We need leadership. We have too many ideas (some of them downright dangerous!) and take too long to settle on a course of action. I feel unworthy to be that leader. I'd trust Errol to keep us alive; the problem is that under his leadership we'd spend half our time listening to music recitals and the other half in big fluffy four-poster beds (not that a few days of that sounds bad after the time we've had!). Sometimes I think Kestrel could be the one, but then he comes up with ideas like "let's poke our heads into the dark mouth of a cavern that clearly connects to the one that Mr. Shit-in-your-pants-scary just entered". Sigh. Best to say nothing of the rest of them, though I am gaining respect for them as comrades-in-arms. I am pleased that we usually agree on something sensible, though. I guess we'd learn less if someone just told us what to do. Now, if we could just live long enough to apply the lessons!

am MOST pleased that Vaugner has agreed to dispense with his caltrops! Cohesiveness and trust are good things. Waking up and stepping on a *&^*#^$ caltrop is a bad thing. Of course, there must always be balance. I guess that's why Kestrel, Errol, and Vernon just HAD to buy those silly rocks that got us into trouble with the town guard. What were they thinking?

Turns out the bad guy is a Belar named Klaus. Maybe I heard wrong, but I could have sworn Tera told us that no Belar could be involved. And yet she clearly had prior dealings with this Klaus. Most disappointing!

I guess my theory about the anti-Belar "tong" was wrong. Too bad; it had a certain dangerous glamour. I'll bet Malif would join it if he could.

I hear the monastery has accepted my plea to teach me more. I have an appointment tomorrow for training with my master.