I awoke today, the feeling of uncertainty grabbing me; the dream faded quickly I could not recall it. It contained the truth yet it slips away from me. It is the fifth day since my fever broke. Ma and Pa Thurl have been very generous and kind, tending me through nearly a fortnight of fever and nightmares, after pulling me from the sea. Even now they build my strength and tend my weakness...
They are so kind and yet I am lost and alone. I cannot remember what happened. I... cannot remember who I am.
I managed to gain enough strength to help Ma Thurl around the house today, to sit in the kitchen and peel potatoes. Seems an odd victory but there it is. Odd how comfortable the knife is, twirling it in my fingers.
Helped Pa Thurl fix the fishing boat. Must say I made a few improvements. Strength returning...still no memories.
Was chopping wood today. Startled by a noise, instinctively reached for the swords that should be at my back. It was a buck in the wood; threw the axe at it instead and brought it down. Who am I??
Ma Thurl brought out... my clothes. I put them on as memory flooded back. Memories of the Ninja Pirates. My swords - cleaned of the saltwater by Pa Thurl - feel right upon my back. It is time for me to go. A wave goodbye to Ma and Pa Thurl and a promise to return when I understand and remember all that transpired. I gaze at the road before me, wondering where it will lead. The Lotus Garden. I remember it -- know that it is the key. I set upon my path, to find the past.
Earning my keep along the way is not easy. People are suspicious of the ninja pirate. Rightfully so, and I am proud; the irony amuses me. Still, I make my way. Met a strange fellow today, looks like he'd be good in a bar fight. Coward. Rid the town of some pirates. Should be a caravan tomorrow - will hook up with that for now. Also, an odd incident with a horse. Seems to have taken a liking to me; doesn't belong to anyone, perhaps I will take it with me.
Diego del Fuego - is both the coward man, and the horse. One and the same. Strange. Regardless, the two of us may travel the caravan together. I suppose even a coward can provide conversation.
Several days into the caravan to Palleron. Ambushed and attacked at the front to provide distraction from the air raid at the back. Five Claw. Traitor. Why does he work for someone else? Where is the Captain? The other ninja pirates? Who is this pirate "Lord Varn"? Was offered passage in Palleron by Beshm's man. Took him up on it. Easier that way, gives me some time to think.
Some other semi-competents have also joined Beshm. Nun - Zelda - competent with a gun. Diego (I suppose one might call him semi-competent, if he isn't being a coward). Still, he has a grudge against the sorcerer who aided Five Claw in the fight, so perhaps will be of use. Beatrix - all right with a bow, I suppose, but looks high merchant born and likely useless in a fight.