Catching up on some writing of Astrið's story - it's time to finish off the Guarma Arc - probably the single most influential chapter of Astrid's story. Don't forget you can read the full story of Astrið's misadventure here: https://hibblejaybob.co.uk/wildrp-the-diary-of-astrid-aleksdottir/
Today's the day! I'll be setting off to Guarma by boat to explore this new place. I wished I could have travelled there with Cecily, and we could explore together, but today was the best I could do. She's already made the journey - now I have to find her friend Mr Kai who will take me there.
I arrived at Strawberry where I was to meet up with Mr Kai and our journey over to Guarma would begin.
We travelled to Valentine where I had paid the keep tolook after my horse while we're over there. So interesting, an island without horses - it almost reminds me of home!
As I walked Gratt down the main street of Valentine to the stables, I looked around at the buildings, the lights, the mud. I wonder how different things will all seem when we get there.
With Gratt securely away at the stables, Mr Kai and I headed East on his horse towards Annesburg and the boat to Guarma.
Arriving in Annesburg, we set about the final orders of business before the boat set off. I wasn't sure how much money to bring, so after confirming the ticket prices with the Captain ($250 each way!!!), we returned to his horse to head down to Saint Denis to get what we needed from the bank.
We arrived in Saint Denis for our quick stop at the bank. $500 I would need for the round trip. I barely have more than $1,000 saved away, but hopefully this trip will be worth it!
Stopping at telegrams, we cut through Saint Denis' industrial district on the way back north. I'll never get over the awful sight of those smokestacks, spewing their black smoke into the sky.
This is the Saint Denis I want to remember! We rode through the streets of the north side of the city, where all the fancy houses are located. Oh what it would be like to live in one of them...
Finally, we reached the river that marks the edges of Saint Denis. We crossed the bridge heading northwards and soon found ourselves in the Lemoyne swamps - the boardwalk road the only hint of civilisation in these parts.
Before too long we had Annesburg in our sights again. All our business now concluded, it was time to head out to see and begin our journey to Guarma!
We boarded the boat and set off, heading south-east. The temperature in the air was getting warmer and warmer as we neared our destination.
After some time at sea, an island of green became visible on the horizon, its tall mountains standing proud among the flatness of the water. The mooring lines were cast - we had arrived at Guarma!
After some time at sea, an island of green became visible on the horizon, its tall mountains standing proud among the flatness of the water. The mooring lines were cast - we had arrived at Guarma!
This was not Mr Kai's first time on the island, and he set about giving me a tour. This old tower that overlooks the port is used for passing letters to one another - the system of communicating telegrams hasn't quite reached the island yet.
If you want to communicate with someone, you either have to meet them or write them a letter!
If you want to communicate with someone, you either have to meet them or write them a letter!
I'm not sure exactly what I had in mind for Guarma, but this wasn't it. Ravaged by war, the main port town into which we arrived showed signs of aged devastation - it's once tall buildings reduced to shells and rubble.
Despite the devastation, there are still signs of life about the port. Tents fill side streets and formel alleys - those who still choose to call the town home bringing what they can to keep it running.
This place that Mr Kai took me to is where the villages do their cooking.
This place that Mr Kai took me to is where the villages do their cooking.
We headed out of town to explore more of the island. The tropical heat here is immense - I had to roll up my sleeves, let more air at me. I have no idea how Mr Kai isn't melting with jacket on.
From the outskirts of the city, the abundant green of the island could be seen, the palm trees lining the hills and mountains surrounding us.
From the outskirts of the city, the abundant green of the island could be seen, the palm trees lining the hills and mountains surrounding us.
We got to the very outskirts of the port town and came across this sign, directing you to the trading post to the left, or the doctors building to the path on the right.
Mr Kai tells me both of these places are very far away from here.
Mr Kai tells me both of these places are very far away from here.
We chose the left path and began walking down it. It ran alongside a river before the path turned away to the right. Mr Kai and I kept following the river.
I didn't mind walking through the river - the feeling of the cold water was very welcome in this tropical heat!
