I’ve lost track of how many caves I’ve slept in over the last cycle, let alone synod. I treasured this journal when Ashley gave it to me, but little did I imagine how special ‘twould become over the synods without her. 

Mayhap I should introduce myself, although it feels strange to do so in a journal, but as my scubhear reminds me, one step I’m to be the dragon king and others will want to read what I’ve written. That’s even more foreign to my thoughts than introducing myself in a journal.

My name’s Shawnahur Macoll, and my friends and family call me Shawn. Three synods ago, I helped a wounded creature, and that changed my life. But I’d go back in a heartbeat and do it again. Keenah is as much a part of me as my wife, Ashley.

You may wonder why I’m in caves or why my Ash isn’t with me. ‘Tis a long story, so I’ll only tell the shortened version. 

The jiddee’adar, Dree, came to my home only a few cycles after I met Keenah and proclaimed me dragon king. Can you imagine that? Me, the youngest of 8 sons, a lowly drover of wooly ducks–dragon king! Oh, and we didn’t even have a nation! Muintir was made up of clans; the closest thing we had to any national ruling was Rian, the chief of all the clans. 

But that changed. Rian became king, and I married his daughter. Unfortunately, he thinks I’m his enemy–that I’m after his throne. I know it may look that way, but I’ll tell anyone who will listen that Rian is my king! Much to my commanders’ chagrin. They’ve urged me to face him, allow them to assassinate him! I’ve rejected those ideas every. single. time.

There are steps where I wonder if I can continue this way, though. Wouldn’t it be better to give up? Flee to Twilli? Someplace where I’d be safe. But then I’m reminded of Ashley. I’ve been told she’s still hoping that she can come be with me. How I yearn for that! 

Oh… I need to go. Word just reached me that Rian’s closing in. 

Jeeah protect me!