From the journal of Lythande Syldorei
We have one month until the festival in Pitax. There's much to do in Neotellus before we make our journey there. We go not as adventurers but as the leaders of a territory, and we must present ourselves as such.
But preparing for our journey is not the only task we have had of late. Reislin has spent several months working with the wise woman of Zander's clan, Maraleaf, to determine the best method to deal with the demon she has imprisoned within herself. The plan they have agreed upon is to release the demon within a circle of protective magics, which will prevent it from escaping until Maraleaf can capture it once again. Her lingering illness has been a result of taking the demon within herself without the opportunity for sufficient preparation. Maraleaf and Reislin are confident that they can hold the demon and that Maraleaf will be able to contain it safely.
Toilday, 3rd Gozran
We gathered at the hut the tribe had constructed to house the circle of protective magics with our weapons ready to stand guard outside the circle and aid against any escape attempt by the demon. The hut was filled with thick smoke from four braziers standing in the corners with smoldering herbs in the coals, and from numerous candles placed in a rough circle around the center of the structure. Maraleaf thanked us for coming and asked if we were ready. We agreed that we were, and when Maraleaf warned that members of the clan who were her blood relations should not enter the hut as their presence could weaken her resistance, Zander put his head outside and shouted at his family that everyone should remain outside unless he summoned them. There was no danger in his presence as he was adopted into the clan.
Reislin then cast a spell upon everyone within the hut and began to slowly lay out the components for the protective circle. She formed it of powdered silver that had been steeped in holy water, laying out the circle very precisely on the floor and explaining what she was doing as she worked. When she had finished, Maraleaf made another circle inside Reislin's, inscribed much more quickly and with less precision. Then she sat down in the center of the two circles and both she and Reislin began to chant.
The glow of the braziers brightened and then darkened into a strange illumination that was still light yet somehow seemed black. Smoke began to issue from them. A shadowy duplicate of Maraleaf appeared within the circles, gaining substance and color and then warping and twisting into something else. Maraleaf had warned us that what we would see would be an image, not the true demon but a pale reflection of it. A being that seemed made of flames had taken shape there. I could feel its evil aura with little effort.
The fiery demon spoke, saying, "So this is the prison I must break." It reached for Maraleaf but then recoiled. "Foolish mortal, you assume I am but one!" it sneered. Then it reached into its own chest area and drew out something that resembled a burning heart. It squeezed this object and sparks flew out, passing out of the protective circle into the four braziers in the corners of the hut. The demon gave a sinister chuckle as the four braziers rose up on their feet and moved to slam themselves against the circle of protection. A dome of silvery light was revealed where they struck.
Chahana had been ready with her bow but she now dropped it and readied her sword and shield. I had my keen spear at the ready with a vial in my free hand to anoint the blade with a blessed oil it should that be needed, but I did not pause to pour the oil over the spearhead and instead thrust the spear at the brazier nearest to where I stood. Soon three of the four braziers faced me and my comrades and Zander rose into the air and flew over the silvery dome to face the fourth brazier. Pausing from her concentration, Reislin called out that the braziers were constructs, not living creatures, and their nature was an evil one. This let Maria turn her judgement against them, and I also began to smite the brazier I fought with the Dawnflower's righteous anger. Maraleaf and Reislin continued to chant while our blades rang against the metal vessels. The demon took this opportunity to attempt to break free of the circles, but each time it was driven back. One by one the braziers were shattered, spilling now ordinary coals upon the floor of the hut. Except for the sounds of fighting the interior of the hut seemed strangely quiet. If the Tiger Lords outside were calling out to us we could not hear them, nor did we know if they could hear our battle.
Then Maraleaf reached into the demon's chest, and it vanished. There was a sudden rush of noise from outside the hut. Maraleaf now appeared younger and healthier than before, as though a burden had been lifted from her. She and Reislin assured themselves that the circle of protection had not been broken, and when they were satisfied Maraleaf was able to emerge from within it safely.
There was much celebration after this success. Zander and his family drank and ate heartily for several days, and we joined them in this though not for so many days. Out of gratitude they gave us many gifts. I was blessed with an enchanted belt that grants me greater strength.
After the success in imprisoning the demon, we returned our attention to the affairs of our territory. The Tiger Lords are welcome to stay but they wish to seek out a home of their own. They were much interested in the lands to the East near the mountains, which we have not yet claimed. They wish to settle near Lake Silverstep, as there are rumors of orcs in the mountains and they seek to battle them.
We have commissioned the construction of a watchtower near the Shrike Cascades to the north of Lake Silverstep, to give us warning of any dangers from that direction. The new town of Tatzlford has been officially established and a mill will be built there to provide support for the settlers, as well as a small garrison of militia to protect them. We have laid claim to the land around the farm that was attacked by the manticores. A tower will be built for Reislin where she can practice her magics in peace and safety within Lorewynd. A stable is also being built beside the inn to house travelers' horses, and there will be a platform built on the roof so that my new friend the griffin can alight there. I look forward to when he chooses to share his name with me.
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