A new job, some rather intriguing developments

Well that was something. We met a new member to our 'merry' band; a young child I think by the name of Cade. He's an inventor as well believe it or not. I'll have to catch up with him soon to compare notes. Wonder if I can figure out how his canine works...
 
aside from that the tavern was totally empty for reasons I would learn later. Was rather disturbing to see such a lively place be so empty. May need to keep a close eye on Cade though, he decided to run around like a child so that could become problematic at some point. Evidently the Blacksmith could improve my staff though but not sure if I could actually wield it if he makes too much of an improvement.
 
Oh and my familiar spell finally worked. A mystic looking crow called Varex came out while we were at the tavern. Although I seem to have made a contract with a spirit who enjoys eating the flesh of men. Not particularly fond of that development. Since we are mercs there is a good chance he'll get to snack on something but I'd rather not be incriminated by him doing that. Especially in Lealon. Of course I could just be killed anyways because of him there. He does look mystical enough to make them think I'm a wizard regardless.
 
As for last night, by the patrons. We woke up to Yitoshk screaming from what was apparently one of his nightmares. Pretty tame actually all things considered. The dangerous part was the fact we had assassins in our rooms. True to form despite my best efforts most of my attacks had little effect. Thankfully I got help and was able to slay my assassin only for him to explode, literally. I'm guessing he had some sort of suicide spell in place to prevent capture. Yitoshk had it worse off though. When he slew his assassin a new one came out of the ashes and cast a powerful pair of frost spells. Thankfully I wasn't present when that happened. Actually I only know about it due to Varex going to seek the attention of my allies to raise the alarm. Turns out it wasn't needed but given what happened in the Taudon cave I wasn't taking chances.
 
After the fight Kasvaar came to escort us back to the fort to rest. A very much appreciated rest. When we came to I felt new knowledge come to me but given my current track record not sure if I was just supremely drunk and mistook a headache for new magic. I did take a swig of one of Kasvaar's bottles of wine only to get hammered in mere moments. This is one of the reasons I don't bother with the stuff. The real fun came after I woke up, still feeling a bit groggy from the drink. Kasvaar explained the situation and what our job was. Evidently the King of Lealon wants to finally end the witch hunts and has agreed to work with Nisar to end them after some noble kid called Fletcher gets married to someone in Nisar.
 
I'll believe it when I see it.
 
Still if this does prove true then by helping this come to pass I may yet make up for my failure to protect my friends and family from those butchers. I can only hope so. I know for a fact that Robert would approve of this route since it would avoid the needless deaths of others. Not so sure about some of the brasher members of the caravan though. Come to think of it I'm not even sure how Freya would take this news. Still it's better than an-eye-for-an-eye. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up but I feel that if i don't try my damnedest now I'll never be able to face Robert in whatever afterlife the Divine have set up for me.
 
here's hoping I don't fuck this one up.
 
(in celestial)
Varex may seem a bit, odd. But I'm sure he'll prove helpful. Even if for just comic relief. Pretty sure it'll provide some great help to the party provided I can master the spell. Could have done with remembering certain details during the tavern fight.
 
Also I should remember to write home every now and then. Don't want my family getting worried and seeking me out in the middle of a mission. Not now of course given the current job but afterwards certainly.