Of Knowledge and of Possession

He put quill to parchment once more. Chen knew it was important that the Elders knew how his mission was progressing. This recent letter included many new things that the council would be keen to learn. While they had heard of undead before, of course, Chen had carefully described the horror he witnessed in the prison. The fetid stench of decaying flesh, and the sickly, pulpy texture of the bodies as he had punched through them would remain with him forever.

He relayed tales of the prowess of his friends - how Telfis and Wer had walked across the ceiling, to blast the zombies with a musical horn, how Ned had summoned the elements to strike at their enemies, how Thesis could attack so many at once, how Durin had bulldozed his way through countless zombies, and how the clerics had turned the undead into dust without batting an eyelid.

Demons and Golems made of chains were new, however. As were the Baatezu as he had later learned them to be called. While his arcane knowledge was excellent among his peers, it was obvious that Chen still had much to learn of the various... what had they called them...? Ah, yes, that was it... 'Planes'.

Chen sealed the letter and fastened it carefully to the leg of the carrier pigeon. He kissed the bird gently on the head before releasing it, certain that it would return speedily to his Sifu at the monastery. Ah, the monastery - it seemed such a distant dream as he looked out of the window over a bustling Seawell.

Chen shook his head as the memory faded. The night was young; his friends were conducting their business or drowning themselves in good ale. For some this was the same thing. Instead, he was looking forward to immersing himself in a good book. He hadn't had time to complete the Tome of History he had purchased yet, and he had also acquired new volumes from Mayor Parson's library. He had intended to give them back, but now? Well, he doubted the deceased Mayor would require them any longer - and they would be of such educational benefit to the young Novitiates.

As he plucked the plain bookmark from its place he smiled. He must remember to speak with his friends tomorrow to see if any of them wanted the slippers they had found. He assured himself that he only wanted them to help in his mission, and that they would hold no materialistic sway over him once they had served their purpose. He looked down to see that he was stroking his Ring of Shocking Blows...