I didn't mind walking through the river - the feeling of the cold water was very welcome in this tropical heat!
After a short walk we ended up where Mr Kai wanted to bring us - one of the prettiest waterfalls I've ever seen! I really miss the fossur back home, but this is so different - the heat, the surrounding jungle.
It's a view I'll never forget!
It's a view I'll never forget!
After stopping at the base of the waterfall to get some water, we rejoined the path and continued up towards the trading post. Once you leave the town, its amazing (and terrifying) how the jungle just seems to swallow you whole.
*whew* - After a fairly long and uphill hike, we arrive at the trading post. Like the post town, the trading post has seen better days, but thankfully still continues to offer vital services to the island!
Returning back to the coastline, Mr Kai and I headed to the beach and started following it west, towards the Fortress.
The fortress, the castle - I've heard it called various things, but regardless of it's name, this imposing landmark stands tall among a rocky outcrop, visible to almost the entirety of the west coast of Guarma.
The fortress, the castle - I've heard it called various things, but regardless of it's name, this imposing landmark stands tall among a rocky outcrop, visible to almost the entirety of the west coast of Guarma.
The beach (Or "Playa" as the locals call it) is teeming with life alike the rest of Guarma. I stopped to admire a little crab scuttling its way across the beach.
Before the little crab had scuttled out of sight, the fortress erupted in a volley of cannon fire. I was terrified, I've never heard anything like it!
Mr Kai and I stopped dead in our tracks. Through my binoculars, I could see men running along the hill leading to the castle, guns pointed upwards, the men shooting into the air.
Mr Kai and I stopped dead in our tracks. Through my binoculars, I could see men running along the hill leading to the castle, guns pointed upwards, the men shooting into the air.
Mr Kai and I ran for the shelter of the treeline, the sounds of gun and cannon fire intermittently breaking the silence - what was happening?
We headed south, then southwest through the tree line until we picked up the path south, taking us up the mountain to the Doctor's cabin.
The side of the mountain offered great views of the bay, the fortress and the town - and a welcome reprieve from the jungle!
We headed south, then southwest through the tree line until we picked up the path south, taking us up the mountain to the Doctor's cabin.
The side of the mountain offered great views of the bay, the fortress and the town - and a welcome reprieve from the jungle!
We stopped about halfway up the mountain and peered down into the fortress, trying to see if anything was still going on down there.
It had been some time since we had heard any gun or cannon fire, and even with binoculars, we couldn't tell if anyone was down there.
It had been some time since we had heard any gun or cannon fire, and even with binoculars, we couldn't tell if anyone was down there.
Erring on the side of caution, Mr Kai led me onwards to the doctor's cabin high up on the mountain to the top. Once the cliffside plateaued out, the sweltering jungle resumed!
After just a short walk from the cliffside, we arrived at the doctors cabin.
After just a short walk from the cliffside, we arrived at the doctors cabin.
Mr Kai and I explored the doctor's cabin. Despite its ramshackle appearance, it had ample storage space - although treatment space was admittedly limited. That combined with its distant disposition made me wonder about its effectiveness as a place of medicine.
We climbed a ladder in the middle of the cabin that took us up onto a balcony. I couldn't believe the view! Wow, imagine having *this* as your office!
Pretty flowers, stunning views. I would almost be tempted to enquire about staying - if I thought for a minute I could get used to this sweltering heat!
Pretty flowers, stunning views. I would almost be tempted to enquire about staying - if I thought for a minute I could get used to this sweltering heat!
Enough time had passed and Mr Kai decided to start heading back down the mountainside towards the fortress. It's been quiet since we got up the mountain, hopefully it's safe now.
As we got to the fortress and began crossing the bridge, Jack Kettleman and his entourage were leaving across the bridge with Cecily behind them.
Mr Kai, Cecily, myself and another man who I didn't recognise stopped to chat on the bridge, cannon fire erupted from the fortress. This time I was so close I could see the fire of the cannon firing off. Two shots rang out over our heads and we all ran.
