Written By Kenjay
Jan. 26, 2024, 1:24 p.m.(8/16/1021 AR)
I have seen many places, but Nefer'khat was like none of them. We found a great and beautiful city, set in a land where even the night sky is a thing of beauty and legend. And yet, some parts of the culture brought memories back to me that I had never expected to face again. Still. Bear has chosen me, and I have chosen Bear, and my scars are all healed - including that one. There is a joy within me, a wholeness of spirit that I had thought destroyed forever by Skal'dajan whips and Skal'dajan writs.
I have been given a sacred trust, and I will do everything that I may in order to keep it. But first, one of the islands on our way out had bushes and bees. I rather fancy bread with honey and berries, not to mention a week's sleep.
I have been given a sacred trust, and I will do everything that I may in order to keep it. But first, one of the islands on our way out had bushes and bees. I rather fancy bread with honey and berries, not to mention a week's sleep.
Written By Kenjay
Dec. 28, 2023, 7:05 a.m.(6/14/1021 AR)
I have dreamed of a land that is far away, and a place that I have been to but once.
The Great Cathedral of Bloodied Swords was a place I went to with one of my owners, in the days before I became well-known in Skal'daja's arenas. I was there to see the glory that awaited my fellow slaves and myself should my owner desire it; he came away having determined that he did not desire it enough to risk losing his acquisitions in a single throw of the dice.
It was a place of terror and suffering, a place where the champions of the City of Tyrants fought to the death so that their owners might have the right to boast. I saw feats performed there that I could not readily speak of on returning to Arvum; feats of power and magic that, if mentioned, would have branded me fit only for the Mercies and left those I encountered sure that my wits had been broken with my spirit in the City of Chains.
But in this dream, the Whiplords were destroyed before my eyes, exploding and turning to dust, and I rejoiced. The princes of Glor'ruus laid low in a moment, and the roar of the powers they had held chained rising up against them in freedom at last. And my own writ is gone, freeing my tongue and my body both.
I do not find it in me to feel pity for the masters. I feel instead only kinship with those who, like me, bore chains, and found themselves free. The streets of the Dune Kingdoms will be awash with blood, and may the gods forgive me but I feel only joy at that prospect. Death to the slavers, and freedom for the owned.
I have a place here, a place hard-won in duty and in honour. But I am tempted, nonetheless, to return to the Dune Kingdoms. I once swore that I would only return to free the city; the city has been freed, and my promise fulfilled through no action of my own. And so I am torn. To stay in Arvum as one of the Silver Swords, or to return to the city in which I was chained, and teach others how to be free.
The Great Cathedral of Bloodied Swords was a place I went to with one of my owners, in the days before I became well-known in Skal'daja's arenas. I was there to see the glory that awaited my fellow slaves and myself should my owner desire it; he came away having determined that he did not desire it enough to risk losing his acquisitions in a single throw of the dice.
It was a place of terror and suffering, a place where the champions of the City of Tyrants fought to the death so that their owners might have the right to boast. I saw feats performed there that I could not readily speak of on returning to Arvum; feats of power and magic that, if mentioned, would have branded me fit only for the Mercies and left those I encountered sure that my wits had been broken with my spirit in the City of Chains.
But in this dream, the Whiplords were destroyed before my eyes, exploding and turning to dust, and I rejoiced. The princes of Glor'ruus laid low in a moment, and the roar of the powers they had held chained rising up against them in freedom at last. And my own writ is gone, freeing my tongue and my body both.
I do not find it in me to feel pity for the masters. I feel instead only kinship with those who, like me, bore chains, and found themselves free. The streets of the Dune Kingdoms will be awash with blood, and may the gods forgive me but I feel only joy at that prospect. Death to the slavers, and freedom for the owned.
I have a place here, a place hard-won in duty and in honour. But I am tempted, nonetheless, to return to the Dune Kingdoms. I once swore that I would only return to free the city; the city has been freed, and my promise fulfilled through no action of my own. And so I am torn. To stay in Arvum as one of the Silver Swords, or to return to the city in which I was chained, and teach others how to be free.
