Alesha, Rose and Sarreffe set out on the long trip to Yew, after they tied me in bed. Well, actually, they left me in great hands as Elma, Aki and Hans waited on my every beck and call. My thoughts and prayers went with the three warriors. My very health and sanity were in their hands. I could foresee the twisting trails they would have to take to free me would be arduous and treacherous. From this point on I am deeply indebted to the thorough notes taken by Sarreffe. FRIENDS ARE GREAT, ARE THEY NOT? Hans and I helped Aki move Oni to the library in the Tower. We were going to set up a temporary room for her there. "I believe i can manage everything from here on out," said Aki. "You two better set out for Yew before you lose the daylight." "Aye, we better." I answered. Hang in there, Lass," I told Oni. We will find the answers to your ailment; you can be sure of that." "I know you will," she said weakly. A forced smile came over her face. I could tell the pain and anguish she felt was weighing down on her. I felt the anger rising up within me as I turned away. "Comin' Tax Collector!" "Aye", Hans replied as he turned away from Oni. His face showed how I felt. I could tell Hans was livid inside. "I still cain't believe someone would want to hurt the sweet Lass. Someone is going to pay dearly for this," I fumed as we quickly left the room and descended the great stairs of the Tower. When we reached the bottom level, Alesha and Rose came into the Tower. "How is Lady Oni?" cried out Alesha. "Fine for now," I clipped my words. I did not feel talkative at the moment. "We are headed for Yew," replied Hans. "Aye! Right now," I added. "We shall come with you, Rose and I," stated the High Paladin. Just let us go see Oni first." "All right, but hurry. I will get mounts for all. readied." "Perhaps I should stay here then and do more research on this book with Aki," broke in Hans. "Suit yourself, Hans. We should not need ya, and you might find some more evidence," I said. I ran out and to the stable to get mounts ready, whilst Alesha and Rose went to see Oni. A few moments later, I returned to the Tower with the mounts and walked back inside. Alesha and Rose came back down to the first level as I entered. "Got your bow, Rose?" I asked. "I do," she replied. "Good, you will need it. And be sure to empty you pack. We travel light and fast," I continued. Alesha had a twinkle in her eye and just chuckled. Rose emptied her pack in a chest . It contained every kitchen utensil you could imagine even the kitchen sink. "GOOD GRIEF! How in the world do you even move, Lass?" "Oh! the pots are really light. "The Craftsman Lord enchanted all my tins." "Well, just bring a few then, so's ya can cook some of yur tasties." "Aye," replied Alesha still grinning. The High Paladin is very fond of Rosie's pumpkin pies. We mounted up and quickly set out to the north headed for the Britain Moongate. we ran into some rogue orcs on the way. Rose pin cushioned a couple of them to a tree. "You are much improved since last I went huntin' with ya, Lass." "Thank thee, Father. I have been practicing hard." We rode on to the gate without any other incident and made the jump to the Yew gate. Don't know why they call this the Yew gate. It is so far from where we need to go in Yew," Alesha quipped. "Tis a far piece from the shops of Yew. Perhaps it should be called the Crypts Gate," I replied. We all laughed and continued our trek to the west. We passed the vendors area and the Abbey, turning a little south and made for the shops of Yew. We rode into the town square. It was quiet. This part of Yew is almost always quiet. We rode up to the Jolly Baker, dismounted and walked in. The smells were very pleasant. Almost smelled as good as Rose's kitchen, Almost. I could not see how a place that smelled so good could have a book so bad. Jodi, the proprietor, ran a tidy, clean shop. "May I help you with something?' she asked. "We wish to inquire about a cookbook that you sold to Lady Oni earlier today," I stated trying to be pleasant. Thoughts of the pain on Oni's face still haunted me. "Ah, yes. She was in here this morning and bought a book of ancient recipes." "Do you have any others?" asked Alesha. "No. Not at the present." A man named Keiro brings me books from time-to-time that he says he digs up." "Is he still around?" I asked impatiently. "I do not know. If he is, he would be at Maitanes's place north and west of here. She runs a boarding house." Thank thee for thy time," replied Alesha. "Got any Doughnuts?" I asked. "Fresh out," she replied. Ach!" I grumpled with a crease on my brow. I got me a hankerin' for fresh Doughnuts." Rose bought a few goodies just to be polite. "Thank you for your time, M'Lady," I said graciously. We walked out and retrieved our mounts. "Do you think she knows anything about the book?" asked Alesha. "I doubt it. She seemed to be blissfully ignorant to the meaning of the ol' scribe's name. His name means 'changer' in the 'tongue of the ancients' as Oni calls it." "How do you know that?" asked Rose. "Well, Lass," I drawled out. "Sometimes, the signs that you read are better than the tracks you find. Ne'er hurts to know yur letters, ancient though they be. Best we be headin' for this place of rest." We rode nor'west a short piece and came upon a nice, sturdy structure called simply Maitane's Place. An elegant Maiden came to the door soon after Alesha knocked. "What can I do for you?" she asked. "Good evening, M'Lady. She smiled. "Won't you come in." We followed her into the sitting room and took a seat. "Would you care for a drink." "Thank you, M'Lady. She hurried off and came as suddenly back with cups and teapot. A very proper hostess, indeed. "We are looking for a man named Keiro. We heard he is staying here," stated Alesha. "Was staying here. He left about an hour ago. Did he say where he was going?" I asked. "Well, not exactly. He always says the same thing when he leaves." "Headed down the road", is his reply." "He always walks south, too." "Thank you for the refreshments and your time, M'Lady. I shall remember you have a place for weary travelers in the future," I added with a quick bow. "Do come again," she said. We took our leave and quickly mounted up once again. "Only an hour ahead. We should be able to catch him seeing he is walking," stated Alesha. Aye! But we must ride hard. Already the sun is beginning to give her light to the moon," I replied. "His tracks do lead south from here. Let's be on our way." We rode south. The trail was easy to follow. The 'Ol' Scribe' was walking with a staff, leaving a very distinct path. "Any sign of him yet, Sarreffe?" asked Alesha. Aye, has made it to the farm area just north of the ruins. I can see a robed man with a staff. I am sure it is him." No sooner had I spoken when a brilliant flash shot up towards the sky.from the area I had just saw the robed man. "Be prepared for anything," I cautioned. I feel something sinister has just happened." I could no longer see the 'Changer'. Alesha readied her War axe and strapped on her helm. Rose drew a bolt and fitted it to her bow. I unslung my spear. We continued south, closing in on the farm house. Suddenly, A huge shape jumped out from behind a tree. It was an ettin. It swung wildly at the High Paladin. Alesha dodged the blow and struck the ettin with her axe. A bolt shot past me and stuck into the big target as I threw some 'snake ale' into the ettin's face and stabbed him with my spear. The battle was almost over before it started. My spear had stunned him, making him a perfect target. The beast went down quickly under the blows of Alesha and the bolts of Rose. "Was that the 'Changer'," asked Rose. "Aye, Lass, it be... was him" I said as I searched the monster for clues. "Then the rail is dead," replied Alesha. "Not quite, M'Lady. He came from the Temple; Temple Island."I held up a stone with the words etched in its face. "We shall use this rune to go to this place. I am sure other 'Changers' use this same way to come into our realm. "To Temple Island then," replied Alesha. "Aye! But first some real tasties from the Young Lass here." Rose broke out her pots and pans. Already me mouth was waterin'.....
