Harpa 7 1031

         It’s been almost a week since King Rames’s passing. Eduard took the throne just five days ago and all is much the same here in the west.

         I work all day, spend evenings at the pub, and stay up late exploring with Maria and friends. Last night it was just the two of us and we wandered into the woods. Well I wandered and she led the way. She has been living out here for almost two years since her mother up and decided Vashti had nothing left to offer. I agreed.

         Under the lantern light, amongst the crickets I confessed my business prospects and Erickson’s offer. I guess I was showing off, but I really do know my trade and I can work better than most of the builders older than me. Maria tells me it is sweet that I want to take care of my parents. I feel like she really listens to me and we can talk about anything.

         Norman comes in and out of town bringing news, mostly of mourn, parties, and gifts for the new King. He has been so busy that he has grown a thick auburn and gray beard. Poor man, he looked so tired today when he rode in with a platoon. There were 6 soldiers, 3 knights, and one lieutenant from the King’s army. Norman did not bring with him an announcement of any kind as to why they are here. 

         Erickson and I talked about it over dinner. I hate it when he tells me I am too young for politics, but he explained that Eduard is new to the throne and the west is unsettled. The country is in a poor state and the western sites like us bring in money as well as relieve Vashti of over crowdedness. Eduard is merely extending his reach to protect the kingdom’s investments.

        It is true that the blood people live in these lands. Secretly, I remember being scared of them when John and Beck told me stories when I was 10. Erickson and I have talked about it though, they are tribespeople and apparently a sacrifice has some important meaning to them. They are no bother as long as we stay out of their land. 
        
        As for the bandits, I've always heard other men talk about them but I’ve never actually seen any. Well, maybe I have, but it probably isn’t something you find out until it is too late. 

         John and Beck cornered me on the way out of the pub tonight. They love politics and instead of teaching me like Erickson, they would rather pounce on me like fresh meat. When I explained Erickson’s theory they scoffed. They explained that the last war had left the kingdom short on good swords. These men were no exception. Certainly no better than the bandits they were here to protect us from. 

         I spied on the soldiers in the bar. They ate, drank, and conversed only amongst themselves, even as everyone else danced and sang merrily. They were discussing something hotly. I would give a month's pay to hear what they were saying.

-Gerrik of Vashti