Once clear of the fortress, Cecily ran off after Mr Kettleman and his group, and Mr Kai stopped and said he needed to speak to a "Mr Vasquez" and someone called "Bailey". Mr Kai told me to follow Cecily.
Mr Kai, Cecily, myself and another man who I didn't recognise stopped to chat on the bridge, cannon fire erupted from the fortress. This time I was so close I could see the fire of the cannon firing off. Two shots rang out over our heads and we all ran.
Once clear of the fortress, Cecily ran off after Mr Kettleman and his group, and Mr Kai stopped and said he needed to speak to a "Mr Vasquez" and someone called "Bailey". Mr Kai told me to follow Cecily.
The man I didn't recognise (and didn't catch his name) followed behind Mr Kettleman and group for a ways until we lost sight of them in the undergrowth. I must confess to being very anxious. The first time I met Jack Kettleman, he kidnapped me with a gun to my head. He's a very dangerous man.
We caught up to the group. It was Jack Kettleman himself, a woman I didn't recognise, and Cecily. Jack and the other man exchanged pleasantries briefly, while I stood next to Cecily. I honestly don't remember much of the conversation, but at one point Cecily said my name, and hell broke loose.
Jack turned to me and practically yelled with surprise: "Astrið?!?". He asked if I was the doctor that saved Pip, I confirmed that I was. At that his eyes widened, he sent the other man away and told me to follow him.
My heart was in my mouth. What could Jack Kettleman want with me now? Had Cecily told him I was coming? I knew she had feeling for Jack, but Christ, how deep does this go? Where is he taking me? Oh god, what's about to happen?
He led us through the jungle to the remains of a ruined church. There were seats arranged and boxes dotted around the place - seems this might be where the Kettleman's are making their home on Guarma. Next to an old fountain, he told me to take a seat. I did, but much to my alarm, none of the rest of them took a seat with me......
We caught up to the group. It was Jack Kettleman himself, a woman I didn't recognise, and Cecily. Jack and the other man exchanged pleasantries briefly, while I stood next to Cecily. I honestly don't remember much of the conversation, but at one point Cecily said my name, and hell broke loose.
Jack turned to me and practically yelled with surprise: "Astrið?!?". He asked if I was the doctor that saved Pip, I confirmed that I was. At that his eyes widened, he sent the other man away and told me to follow him.
My heart was in my mouth. What could Jack Kettleman want with me now? Had Cecily told him I was coming? I knew she had feeling for Jack, but Christ, how deep does this go? Where is he taking me? Oh god, what's about to happen?
He led us through the jungle to the remains of a ruined church. There were seats arranged and boxes dotted around the place - seems this might be where the Kettleman's are making their home on Guarma. Next to an old fountain, he told me to take a seat. I did, but much to my alarm, none of the rest of them took a seat with me......
With Cecily and the other woman watching over; Mr Kettleman addressed me directly, pointing out the state of disrepair of the island and it's towns. He said that although he and Mr Vasquez didn't see eye to eye on how to go about it, both of them were working to rebuild Guarma into something prosperous.
At that, he pointed out that island would need a physician to tend to the islanders, and asked if I would want to fill that position. I was scared. It's an enticing prospect, helping a place recover, but I've built a life for myself back in Saint's Crossing. And yet, if I refuse, will he try and force me? Will he hurt me?
I told him I'd think about it, to which he seemed content. And then I did the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life. Oh Astrið, you silly, silly girl. I don't even remember exactly what I said, just that I challenged him about the hostage taking of Dovie Parker and Eleanor Cain, and the effect it had on them.
That was a mistake..... His eyes lit up again, and suddenly he had another request of me. Now knowing that I know both Dovie and Eleanor, he wanted me to go back to The Crossing for him, and bring them to him. He explained he didn't want to hurt them, more that he was so horrified that the law were going to let them die just so they could catch the Kettlemans that he wanted to pass on his personal thoughts to him - but I wasn't allowed to tell them this: he said it would be a big sign of respect to him if they would meet him without being told why.
