Editing Oath-Graven Diamond:Act6

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== Jupiterday, 19th of Ascending Wood, RY 768 ==
<P>My meeting with Cathak Kal was not as smooth as I could hope.  The man is driven, and rather mercenary in his desire to serve the most powerful group that can do good for creation.  While I salute his dedication, I fear he has placed the defense of Creation above the well-being of his own heart--and how can one make proper decisions in such a state?</P>
<P>Fox led us to meet a sand captain to assist in our expedition, a man called Firedust Hazaad.  He seemed an untrustworthy sort, which I suppose means he's exactly what we seek.  His three ships will attack the slave convoy -- sorry, caravan -- for all the non-slave valuables.  Fox and Eino will attack the two escort ships, while I disable the slave ships and free their... cargoes.  To this end I have purchased a large sheaf of spears with which to arm the dhala, as I'm sure they will be eager to revenge their capture.</P>
<P>Afterward, we visited a dhala circus with hopes of securing a temporary home for the former slaves.  Fox handled that with, I understand, his usual aplomb, leaving Eino and I to amuse ourselves.  I was curious to see a fortune-teller's tent in such a place, so I entered to see what she would say.</P>
<P>The fortune teller, a striking dhala girl, must have some measure of occult power, for she predicted a grand future for me--great battles, a leader of men, great power... as though I didn't already know it.  Then she started making more vague predictions... something about masks... and she asked me to leave.  Quickly.  When Eino went in for his turn, she was gone, though whether it was for fear of my fortune or his, I know not.</P>
<P>I took in the side show before the main act began, which was mostly yeddim droppings meant to amuse the stupid.  There were, however, a handful of true novelties.  A Fair Folk in an iron cage, for one, huddled in the center to keep clear of the bars.  She seemed hungry, and given what the Fair Folk eat, I would not wish to be the one to feed her.  Across from her stood a strange green-tinted monkey sealed within a glass globe yet suffering no suffocation.  It had a large red gem implanted in its forehead, to some unknowable purpose.  The creature stared at me the entire time I was in its sight, and I would wager it continued to follow me beyond... eerie, and most certainly real.  I met Eino as I exited, and knowing his history with the Fair Folk, I told him that a friend of his was in the tent!  He seemed shaken when he left the sideshow, however... perhaps I misjudged his reaction to the denizens of the Wyld.</P>
<P>The main show was as entertaining as one might expect; I would urge anyone to attend such a spectacle.  The leader of the circus was juggling with five associates simultaneously--quite a feat even for one as nimble as a dhala!  It was, however, more entertaining to watch than to hear described, so I will stop.</P>
<P>We learned later that a ship has arrived in Chiaroscuro from the Realm carrying a full dragon of soldiers to form a Wyld Hunt in search of me.  I hear also that... they are led by Kiru.  I had hoped this day would not come, but it seems I am fated to conflict with my family sooner rather than later.  For now I will try to focus on the fight at hand, and not the danger growing in the city.</P>