Diary Entry
We are in Kitezh now. The influence of the Black Road is obvious here, strong and blatant. Is this what will happen to Weirmonken? What is perhaps already happening? Though many do not believe it, I care greatly about my homeland. The love I hold for Amber has in no way dampened the love for the land of my birth, the land where my territory lies. I fear I may never see it again, however. If a Prince of Amber cannot cut the Road...well, there is no sense dwelling on it. I shall merely say I wish Prince Eric were not missing. Speaking of Prince Eric, I have not yet had a chance to speak to Lord Emrys. I hope he is not upset with me for Lady Estelle's strange reaction to my use of his title.
What was supposed to be a simple scouting expedition became something a little more serious when we were attacked by a boar. A very big, very angry boar. That tasted like nothing I have ever tasted before. Foul, corrupted. Roadspawn, was I believe the word that was used. It gored me and threw me into a tree. I was quite put out by this, and had a headache for some time. It also gored Rae, and most of my warpack. I was far more put out by this. Fourtunately we were able to drown it with the assistance of the Kitezh warriors and some others. There was something similarly foul in the river I believe, but fourtunately it had already been taken care of while we were busy with the boar.
And then there is Rae. I have no idea what to make of her, in truth. From the first that I met her, she has mocked me and argued with me. I know she disapproves of my ways, and of my thoughts and beliefs. And yet...I almost think she, more than any of my people, sees me for what I am. There are times when she seems to look past the clothes and manners I choose. After the battle, she dragged me into her tent. She merely wished to make sure my wounds were clean and that I rested. The men will talk, I am sure. She does not seem to mind. I feel she should mind, but she does not. We talked for a while. It would seem she is a seer, which explains a few things. Thane North joined us for a time, and we spoke of the situation among his people. He seems very tired, and I cannot blame him. Rae treated me as an alpha throughout. And that I am, but I am unused to such treatment from her. After, when she cleaned my wounds, she was gentle...almost tender. We curled up then, and slept as pack does. As I say, I have no idea what to make of her.
Ah well, it is a new day now. There are more battles to be won, and more blood to be shed. I see now why my father was the way he was, and how we fell so easily under the sway of one I will not name here. There is a savage joy in the taking of life, and even the most bitter and corrupted blood has a unique sweetness to it when you are the one who has caused it to flow.