Memories of distant places and happy times. They were days when a drink at the Inn with friends could be enjoyed peacefully without fear...without fear. How far away that place seemed though it was really just over the hill. I had grown up, seemingly, in that tavern at the center of town. I could still remember the first time I returned the charm off a dead drudge to the woman who frequents that place. What was her name?....my head is clouded with the drink and thoughts come slowly now. Ah yes, the tavern. I loved that place. Even better was to take your drink out into the town square and gather around the well. Many happy, peaceful memories there. But here I sit, alone in a farmhouse outside of my boyhood home, Yanshi, getting drunk on the sweet liquor made from the Uziz grapes. And the thought of venturing into town fills me with dread.

Now there is only fear. I do not know what has happened to this world. Everything I knew that was stable and peaceful is suddenly filled with danger and dread. Strangers with whom I would have gladly shared my meager feast have turned from friendly to deadly. I can no longer venture into the town in peace. Or in safety. I have several times escaped only through luck and good fortune and I can think that my existance must be blessed for I can in no other way account for my being alive here now.

I pick up the bottle and smash it against the wall with glass and dark liquid exploding in a loud crash,
adding a fresh brown stain to the wall already dappled with rudy browns and reds, each stain preserving a history of horrors untold. Blessed? I feel cursed. I feel trapped. I must leave this place. I must find a sanctuary.

But how? But where? To whom can I turn? I feel that I have a purpose here but either the drink or my
personal madness hides the truth. I close my eyes and lay my head on the table finally succumbing to a sweet dreamless sleep.

Tomorrow. Perhaps I will find my answer tomorrow.

-Khali