I explained to him that I could go back to The Crossing and *ask* them if they would come, but I couldn't force them. At this, his expression dropped. He leaned in towards me and explained that it was "in the best interest of my health and wellbeing" to be successful in this task. I looked at my feet - it was clear to me he was telling me I would be hurt if I didn't bring them to him.....
At that, he pointed out that island would need a physician to tend to the islanders, and asked if I would want to fill that position. I was scared. It's an enticing prospect, helping a place recover, but I've built a life for myself back in Saint's Crossing. And yet, if I refuse, will he try and force me? Will he hurt me?
I told him I'd think about it, to which he seemed content. And then I did the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life. Oh Astrið, you silly, silly girl. I don't even remember exactly what I said, just that I challenged him about the hostage taking of Dovie Parker and Eleanor Cain, and the effect it had on them.
That was a mistake..... His eyes lit up again, and suddenly he had another request of me. Now knowing that I know both Dovie and Eleanor, he wanted me to go back to The Crossing for him, and bring them to him. He explained he didn't want to hurt them, more that he was so horrified that the law were going to let them die just so they could catch the Kettlemans that he wanted to pass on his personal thoughts to him - but I wasn't allowed to tell them this: he said it would be a big sign of respect to him if they would meet him without being told why.
I explained to him that I could go back to The Crossing and *ask* them if they would come, but I couldn't force them. At this, his expression dropped. He leaned in towards me and explained that it was "in the best interest of my health and wellbeing" to be successful in this task. I looked at my feet - it was clear to me he was telling me I would be hurt if I didn't bring them to him.....
With that request made, Jack Kettleman made one more request of me. He wanted to speak to Cecily and the other woman then speak to me before I returned to The Crossing for him.
I left, and made my way back to the port town alone. When I arrived, I found Mr Kai speaking with a man who introduced himself as Herbie. They chatted away, all while my hands were shaking, my eyes filled with tears as I desperately tried to keep a lid on my emotions.
Eventually Mr Herbie left us, and I confided in Mr Kai that I'd met with the Kettlemans, and had been threatened into doing some favours for him. Mr Kai had a guilty expression on his face, clearly pained at having brought me here.
My emotions got the better of me, and I collapsed to my knees - crying, struggling to catch my breath - terrified about where all this will lead. Or even if I'll survive it at all.....
This could all get dangerous if it gets out. I composed myself and turned to Mr Kai, and asked him to promise me that he wouldn't tell a soul about what I just told him. He looked me dead in the eye and promised me.
I left, and made my way back to the port town alone. When I arrived, I found Mr Kai speaking with a man who introduced himself as Herbie. They chatted away, all while my hands were shaking, my eyes filled with tears as I desperately tried to keep a lid on my emotions.
Eventually Mr Herbie left us, and I confided in Mr Kai that I'd met with the Kettlemans, and had been threatened into doing some favours for him. Mr Kai had a guilty expression on his face, clearly pained at having brought me here.
My emotions got the better of me, and I collapsed to my knees - crying, struggling to catch my breath - terrified about where all this will lead. Or even if I'll survive it at all.....
This could all get dangerous if it gets out. I composed myself and turned to Mr Kai, and asked him to promise me that he wouldn't tell a soul about what I just told him. He looked me dead in the eye and promised me.
With the tears still running down my cheeks, suddenly we were approached by a man and a woman. Mr Kai identified them as Miss Bailey and Mr Vasquez - Captain Vasquez, the leader of the Guarma Militia!
With his gun still out he gave us a warning about the Kettleman's and their propensity for kidnap. I explained this was a fact I already knew, telling Vasquez about the Kettleman's kidnapping me to work on Pip. He asked if they hurt me, I told him no, they needed me alive and well to save him.
With his gun still out he gave us a warning about the Kettleman's and their propensity for kidnap. I explained this was a fact I already knew, telling Vasquez about the Kettleman's kidnapping me to work on Pip. He asked if they hurt me, I told him no, they needed me alive and well to save him.
