Officer’s log, Watersday, the 10th of Felling, 643 CE, the Dune Sea

My service under Commander Dundach has come to an abrupt end. Late last night, while standing guard on the ramparts with Len Duros, we encountered an intruder who claimed to be on the run from demons. I was certain that he was lying, given his entrance to the fortress where he threw a smoke bomb and attempted to evade Duros and myself. But after sounding the alarm, we quickly cornered what turned out to be an odd race similar to a monkey. I have never seen the likes of which before. He gave us a long rambling story that the Osmeri capital had been sacked by demons with glowing blue eyes and that they were heading here next. 

We were able to convince him to come along peacefully. Truth be told, I’m not sure if we could have contained him given how nimble he was. Commander Dundach interrogated him and seemed to believe his story when we began to hear shouts from the outside. The storm had finally broken. It was the first time in weeks since I last saw the moon. Then, cries from the southern wall turned our attention there. Pillars of smoke were rising from the direction of Belmouth. While the smoke appeared to be far closer than the large port, it did not bode well for its inhabitants. 

Commander Dundach, against my protest, ordered Duros and I to travel to Castle Hend to deliver news of these potential invaders to the Baron. I did not want to leave the fortress on the eve of a potential attack. The commander also instructed us to bring the little monkey-creature, who called itself Menk, along for the journey. And now, I do not feel at ease traveling with him, but he did warn us about the attack, so I must put aside my grievances for now. We were provided several riding beetles and left within minutes of being given our orders. Commander Dundach was organizing a scouting party to investigate Henk’s story and the smoke to the south-east. We rode until dawn, where we noticed three dark objects in the skies above us. I fear what sorcery may be lurking about us. 

We rode until noon, where our beetles needed rest and shelter from the harsh desert sun. We have constructed camp near the foothills of the Jagged Peaks. Both of my companions have taken rest while I maintain watch until the beetles are ready to move again. I do not know what to expect when we arrive at Castle Hend. The story seems outrageous at first glance, but Baron Har Hend must ------ 

[The next line appears off-centered and almost a scrawl compared to the previous writing]

The three dark forms that I spotted earlier are back within sight. They are moving against the wind, and in the direction of our camp.