Tora's journal

Father,
We have been out this time for several days. After finding an evil temple, and then riding to a nearby town to talk to the inhabitants about it, we tracked the Iron Golem we killed to a large hole. The monk, Draco, said he believed this to be the lair of a Green Dragon. Can there still be such as this in the world? So many of the dragon-clan were slain! My blood raced to think of joining such a creature in battle-dance.

Alas, however, my companions are somewhat indecisive and we lingered near this pit discussing what to do for quite some time. Eventually, the group decided to return to the remains of the Iron Golem to search for clues as to who sent it, as perhaps it was tracking the amulet carried by the gnome.

I know you disapprove of these kinds of companions, Father, for at times they do not appear to act with proper Courage or Honor. But they do show respect for each other, and they help each other fearlessly in battle. I have learned many things about fighting and tactics watching them work together. Perhaps you will allow me to speak of this in greater detail another time.

Once we regained the Iron Golem's death-ground, the gnome Gammicus began to examine it closely. His concentration was much like the monk acolytes as they sit their first vigil. He then reached inside the body and removed two green and glowing spheres - surely something magical and powerful. Some members of our group then removed an Iron Axe from the heart of the great beast. I did not see what led them to it. But their find was most fortuitous. Another of the ancient artifacts that will stay the Hand of Chaos in our world! Hieronymous' Own hand must be in this! There were other things, an amulet matching one the illusionist had, but that is most important to maintaining Law in these times.

The druid, Artemis, scried the Iron Axe to find who sent the mishapen man-thing after us. Scrying is a magical spell that allows the user to see through eyes and hear through the ears of another person. She used water to view an interview with a man who is surely right Law's true enemey. In a dark room lit only with torches, we watched him question his retainer, who had a voice most strange. Low, like Brother Kinji in the chant, yet high at the same time, like the performers in the old style Operas we watched when I was a child. We saw, through his eyes, a montain range and rock formations lit by the Zen moon. They feel they will recognize them again, if and when we see them.

We returned to this so-called dragon's lair. We camped some distance away, and some of the party were too worried about the dark to go in right away. No, not cowards, Father, for if they had been, I would certainly have enacted the Shinju-Ryu's normal price. But as these are magic folk, they needed time to learn more from their strange books, and to rest for the coming battle. I myself settled into the Cha Yu Dae Ryun Muk Nyum. Meditating before battle is never ill-advised, regardless of the foe you face. I doubted there would be a real dragon - they are so few in this Age.

I know, Father, that you disdain the use of magic in battle. But... the things I have seen! We would do well to allow our Monks to pursue some of this learning, lest the old times come again. In the time of your Father's Grandfather, the Shinju-Ryu protected the people from brigands... and worse! Should the footfalls of Chaos echo again across our land, what good will be our Swords and Bows and Honor alone? I beg you to reconsider your decision, and to allow me to return home with what I can learn. I have a number of items I have acquired - you will be amazed at their uses, in and out of battle!

I will add more of our tale to another letter. The hour is late, and I must meditate, and perform the Haman-takeishi. Only after so thorough a cleansing will I be prepared for rest.

Your faithful son,

Tora