Found:
It wasn't enough. Sitting there on the edge just wasn't enough. So I jumped.
The air whistled past my ears, mingling with the churning waters below in a deafening roar. For a moment, I felt so free, so unencumbered, like I could fly... nothing could hold me down, nothing could hold me back, nothing could stop me. I remembered so vividly how I felt that night. I remembered that sense that it was all over, that impending peace, the comforting finality...
And then the rope ran out of length.
It wasn't long enough to allow me anywhere near the water, but that didn't matter. I hung there suspended between fates for... I don't know how long. Above me was life, the pain of it all, the uncertainty, the loneliness. Below me was death, the unerring end of all that held me back. Arms and legs splayed out to keep balance, I just...
I climbed back up eventually. It put quite a strain on my poor shoulder and back, but it was worth it. I'm reasonably sure that I have a nasty bruise around my midriff now as well. I'll find out once I return to Towerglan. First, however, I was freezing cold, aching and in need of a drink, so Steel and I turned our sights to Trestlebridge. It was only a mile or two away.
I didn't expect to meet Talaa and Eroforth there, but I'm glad that I did. Seeing them together, the joy they bring to one another, the still-growing product of their love nestled safely within her steadily expanding abdomen... I can only dream of one day having something so pure.
It was good to have company.
We spoke at length of several things. Questions were raised concerning that flower I had sought in Fornost so long ago. I explained as best I could. I think, perhaps, my honesty over it shocked the pair of them; I have always been so evasive before. I didn't tell them everything, of course; I gave only the answers I had been asked for. My brain was then picked concerning my prior line of work and some of the things I have seen or heard of over the years; ghosts or enchanted items that could potentially, if temporarily, control a mans mind.
I've heard of such things, naturally. One does not walk the dead places without hearing such tales. I've even seen it a time or two, but never the start. I have, indeed, come across men and women who claim their actions were controlled by malevolent entities. Some of them even sought it out on purpose. But never have I heard tell of an enchanted blade, wielded by a mere man, that might have such an effect instantaneously.
My first thought was some form of drug. In my travels through the more southern lands, I've seen such things. Potions used to keep slaves, captives, even wives, pliant and suggestible. The effects only last for a few days, but the addiction it creates... they continue to be that way on the promise of just one more taste. Such things can be applied to blades, not unlike a poison. It made sense...
Only, it didn't fit with the report of the effects being lifted from more than one person when the blade shattered. Not a drug or poison then, but certainly something I've never heard of before.
I promised to do some research. I would have found this tale intriguing even if it didn't involve two people whom I harbour a great liking for. For their sake, for their peace of mind, it is best that we get to the bottom of it.
So off we went again to Bree-land, Steel and I. There are letters to write to contacts distant, there are books and scrolls to pick through. It is quite possible that there is some account in the stash of manuscripts I have had sent to my Evendim house, but I cannot go there just yet. So, back to Bree to poke through a collection that may not have what I need. Back to Bree to await the fallout of Neyaa's predicament. Back to Bree and the potential mess with Loakee...
Damn that man, but I've missed his laughter!
If I stay in that wretched land much longer, I might as well buy a small house in the area. Heck, I could use it as somewhere to stay on future visits. It would save rent money on the tavern room...
I'll look into it.