Lowering his gun - but still keeping it in his hands, Vasquez explained a bit about the current crisis on the island. He said it would be very good if he had myself and Mr Kai on his side. With something on his mind, he asked me when I was expecting to leave Guarma.
He asked about a "Deputy Marshal Munroe", a name I've heard in passing back in The Crossing. Captain Vasquez explained that he knows Munroe, and he wants me to go back to The Crossing for him and telegram Munroe to come to Guarma to take care of Jack Kettleman - something that would be of mutual benefit for both of them.
He said if we did this for him, he would look upon that act very favourably. I thought about, but I don't think I can... For all the Kettleman's that are supposedly here, where are they? Where's Mills? Where's Pip? What if I were to go back to The Crossing, after telling Jack I'd stay at the port until he meets me, only to find his men waiting for me in Annesburg?
No, if I betray Jack, he and his men will hunt me wherever I go. The law couldn't save my being kidnapped before, nor Dovie, nor Eleanor. I'd be on my own against his onslaught, wherever I tried to hide. On the other hand, I've never heard of any of the Guarma Militia operating in The Crossing - they have their hands tied up here. Seems my choice is clear.
He asked about a "Deputy Marshal Munroe", a name I've heard in passing back in The Crossing. Captain Vasquez explained that he knows Munroe, and he wants me to go back to The Crossing for him and telegram Munroe to come to Guarma to take care of Jack Kettleman - something that would be of mutual benefit for both of them.
He said if we did this for him, he would look upon that act very favourably. I thought about, but I don't think I can... For all the Kettleman's that are supposedly here, where are they? Where's Mills? Where's Pip? What if I were to go back to The Crossing, after telling Jack I'd stay at the port until he meets me, only to find his men waiting for me in Annesburg?
No, if I betray Jack, he and his men will hunt me wherever I go. The law couldn't save my being kidnapped before, nor Dovie, nor Eleanor. I'd be on my own against his onslaught, wherever I tried to hide. On the other hand, I've never heard of any of the Guarma Militia operating in The Crossing - they have their hands tied up here. Seems my choice is clear.
Fighting back my tears, I told Vasquez I wouldn't be able to action his request - I explained that I wasn't at liberty to leave the island. He frowned, his expression growing concerned. Captain Vasquez asked me to explain.
I looked at him with teary eyes - in that moment I so, so wanted his help - wanted as much help as I could get. But... If Vasquez fails... I just can't take the risk... I told him it wasn't in my best interests to explain to him why. He lowered his head and said he understands.
Without missing a beat, Mr Vasquez lifts his head and turns to Mr Kai, now asking him to go to The Crossing for this favour. Mr Kai agrees in principle, but explains he's looking for someone by the name of "Gideon", which may delay his departure. Vasquez instead offers that he'll keep Gideon safe at the fortress until Mr Kai returns.
Mr Kai agrees and asks for a letter to give to Deputy Munroe. Mr Vasquez instantly rejects this, saying he doesn't want Kai to be caught with anything that may compromise Kai or Vasquez - seems Mr Vasquez has similar concerns to me that the other Kettleman's might be waiting at the other end.
Instead, he spoke out the message for Mr Kai: "I want you to telegram law, that I, Alexander Vasquez - leader of the militia in Guarma, is looking for Senior Deputy Munroe or another senior deputy. The Kettlemans are here, and is in both of our interests to take care of this man."
I looked at him with teary eyes - in that moment I so, so wanted his help - wanted as much help as I could get. But... If Vasquez fails... I just can't take the risk... I told him it wasn't in my best interests to explain to him why. He lowered his head and said he understands.
Without missing a beat, Mr Vasquez lifts his head and turns to Mr Kai, now asking him to go to The Crossing for this favour. Mr Kai agrees in principle, but explains he's looking for someone by the name of "Gideon", which may delay his departure. Vasquez instead offers that he'll keep Gideon safe at the fortress until Mr Kai returns.
