What a day.
Coltaine sat reclined on a bed, with pen, ink, and a small book. In a castle. Well, not really a castle, but he knew the way of things. It would be one someday. He really had no need or desire to live in a house of stone, but it was defensible. And when he saw families living independently, at the whims and mercies of anyone who passed by with a sword, leadership instincts drove him to action.
This path was a dangerous one though, and he knew it. So he decided to keep a record of his activities, his thoughts. So he opened the book, his new journal, and began to write.
Illyria, Day One - I have no idea where I am,
really. I do know that my horse is missing and walking on my own two
feet so much feels odd. The horses the King of this place sent were
entirely unfit for riding, so I'll just exercise different
muscles for now. I met some very friendly people too, and some very odd
people. I had to physically untie MicroMe the Dwarf's tongue, which was
insane and disgusting enough that I decided it would be my last act of
the day in public life. Even a horse's mouth
is cleaner.
But I once again find myself a leader of people. An authoritative and decisive voice is sometimes all it takes to stir people out of complacency. I gave orders and was obeyed. Made promises too. Maybe they will actually believe those promises someday.
I took the first step on this path. I'll be watching for capable leaders among those who now serve me. I know all too well what happens to any who gather together for mutual defense when their leader vanishes, no matter what form the vanishing takes.
Coltaine paused, frowning. He glanced around the small room, sensing something was missing. The dryness of his throat and perfectly clear senses alerted him to the true nature of his dilemma. He made a small addition to the day's entry.
Tomorrow I'll take some people aside to start a brewery. A dry city is a damned dreary place to live.Not a lot of good it did him for the night, but he could at least look forward to some good ale every night thereafter. Benefits of leadership.
He closed the journal and set it and the pen on the bedside table, next to the ink. Tomorrow would be a long day.