Dear Journal,
I have read in several texts that it is not the beholder's bite which should concern the warrior. It is the power the beast wields within its mind. Future texts may add me as a reference.
I was right to be wary of that vile place, and I am glad it's behind me. I am, however, glad to have been accompanied by my friends. During our skirmish with the beholder, I was flung into the torrential waterfall, plummeting over 100 feet to what I believed to be my doom. I did not feel my landing. It was as if a candle had been blown out. I saw the ground rushing up to greet me, and then, in flash, I opened my eyes to the sight of Alyana lying atop me. For a brief moment, I thought I was among the angels. She was quite a sight. Soaking wet and chest heaving, she would normally have sent me into a frenzy. Today, however, I saw the look of true concern as she shook me and commanded me to awaken. We were allies. We all were.
Apparently there had been quite the battle upstairs as Alyana and I made our way back up the cliff-side. Terrion faced toe-to-toe with a sorceress, and the others fought off a couple reptilian atrocities.
Battered and exhausted, we trudged upstairs where we encountered what turned out to be the very same Claude that Denva told us about. He stood among mangled bits of flesh, hacking away at corpses and laughing like a madman. Accompanying him was a gelatinous mound which seemed to be everywhere at once. Claude was a mere nusiance compared to his pet. After a few confusing and frustrating moments, we disposed of them both. Unfortunately, the tear was not found.
It was then we decided to leave this tower behind us. We were all severely battered and exhausted. In retrospect, I regret leaving Denva to her fate. It was a most unfortunate oversight which I believe will haunt our consciences for days to come.
I have picked up a few incantations over the years, though I have had little use for them until now. I've reassembled a few broken trinkets for appreciative townsfolk, and had the ancient magics guide my way through treacherous situations. Our path was littered with patrols of these horrific grimlock monstrosities. Having no desire to cross paths with them again. We followed the arcane hand for a few minutes as it guided us to safety.
Now we have taken refuge again with the kind Harrowfolk. It is comforting to be resting safely again.
As we crossed one of the steams, we had the chance to look back to the cliff-side and saw that the tower was gone. Where previously stood a decrepit structure now lingers the hanging mist of a roaring waterfall. Surely something greater than this Claude is at work here.
In the morning, we make the trek back to Wellspring. My confidence is renewed and spirit strengthened by the dedication of my friends. Whatever we encounter, we will overcome.
May His blessings rain down upon us.