Mr Kai agrees and asks for a letter to give to Deputy Munroe. Mr Vasquez instantly rejects this, saying he doesn't want Kai to be caught with anything that may compromise Kai or Vasquez - seems Mr Vasquez has similar concerns to me that the other Kettleman's might be waiting at the other end.
Instead, he spoke out the message for Mr Kai: "I want you to telegram law, that I, Alexander Vasquez - leader of the militia in Guarma, is looking for Senior Deputy Munroe or another senior deputy. The Kettlemans are here, and is in both of our interests to take care of this man."
As Captain Vasquez gives Mr Kai his tickets to The Crossing and back, I apologised to him that I couldn't be more forthcoming. He said he understood my position, that he was in a similar position for a very long time. But he also pointed out that inaction in this case may be just as damaging as action. I explained that by the same token, if I did what he said, innocent lives in The Crossing may be lost.
After all, if I go back and get Dovie and Eleanor, I won't harm them. I could never. But if I don't go, and Mr Kettleman sends his men instead. Well, they're going to be much less likely to take no for an answer and let them away unharmed.
Vasquez tried to reassure me I'll be safe on Guarma. He explained that all the cannon fire we heard earlier was a call to arms: it was Captain Vasquez calling the militia to arms.
He gave me a warning. He told me that if he caught me with Jack Kettleman, or causing trouble for Jack Kettleman, he'd declare me an enemy of the militia, and I'd suffer the consequences of that - which would be very, very bad.
After all, if I go back and get Dovie and Eleanor, I won't harm them. I could never. But if I don't go, and Mr Kettleman sends his men instead. Well, they're going to be much less likely to take no for an answer and let them away unharmed.
Vasquez tried to reassure me I'll be safe on Guarma. He explained that all the cannon fire we heard earlier was a call to arms: it was Captain Vasquez calling the militia to arms.
He gave me a warning. He told me that if he caught me with Jack Kettleman, or causing trouble for Jack Kettleman, he'd declare me an enemy of the militia, and I'd suffer the consequences of that - which would be very, very bad.
Before he got on the boat back to Saint's Crossing, Mr Kai wanted to speak to me alone and Captain Vasquez left us. Alone, Mr Kai apologised for bringing me here. He feels responsible that he brought me here and I feel right into the clutches of Jack Kettleman. Bless him, it's not his fault.
Mr Kai says he'll need to speak to Cecily about her relationship with Jack. Ultimately she's the whole reason I'm here on Guarma.
I confessed that I hope Vasquez wins. If I keep complying with Jack's demands, then myself and Dovie and Eleanor should be safe - if Jack keeps his word. Meanwhile Kai will comply with Vasquez's request to get the law. Hopefully they arrive and put a stop to this so ultimately I don't have to bring Dovie or Eleanor to Guarma, and Mr Kai and I are free to leave.
He agreed that would be the ideal outcome. I asked him if he would take a letter for me, to be given to a friend. I was going to write to Leon, to let him know that I was in trouble. But then I stopped and thought about it. It's Leon... If he finds out, he'll come here for sure. Mr Kettleman would know I contacted someone - a deputy no less - Leon and I, and probably Dovie and Eleanor too, would be right in Jack's crosshairs. No.... I can't risk that....
I told Mr Kai that I couldn't send the letter and that he wasn't to let anyone know I was here. He was clearly dismayed, but agreed. He turned and boarded the boat back to Saint's Crossing.
Mr Kai says he'll need to speak to Cecily about her relationship with Jack. Ultimately she's the whole reason I'm here on Guarma.
I confessed that I hope Vasquez wins. If I keep complying with Jack's demands, then myself and Dovie and Eleanor should be safe - if Jack keeps his word. Meanwhile Kai will comply with Vasquez's request to get the law. Hopefully they arrive and put a stop to this so ultimately I don't have to bring Dovie or Eleanor to Guarma, and Mr Kai and I are free to leave.
