I did it again. I gave a damn. This day was truly longer than I had hoped it would be, considering the short amount of sleep I was able to savor last night. Three people were visited today. The first was dealing with poison. Nobody had planned it, or was looking to kill for a reason. It simply was an animal bite that was allowed to sit for too long. The person will live and I suppose that is all that really matters. The second house in the city I visited was that of a man who'd returned from a hunt gone bad in the woods. It would seem, the very beasts he was looking to kill, nearly did such to him. Once the bleeding was slowed up, I was able to work better on repairing the tissue damage. I am only grateful to have been able to have time for a bit to eat in the way of a late lunch, before I was asked to the third house in my eventful day. The girl will live. Just as the other two I had seen this day. Lucky though she was. Her horse startled by a creature within the woods just outside our city's walls. She said it was odd shaped and quite tall, though the girl herself was close to five feet only. Thus there are a lot of things that could have looked tall to her. I suppose I shall venture into the woods and see if I can't figure out what caused her horse so much stress and in turn her rough landing to the ground.

I killed a man this very day. True, what really does this matter in the length of my life" Should I total them all up again and compare" No, I think not this night. In truth, can you really call a vampire a man' The two are quite different as far as species go are they not'

The seasons pass and still I've not found a worthy humanoid, or other wise, to appoint as my apprentice. I've seen several possibles, but I don't not know if they would be up to the task at hand. I've met many lately that don't seem to know of the meaning behind hard work and fruit of your labors. It makes me remember my humble beginnings so many decades ago. Were not my clothes worn and with several holes" Did I not carry so little coin that I had to find work in almost every small town I came across so I could eat' Perhaps I should stop looking for an apprentice. At least for a little while and devote my attention to other concerns as of late.

There's a red dragon, old in age and strong in that of the arts of magic. I was watching some hatchlings from afar in the glen and noticed it's colossal size flying over the hills. I won't say it is a bad sign, but there was something distinctly unsettling about this massive dragon. He could cause harm, or even kill the smaller dragons I've seen around the glen and even around that of the famous Red Dragon Inn.

The lady Erin, appears to be over her situation with the dominating sort as I've seen her smile lately. The best evidence however, is that of her neck being free of any collar. A woman's smile indeed can change the mood of a room. Light up an atmosphere. Like that of the Ice Dragon I've seen most recently with one or two hatchlings near by. It is like she is a piece of the famous Red Dragon Inn. When she is there, people say hello, wave a hand or give a nod her direction. When she is not upon the Inn, people ask about her and how she was the last time they had seen her.

The Jackal, is amusing. I sometimes wonder if he was a soldier from one of the many armies that used to exist long ago. I could have possibly used his no nonsense tactics two decades ago during the Tel-Tarian Wars. He does seem to hold something inside. Pain perhaps of something, or maybe regret"

Don't we all have regrets" How many have I acquired over the years" Do I dare count them'

I grow tired lately. Perhaps it is age that creeps in the darkness. Slowly moving closer to my bedside. Maybe I am due for a rebirth, or is it time for the final ending to this story that is my life?

I did some late cleaning upon my castle in the deep south. I must admit, disposing of bodies is a bit trouble some with the ice down there. Now the castle to the North, hidden beyond the mountain pass, was much easier to tidy up.

The Draconic Knights are growing, though slowly. Now I find myself in need of more finely crafted long swords and plasma energy cells for the double barreled rifles. Another sixteen suits of the midnight blue armor was finished finally. Tomorrow I'll work on the enchant to protect them from the touch of magic. I will admit, it is a less than exciting duty, but one I must perform nonetheless. Far too many in these lands walk with magic and I'd hate to think such long hours of work in creating the suits and training those that will wear of them, would be gone in a simple spell cast their direction. Perhaps a nap, after the enchant of the armor"

I heard whisper recently, of a ship of the stars that had crashed landed somewhere. One informant spoke of it dropping from the sky into the swamp lands to the Southwest. Another said it made a terrific splash into the open waters upon a star less night. Indeed I shall have to check out both stories. I do so hate, wasting my time. Whichever one is wrong, will lose their head. If both are wrong" I may feed them to Nespar.

The auction came to an end recently. It would seem, I have won a woman by the name of Elly. For the price of five thousand and thirteen silver coins, the Witch I've heard so much about, is mine" Well, perhaps at least for an afternoon lunch or evening dinner of sorts. Interesting indeed, what may come of our meeting.

What does this great city I've walked upon, care to see come to life" A question I've asked many in the past day. The answers thus far, seem quite similar. People wish to see a school, hospital or another orphanage spring up within the city. Those are the top three, that keep being said over and over when I put forth my question. Perhaps the true question would be, do I have time for such' Do I consider something small or something large" Would there be others willing to lend their support' Be it money or skills" Indeed, I will try to speak briefly with the current Governor and a few more of the cities residents.

