Cathal's Journal - Day 1

Fulgrim and I sailed the Howl of War, with its 80 oarsmen, into the port of Stormpoint this morn. The warm air welcomed me as I danced the oars and jeered at passing merchantmen. I love the cold wilds of Hogunmark well, but it is the verdant breezes of Taeghas to which I was born. I stepped onto the docks to little greeting aside from my father’s seneschal, Merrec and a retinue of Fulcairn men-at-arms. It is as much, even a mite more than I expected, yet I cannot help but feel some disappointment at my father’s absence. Fulgrim and I said our goodbyes, and despite the loss I feel in being parted from him, who is as true a brother as he whose blood I share, I cheered him home lightly. I wish him well, and hope to someday see him again.

Before departing for home, I sat with Merrec for a while at an inn within the city. It was as much a garden as a sleeping hall, and smelled too sweetly for my tastes. The city folk pranced among flowers in pointless frippery, engaging in whatever tripe they deem to call conversation. I thank Haelyn I was born a Fulcairn, to hounds and hawks and spears for the boar.

Merrec told me of the state of our land, and of my house. It seems the stains of Boeruine’s coup have never left our banners. With the passing of my gallant brother, what hope our people had for a bright future has waned. The fields wilt and the mills and farms fall into disrepair; the land is tied to its regent, and thus I fear for my father. Merrec, the man himself, is drawn and wasted; a tapestry stretched on too broad a loom. I called for meat and drink and left him to feast, expecting that he would travel home at a pace more suited to his constitution.

I challenged the men my father sent me to a race at the city gates and bolted before they could disagree. I paced them well over a quarter mile or so. Perhaps I had the finer horse, for I held quite a convincing lead, or perhaps they let their young lord win. I would never wish that! What weak lordling would ever desire such callow warriors? They held their seats well, nonetheless. Especially well, being men not born to the saddle. I shall challenge them further as we make our way home. These are men I may have to send to die someday, and I owe at least to know them. Some sport should serve to lift spirits as well, a task I plan to bend to tenaciously.