The sun hurt my eyes as i crawled up the shore, luck ha I curse the gods 64 men had left caladria for this promised land and I the chaplain was all that remained. Our boat had been cursed from the start, the captain was the first to succumb to the red fever. The crew followed, the "bounty" how I curse that damn ship a boat of death for all but me.
I sat on the beach recovering from the swim to shore, My arms ached my back was in cramp. I was not going to let that plague ship reach the shore, I burnt it I can still hear the screams of those who were close to death may god forgive me! After a few hours i walked in land I could see a small hamlet, Jayek the locals call it I now know. As I arrived I could see slave trains moving through the town, men in crimson armour gathering the women and children, beating and whipping them. The same cruel dogs I had hope to never see again.
The red mist of righteous fury did descend on me, I clasped my Thunder Gods Dog Symbol to my chest and walk towards these cowards. The first guard to see me laughed "what have we here, god doesn't live here priest" . To late did I turn to see the club that knocked me to the floor. I felt the kicks and punches, I felt the spit on my face and I felt the blood stinging my eyes. I know not why these men did not kill me but they left me naked and bound. Staked to the ground like an animal awaiting the rise of the Sun which would kill me through its cruel heat, first robbing my sight then my life.
I watched the sun through the bruised slits I know call eyes. When you await death I suppose everything becomes more ex agerated and that sun rise was something I shall always remember my rebirth.
Around about lunchtime I could have sworn I saw a man carrying a bow in silver armour appeared. He looked like a Valkyries come from the heavens. It was probably me delirium I cant be sure. He pointed east the words he spoke sounded like Celtelf speak but I thought that tongue was long dead none of my order spoke it now. In my 21 years I had never been taught. He pointed again to the east. He cut my bonds and was gone almost like a wraith. The only thing I know for sure was the arrows he carried had runes inscribed on each.
Scrambling to my feet and freeing myself from my bonds I realised I was pain the sun had burnt my naked body and every step enforced my suffering. Every bloody step pained me more. walking for what seemed like an eternity i trudged on lifting one foot at a time with only my will carrying me on the course this ghost man had set for me. As the sun died I finally saw my salvation a flea bitten pony saddled and hobbled, its reins tied round a leg an old world technique I have not seen for many years. Around the horse 3 bodies armoured men, all dead with those terrible arrows sticking out of what was left of their faces. I found clothes there and some light chain mail. I took them right or wrong this land seemed more violent than my home, I found food amongst the saddle bags and a sword strapped to the pony these men had not even had time to draw their weapons.
So my brothers of the Order of The Thunder God I hope you find this message in the bottle. My missionary has not failed I have seen what the gods want of me. Caladria is beyond my help, This new land this Pendor it shall be cleansed from the evils that inhabit it. I will no longer use words and faith, the only faith I have left is the faith of steel I shall find allies to my cause and I shall make this land whole again. One man with a bow changed my life I will find him and others, I wish you luck my brothers as I will not return.
Death or Freedom
Brother Derfel