What may be the most horrific finding is the reason behind the attempts on the young man's life.  According to master's visions, Pathad will eventually kill his father, Nanabe.  He says the only way to prevent this is to kill the boy.  I don't believe this is true.  I think what the boy needs is a little guidance.  When he comes of age in a few years, I will take the boy on as my pupil.  Master says Pathad acts in anger over his mother's death, blaming his father over a death too clouded in my master's mind to see how it happens.  Perhaps I can teach the boy to deal with his anger, to control his rage.  If he turns out to be anything like his father, then I have a difficult task at hand.

Then again, from what master tells me, Nanabe is destined to conquer and rule the realm.  Perhaps I should focus my attention on him as well.    If I do change the path of Nanabe's death, will Nanabe rule the realm as a worthy king, or as a horrible tyrant?  Or does his death happen after he has conquered the Realm?

Nameless was with me when I talked to master.  I was asked to bring one of my own kind, other than Nanabe for obvious reasons, whom I trusted.  All that sniffling rogue did was mock him as he usually does with anyone.  He made an oath pact to kill Nanabe's son in exchange for the opportunity to kill some "death knight".  You can count on me doing everything I can to prevent that from happening.  I don't think I can trust a man who only sees what others see for him.  Unlike master, I believe you determine your fate...not fate itself.

It was strange seeing master again.  A face so familiar yet for some reason so distant and alien.  It was good to see him again thought and I feel wiser just being around him again (raised INT one).  He has taught me to be more aware of my surroundings (Keen Hearing and Touch Technique) and has put me back on my path in the Marital Arts and perfecting the Tiger style (Raging Tiger Pounce). 

Everything depends on this boy.  The fate of Nanabe, even the fate of Nanabe's rule over the Realm could depend on the boy's upbringing.  Augustus gave me an alias.  I should use this to my advantage to work my way into the ranks of the Dragon-blooded.

I expect we shall meet with Nanabe next in Gem.  The mechanical beasts are invading there in force.

It has been quite awhile since I have written.  My long travels have left for not much more than the occasional scribbling here and there.

I have been trying to train more and more as the days go on.  I have been for some time, been looking for a pupil to teach the greater arts of fighting.  For a moment, I thought of teaching Nanabe's boy, Pathad, but the most recent incidents have me believing that may not be a good idea.

Today, we sit in the city of Lap.  Our destination undecided, our fates fixed to the will of the gods.  My eyes are set on Chiaroscuro.  I do not believe, however, that is where our destination is set.

On our voyage back from Gem, Pathad was attacked not once, but twice.  The assassin was a woman, a woman with the talents of my kind.

Nanabe, in his usual fit of rage, killed her before we could divulge any information from her.  Sometimes I wonder if that man has a brain in his head, but I can't blame him, she did make a run at killing his own son.  Then again, doesn't he know that killing her won't stop the attempts at his son's life?  Whoever sent this woman will send more.  I am also forced to wonder why someone of  her abilities was sent to kill a boy.  I know he has some strange abilities, not unlike those I have seen of my kind, but there has to be more to this boy than meets the eye.

Augustus seems to have plans for him.  Augustus and I are going to one day have problems, I can see it.  The others may be able to stomach siding with the enemy, but my patience is growing thin.  How long does he plan to hide us from his people?  How can he claim to want a Realm with shared rule among the Exalted?  Even if he does tell his men about us, does he really think they'll follow the lead of a lying, demon-sympathizing ruler?  Looking back, if I were in his shoes, I would denounce my knowledge of the "demons" and have them executed.  Rather or not it will come to that I do not know.  Politics are not my strength.  I care not to play at them.  I only plan to keep out of the limelight for now and let fate guide my path.

Fate, I hope, will guide me to Chiaroscuro.  The assassin, the one I felt I had known from sometime in the past, whispered "Kenshin", my old master's name.  It has been far too long since I have seen him, but hearing his name brought back memories of an Inn called the Brass Monkey and talk of glorious memories with an old man I called master.  I am drawn to seek him out again.  Drawn to see his guidance.  Perhaps he might be able to answer  some part of the mystery of the attempts on Pathad's life.

Why is this boy so important?  Why was a student of my former master sent to kill him?  Who is this Swan character who nearly singed me and my party to ash?  What are these strange flying beasts attacking the southern borders of the realm?  Can there really be peace between us and the Dragon-born?  I guess we shall see what answers fate can bring us next.