunting. I don’t like that the elf is our best information about the local
tribes, but I can work with that. I’ve learned to work with a lot of
individuals I don’t like. Yet another lesson from the Thief Lord.
Now to bed. The comfort of a mattress indoors cannot be
overstated.