I'm tired...so tired lately. Perhaps a day upon that of my true form' Maybe later this week, I've too much to do as yet.

I have seen, several possibles as of late. The time to take on an apprentice maybe coming soon. Some appear to be early in discovering their gifts, while a few others I've seen of seem to be partly over the first hill in finding out where they can go, what they can do. Perhaps it is time for another apprentice" Perhaps one of the few I've been watching, will rise to meet the challenge" Time will tell, as it does with all things.

The Scariantar city that refused my aid, is no longer. Their King was over run by the rival city and now his lands lay in fire and death. I no doubt will have to move in and knock the rival city's King to his knees to stop the blood shed now. I should let the lands burn along with the people. However, I did make a promise to Nichodemus. My word, is my bond. The ground will soak in a bit more blood, before the end.

I smell war, upon the distant breeze. I know not which direction it will come from, but it is on the way. I can feel it marching closer toward my northern home. No matter. The sword of fire will guide me swift and true.

Fire. Lately I'm more drawn to the flames. Perhaps it is also that of my true self calling for change. Calling me back to the beginning.

Well let's see here, it has indeed been sometime since last I've laid ink to paper now hasn't it' What to speak of, what to speak of. I've recently added a few more swords to my collection. Oh I know, don't I have enough from the passing decades to arm that of an army' Well, these were a gift from a good friend over in the Spaceport across the mountains. At times I wonder which is more interesting, the city of old here, or the spaceport over yander" Both hold quite a variety of species and I do so enjoy variety in life. But I'm getting off subject. True, I still carry the sword bearing the blade of red at my side. As for the gift, or gifts I should say from that friend I mentioned, well they are called Light Sabers. Indeed they are quite an interesting weapon. Blades extending at the touch of a button. Blades of energy able to cut through that of the hardest metal, or slice a person in half while scorching the wound pretty much closed. I was given two, by my friend Amadeus. He is a Master, upon his Jedi ways as I come to understand it. It was good to see him and his family again. I swear his wife gets more lovely with the passing years and their family is so large. I wonder at times if he, or I, have more children" In any account, I've been practicing with my new toys and find them quite comfortable in hang at my belt. Not as bulky as that of a large sword, this is true.

Dragon Acquisitions, my shop in the northeast corner of the markets upon this city, has been doing quite well since I opened it so long ago. Besides that of hard to find items, I've sold a few of the smaller shops in the area to several since last I've written. They were quite happy to have their own little shop to offer up their goods in the market. Indeed, it was a good idea to have purchased several when I bought my own. I've made a decent profit from the selling of the others.

My skyship, has performed quite well in removing more then a dozen rival vessels from the clouds above. The coin put into her construction, was well worth it. More then a few villages have felt the cannons hail from above in the past months. She is the pride of The Lysandros Pirate Syndicate here on Rhydin. I have yet, to find a suitable vessel for myself among the stars when I deal with matters not laid to this world.

Several treaties are now worked out between The Lysandros Pirate Syndicate, and a few Empires, worlds and cities. The Alorians were an interesting bunch to acquire. A little persuading of their Ambassador and matters were settled. I must admit, I truly enjoyed our conversations and the negotiations of our treaty. Another fifty droid frigates have been completed and are now operating for the Syndicate in deep space. Though they do not hold a cloaking device to mask them, like that of the Elven vessels I've acquired among the stars, they non the less are proving their worth. They have truly made up the back bone of the fleet. Not to say the Elven ships have proven their worth and indeed it was well to embrace them into the Syndicate. I've found a handful of good Captains among this space born Elven race. Captain Delnara Respin and Captain Julian Necar, have proven they can be trusted. The Aubrey Elves, are a well asset to the Syndicate.

There seems to be a flux of new life in the city of old recently. More and more new faces are showing up at that famous Inn of old, The Red Dragon. I'll have to pry myself away from matters of business to further get to know these possible new forms of venture. I'm considering the purchase of a few warehouses and port pads over at the spaceport. For Syndicate vessels of course. A few suggestions have been made to me for a space born vessel of my own, but I'm not sure as yet any have caught my eye. Time will tell I suppose.

Back to matters of business.

With so much to do, is it possible to feel not needed"

I wonder sometimes, if by chance my own time here upon this existence should come to a close or not. So many that once flourished in the city here and beyond seem simply, gone. Have they passed on' Did they simply leave this world" One can't be certain. Perhaps it is merely my age getting to me these days. Something I am reminded of by several friends and family. Not that I am upset mind you of their little teasing pokes, but I am simply feeling tired. Perhaps.