Written By Kenjay
Nov. 5, 2023, 7:24 p.m.(2/21/1021 AR)
It lifted my heart to see my niece so happy, smiling and laughing and lighting the room with her joy. My new nephew seems a good man, also, and I look forward to getting to know him better. It was kind of the Knight-Sergeant to let me have the evening so that I could join them in celebration.
Written By Kenjay
Oct. 8, 2023, 7:34 p.m.(12/21/1020 AR)
It is a strange thing, I find, when someone with whom I wished to make contact but who did not respond sends to me, out of the blue and some years later, calling me a kinsman. I find it hard to trust in such circumstances, as I think any man would.
Written By Kenjay
Sept. 10, 2023, 8:16 p.m.(7/7/1020 AR)
I visited the armoursmiths this week, and Master Emele had finished my helm. It is a lovely piece, kin to the helm I trained with and fought in for so long - and yet it is the helm of a free man rather than one in chains. The smith excelled herself, in truth, and I thank Jayus for the inspiration she surely received in its making.
Written By Kenjay
Sept. 3, 2023, 6:13 p.m.(6/21/1020 AR)
I have received many missives from far and wide, offering congratulations after congratulations. I had not realised that so many paid attention to my doings, but it seems that I was wrong in this case. Or perhaps it is that the Silver Swords have a new member, and that in itself is worthy of note. I do not know, Scholar, but I am glad nonetheless.
Written By Kenjay
Aug. 27, 2023, 7:50 p.m.(6/7/1020 AR)
And so it has come to pass that I am a Prince no more. I am but a knight, one of just a hundred. I need to outfit myself as befits my new status; the reds and oranges of the Scarlet Storm must needs retreat, to be replaced by the livery of the Silver Swords. And yet, there remains room for my truth.
Written By Kenjay
Aug. 6, 2023, 7:25 p.m.(4/21/1020 AR)
I suspect that knighthood will be coming soon, and with it a withdrawal from the House whose memory sustained me for so many years, the House who welcomed me on my return.
It will not be an easy thing, to leave behind such an honour and a joy, but it is the step that I must soon take.
It will not be an easy thing, to leave behind such an honour and a joy, but it is the step that I must soon take.
Written By Kenjay
July 30, 2023, 6:05 p.m.(4/7/1020 AR)
To meet a full Knight of the King's Own in the sparring circle is always an honour. Sir Filshiar's technique was an education in itself, but I do find myself in need of better armour. The King's Own are rather better-equipped than I. Still, my conversation with Master Emele bore fruit; hopefully my duties will allow time to visit her in this coming week.
Written By Kenjay
May 28, 2023, 8:16 p.m.(11/22/1019 AR)
I have been tasked with seeking knights of several orders, and with a discussion with them of knighthood and what it means to them, and honour, and what that means also. The discussions thus far have been most interesting, but there is still more to be learned, Scholar, and more that I must know in preparation for my own knighthood.
Written By Kenjay
May 14, 2023, 5:34 p.m.(10/22/1019 AR)
I have been asked to speak with knights of many traditions; the first I found was a Knight of the Oathlands. To her, knighthood and honour are a thing that resides within the self, and how we conduct ourselves is important. Integrity is what she holds close to her heart, and honour goes before tradition. It is a matter of dedication to morality and personal conduct, and of action in the face of fear. And to never act with malice in the heart.
Knighthood in the Oathlands, it seems, is the willingness to die with personal honour rather than succumb to doing something unjust.
Knighthood in the Oathlands, it seems, is the willingness to die with personal honour rather than succumb to doing something unjust.
Written By Kenjay
July 17, 2022, 5:59 p.m.(1/10/1018 AR)
I find myself thinking deeply of late, on the nature of slavery, and of thralldom. I am told that there is an end to thralldom, when a debt has been repaid - but the one to whom the debt is owed is the one who sets the wages. I have read the writings of those who inherited the debts their parents owed. I have read the writings of those who owed because they were taken from their homes. I have read the writings of those who owed because their lord lost in war, and the writings of those who knew nothing of such debt until it was announced they owed it.
