Four strangers entered Rybath on the eight of Tarsakh. While it is still early in the year for travelers, they were a welcome site. It has been quite some time since a decent bard has performed at the Artificer’s Inn. A tattooed dwarf with the anvil eye, an otherworldly monk, and a powerful druid in peregrine form accompanied this bard of mixed blood.

They had recently come from Andunna’s cottage. I mourn for Justidian, and hope he will taker her tragic death as a lesson both in life and in magic. She was too sloppy and careless in her castings. That is what brought about her sad fate at the hands of what sounds to have been a Belkier. If those four had not happened by, I can barely imagine the destruction that creature might have caused. I must remember to ask Balith to see to a proper burial for Andunna. As a cleric of Boccob, I am certain he will confirm the events as I see them now. I wonder if Raymond will give Justidian the time off, that he may quest for the Boccobian sect in exchange for returning Andunna’s life. We shall see.

But it is the strangers that I now write about. Raymond has discovered something about them in one of his tomes. Though my master has been practicing divination for over two centuries, it is still unusual to meet someone mentioned in prophecy (no matter how trivial a portent it might be). At least, I assume one of them is so mentioned. And it appears my master has plans for them as well. As is his wont, he has challenged them to a number of contests with rewards ranging from a night’s stay at his inn to his most cherished weapon. The talent displayed by monk and bard far surpassed my master’s skill, though I see he will win the archery contest tomorrow.
I can not tell if it is his skill alone, or magic that makes his shots so sure. The fog of time is difficult to pierce, but I know he would have no compunctions against lying or cheating to win a bet he considers important . . .

. . .

A Remorhaz this far south! It is a sign of bad times to come, I am sure. My master’s skill with the bow has impressed these adventurer’s, though he claims they defeated this snow-worm in less than ten seconds. While my master is prone to exaggeration, they carry the eyes of the slain beast, still glowing with the heat of its so recent life. They will leave soon, on an errand for Raymond. I wish them luck, and also hope my master may aid them in the turbulent currents of fate.