Nolq was quite interested in what Zahir might have to say about the bear incident, so casually borrowed his journal to catch up on how the trip was going according to his friend. While disappointed that Zahir seems to have forgotten all about making his (our) fortune, and surprised that Zahir actually seems to care about this whole "friends of the forest" latrine sewage, it was gratifying to see that Nolq's quiet defense of his friend was noted and appreciated. Zahir's journal was confusing in one respect though, Nolq was sure that Zahir had shouted "murderer" himself as some sort of taunt or practical joke aimed at the fickle members of our party. Nolq had been very proud of this assumed subterfuge on his friend's part, as it's consequence surely showed who could be trusted, and who must be watched. Volq has certainly shown himself to be a trustworthy and reliable companion.
In any event, Nolq muses as he returns Zahir's journal to its place of security, the fact the party is aware that Nolq is the one to turn to when disreputable actions, or a silent tongue, is required may help in the long run. Now, if he can just figure out a way to get this damn cartography mission over with and start earning his fortune, things will start to look up. Nolq ponders the strategy for this as he goes back to his nightly experimentation on making this equipment he carries retain magical properties.
Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan wrote:
4 Gozran 4710 AR: Dissent Within the Ranks
Again I am confused as to what nature is “good,” and what nature is “bad,” despite all of the lectures, I am unconvinced that Kara or Bandun know either, or if they are “winging it” as it is said.
At first I was concerned about our progress, when I could hear argument and discussion between the gnome and the women and phrases such as “we’re not lost” and “we’ve never been lost…ever” in one of their voices. I was not sure which, as both of them have a rather high pitched voice, and they were attempting to whisper their disagreement. Nonetheless, they did agree to call a stop, and announce they heard several large animals ahead of us Nolq determines from the sounds that he hears both a bear, and a pig, and promptly announces that we have encountered a “Manbearpig.” I was not surprised that there was pig involved, this is the area where Gharoum had warned us that Tuskgutter was to be found. Some argument ensued about which side we should be on, which seemed self-evident to me. After the gnome’s having slept with a pig some time ago, and our habitual slaughter of all things ursine, I don’t know why a discussion was required, but this was my naivete showing through.
Nolq commenced to drink some of his potions and moved forward. I think that Nolq may be the wisest of us all, because drinking does seem to be the solution to many of our problems. As the others followed, I tied up the horses and came up the rear. Amazingly, I couldn’t spot the gnome in the brush, he is getting better at hiding, now if only he could get better at whispering, and cooking, and shooting a bow, and tracking, and guiding, and well, a dozen other things.
I could not see the action, but I certainly heard a great commotion ahead, so when I finally got forward enough, I wasn’t surprised at what I found. I could see all of my compatriots except Nolq although I was sure he was near, due to the acid burns on the two...