Be the chains of iron locked around the wrists and neck, or of silver locked around the soul, I can but conclude they are chains nonetheless. I would welcome conversation with those who have felt these chains and those who genuinely believe that such chains are the best possible path - but likely not at the same time.
Be the chains of iron locked around the wrists and neck, or of silver locked around the soul, I can but conclude they are chains nonetheless. I would welcome conversation with those who have felt these chains and those who genuinely believe that such chains are the best possible path - but likely not at the same time.
Written By Kenjay
May 22, 2022, 7:29 p.m.(9/11/1017 AR)
It is always good to see a friend making more friends. Friendship is a wonder and a joy, and one of the things that the Traitor would strip from us. If we have no individuality, then we can have no friends, for there are none to stand apart from others and there is no us to find them.
Written By Kenjay
Jan. 16, 2022, 8:13 p.m.(12/11/1016 AR)
And so the tournament's first stage is concluded. It went well, I think, though not for me. To be eliminated in the first round would normally be embarrassing, but I was defeated by a worthy opponent. Still, I must repair to the training ring more often, I feel. Diplomacy is a poor sparring partner when swordplay is required.
Written By Kenjay
May 30, 2021, 7:04 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)
It was good to dance the storm again, to hear the reactions of a crowd to a roil of scarlet silk. Here, where so few know the sandstorm's power and terror, the name of the Scarlet Storm is just a name, perhaps a little grandiose. There? There it was a name to live up to, for the consequences of failure were dire indeed.
But it is nice to know that I have not lost my touch.
But it is nice to know that I have not lost my touch.
Written By Kenjay
May 16, 2021, 6:06 p.m.(6/25/1015 AR)
There were war games today, Scholar; my team did well. Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex gave the orders, I rallied the troops, and Maris Maw did the bear's share of the fighting. Or possibly the shark's share, as he appears to be a man of the Isles.
I commend our opponents most highly; it was a good day and very fun, and I have not had such fun in the arena before.
I commend our opponents most highly; it was a good day and very fun, and I have not had such fun in the arena before.
Written By Kenjay
April 18, 2021, 7:05 p.m.(4/25/1015 AR)
A dinner with the family went very well, and the dancing afterwards was good to watch. I do not think most of the assembled had thought of the eyes on potatoes, but I realised it and could not resist. It was the first time I had played that game, and I hope I did it justice.
Written By Kenjay
Jan. 24, 2021, 7:15 p.m.(10/23/1014 AR)
I have just been greeted as Prince Wheelbarrow, and this by a woman on the Embassy's staff. It seems the legend is spreading, and faster than I had hoped. Ah well. It was worth it to skew my niece's veil even a little, and to win the friendship of many in a difficult situation.
In some ways I cannot help but smile about it; those who think that an arena champion needs only skill with the sword are sorely mistaken, and that was a lesson I took to heart. To know how to win the love of a crowd is far, far more important than swordsmanship will ever be. There is always a better swordsman, but he or she who the crowd adores will live to fight again.
In some ways I cannot help but smile about it; those who think that an arena champion needs only skill with the sword are sorely mistaken, and that was a lesson I took to heart. To know how to win the love of a crowd is far, far more important than swordsmanship will ever be. There is always a better swordsman, but he or she who the crowd adores will live to fight again.
Written By Kenjay
Dec. 27, 2020, 7:44 a.m.(8/22/1014 AR)
I find it intriguing, Scholar, that so many claim to have done so much for the Liberators, and yet we remain so few. That so many claim to have given so much, and yet their names appear not at all on the registers. Come, brothers and sisters of freedom and choice; emerge from your shadows, and let us work together to strike the chains that bind so many.
Written By Kenjay
Dec. 20, 2020, 6:55 p.m.(8/9/1014 AR)
Many would have us believe that with Damik'uhl'daja dies hope for Skal'daja's future and Skal'daja's freedom. That is not so. But one of the gentler heirs of Skal'daja lies dead, and his loss will make Skal'daja's freedom much more difficult to attain. Rest in the arms of the Queen of Endings, Prince Damik of Skal'daja, and know that you will be mourned by many.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.