Morndas, 18th of Last Seed

	I was not as thorough as I should have been in the caves. I assumed that the passage near the rear led back outside. In actuality, it brought me to a spider nest, and more shady villains. Their force was enough to drive me back outside; I would have most likely perished if I had not made a hasty retreat. 

The long road was not kind to me, I have fallen ill and find it strenuous to swing my sword. I suspect the city of Riften will have to be my home for a few days while I recover. Although I wonder if my time here will be any smoother than the caves were. When I arrived, I was told by the guard that the south entrance was closed, and that I’d have to go all the way around the city to the north entrance. If that wasn’t enough, the guard there demanded I pay a visitation tax of all things! My mention of “shakedown” was payment enough, and I have half a mind to march up to whoever is in charge and have that man jailed for his actions. I have doubts with how that might pan out; all I’ve heard since arriving is talk that a prominent family called the Black-Briar’s has a supposed thieves guild in their back pocket. Maybe I can find work here, but maybe the work in question will be as dirty as the beggars that litter the streets. 

Right now I plan on resting here in my room at the Bee and Barb, even though the sun has yet to set. A good night’s sleep in a warm bed and a hot meal should be enough to ward off this sickness, and if not… well, I am resting above a bar after all.