He agreed that would be the ideal outcome. I asked him if he would take a letter for me, to be given to a friend. I was going to write to Leon, to let him know that I was in trouble. But then I stopped and thought about it. It's Leon... If he finds out, he'll come here for sure. Mr Kettleman would know I contacted someone - a deputy no less - Leon and I, and probably Dovie and Eleanor too, would be right in Jack's crosshairs. No.... I can't risk that....
I told Mr Kai that I couldn't send the letter and that he wasn't to let anyone know I was here. He was clearly dismayed, but agreed. He turned and boarded the boat back to Saint's Crossing.
After Kai left, I found a quiet corner in the town to sit and write. It's starting to dawn on me how serious this is. One wrong move from and the Kettleman's could very well kill me.
I wrote a letter in the very back of my journal for Leon. Hopefully, if something does happen to me, someone picks up my journal and this letter gets to him. I don't know what good it will do. If this all goes wrong, I can only imagine in horror the things they will say about me...
I wrote a letter in the very back of my journal for Leon. Hopefully, if something does happen to me, someone picks up my journal and this letter gets to him. I don't know what good it will do. If this all goes wrong, I can only imagine in horror the things they will say about me...
Letter written, I headed down to the pier to sit for a while. I miss the sea.... the waves calm me. I looked back upon the ruined town where the port is based. I can't help but feel my life is starting to crumble.
Oh god, Astrið, why did you have to open your mouth to Jack...
Oh god, Astrið, why did you have to open your mouth to Jack...
I went wandering around the port town a little more, exploring each of the buildings, getting my bearings. The tropical light filtering between the cracks and ruined walls made for a pretty view.
The minutes turned to hours and there was still no sign of Jack Kettleman. I wonder if Vasquez's presence in the town made him second guess coming to speak to me today...
The minutes turned to hours and there was still no sign of Jack Kettleman. I wonder if Vasquez's presence in the town made him second guess coming to speak to me today...
After a few hours of waiting, the fact I didn't have any supplies with me started to wear to me town. I followed the trail out of town towards the trading post to pick up some food and supplies.
It's funny how navigating Guarma at night is almost easier than at daytime. Once the militia lights the torches, you can see your path for hundreds of meters!
It's funny how navigating Guarma at night is almost easier than at daytime. Once the militia lights the torches, you can see your path for hundreds of meters!
On the way back from the trading post, I decided on a brief detour along the beach. This truly is a beautiful place - the way that tropical sun just adds colour to everything, filtering delicately between the trees and the mountains.
It's just a shame about the heat..... and the company....
It's just a shame about the heat..... and the company....
On the way back into the town, I bumped into Mr Herbie again, walking with a man called Diego and a woman called JJ. Shortly after, we encountered Cecily as well, who confirmed that Mr Kettleman was not coming to see me today.
I followed with the group as we headed over towards the fortress.
I followed with the group as we headed over towards the fortress.
Speaking to Cecily, she tried to reassure me about the situation. She explained I don't have to worry about the threats, just that she doesn't think Jack can communicate in any other way. I wasn't convinced, but went along with it.
She asked if I was going to be ok relaying Jack's messages to The Crossing, and offering to do it instead. I gave it some thought, but decided it would still be best if I did it. After all, Dovie and Eleanor know me, and if I can convince them of the situation then no-one gets hurt. Cecily seems a kind soul, but I still don't know her that well, and I'm not sure she knows Dovie or Eleanor - the risk of a confrontation is much higher.
And then, if I hand it over to Cecily, will Jack Kettleman confront me about why? No, it's just not worth the risk.
She asked if I was going to be ok relaying Jack's messages to The Crossing, and offering to do it instead. I gave it some thought, but decided it would still be best if I did it. After all, Dovie and Eleanor know me, and if I can convince them of the situation then no-one gets hurt. Cecily seems a kind soul, but I still don't know her that well, and I'm not sure she knows Dovie or Eleanor - the risk of a confrontation is much higher.
And then, if I hand it over to Cecily, will Jack Kettleman confront me about why? No, it's just not worth the risk.
After a trying day, we walked back to the port town, where the group parted ways to go about their business, while I found a tucked-away tent to put my head down...