My daughters aid in keeping me feeling both that of young and old at times. The twins, Kassiopeia and Kleopatra. Among the rest they shine forth with their attempts to keep me sane. You are certainly not supposed to have favorites among family. Be it a parent, sibling, child or niece and nephew. But let us face facts. We all have a favorite. Or perhaps one or two we celebrate more. I adore all my children. Each and every one of my nearly two dozen daughters. The twins, do at times pull at my thoughts and heart. I wonder if I taught them too well on how to read someone" Perhaps. Some of my daughters seem to pick up on my moods long before they even have stepped foot near me. Possibly something I passed along to them being their Father" Perhaps. Their long life certainly can't be the only thing I've passed onto them. Though I've lost over the decades every last one of my sons, I must say my daughters have always been interesting in the paths they've taken. It seemed my sons always took the route to war. Fighting for this side or that one. Each perished upon some crusade, valiant war or what not. It's not to say I haven't over the years lost daughters as well, but to lose all of your sons is something I'd hope most would not have to go through. Raising my daughters was a challenge. Most of them had lost their mothers. I wouldn't trade a moment though. Raising children with magical abilities can be challenging. It's not something for everyone no doubt. It takes a lot of time and patience. And a few vases, among other things, broken about one's home. I remember a time when my daughter Lilith was so excited to show me she had brought back to life an animal. You could possibly imagine my reaction when we cleared the hills and on the other side was a rather angry giant scorpion. I think that was the first time Lilith had seen me truly use my mastered skills of 'the arts' indeed. Quick thinking and reaction, can mean life or death among those gifted to the tune of magic's embrace. Lucky for myself by the time I started having children and being a father, I had already held several centuries of mastering Aeromancy, Geomancy, Hydromancy, Pyromancy, Necromancy, Vivomancy and even Animancy. Not to mention the use of portal direction, spirit link and several other magical attributes. Certainly I'm not saying that you must be a master of magic's to have children. Though it certainly helped. I remember when Kassi and Kleo used to hold onto my tail as I'd walk about my study upon my castle in the far south. Working spells and writing scrolls to friends and allies. How Tabitha and several other daughters of mine used to sit upon my shoulders as I tried to work in my study. I think all their mothers, found it quite amusing to catch me trying to work with them about me. Under foot, pulling my tail and sitting on my shoulders. Of course there was always the 'why' questions. Why this worked, why that worked, why I was working on this or that. Some of their mothers I loved simply as lovers. Others held the position as my wife. Never more then one at a time. That simply wasn't my way. While others I knew held what seemed like chambers full of lovers or wives, I merely enjoyed one at a time. A few moved on, leaving before a child was produced while others left a child or two in their wake for me to take care of on my own. Some I married upon grand ceremonies. Dignitaries, Nobles and the like showed up from all around this world and others to watch me take a bride. Only twice, did I part from a marriage. The rest' They all fell prey to death long before their time. A sad thing indeed. The twins for example, their mother was full of spice and life. They remind me of her. One of many that passed from this world far before her time.

Memories are powerful things. One day, perhaps after I am long gone, these Memoirs will be found and others may learn from my own experiences.

If I ever were to have more children, I think I would like to add to my daughters. Not that daughters can't be a bit of trouble as sons, but I simply enjoy many things little girls bring. Even in their adult years, my youngest daughter is just recently over 200 years of age, they still hold something unique being women over males.

Few know when my date of birth is. A good thing at times I think. Now if I can keep my daughters from doing something to embarrass me in the next few months and get past my day of birth...well...that would be an adventure in itself.

It is not often anymore, but indeed my anger got the best of me the other night. I could of left the vampire alone. I could of simply tossed him aside. I tore his arms right from their sockets. His heart still beating from his chest and before the gleam of life left him, his head from his shoulders. I've killed much stronger creatures in my past years of life with my bare hands and with out the use of 'the art's truth be told. There was something primal in the destruction of this vampire. Something fulfilling in it's death before my eyes. In my youth, odd to even think of such as it was so long ago, I killed so much in front of me. From beasts of mystery to that of moral man. From elven warriors to demi-gods of might. Demons and dragons. Some I look back on and think of the wish to take back my actions. Others, well, they got what they deserved and asked for. It is a pity the duels upon the city here hold nothing like the ones of old. A light pat is more these duels then what I partook' of so long ago. Fights to the death. Fights of not one but a half dozen to a dozen at one time for spectators to watch of. To each their own though.

I have a meeting tomorrow with an old friend. Ents truly are one of the unique species to this world.

It was put to me by a friend at the Inn of old, The Red Dragon Inn, that I should put myself forth in the next few years for that of Governor of this city. I laughed a bit at the thought. I'm not sure I'd want to be Governor of this city. I'd be too able to clean up the streets and remove the darkness.

Though tempted, I've decided not to bring forth the former of The Legion. Instead they will remain in bulk for the main stay of the army, these Knight looking androids.

So much upon my mind and so few to speak with.

Indeed at times I certainly do feel, Ancient.

We have a new Governor. I must say I was glad to see a few run this year for the Office that actually held to their guns, as the saying goes. The usual riffraff ran along side those worthy of actually holding the position. I think the new Governor will do well. She has a good head on her shoulders and worthy ideas. I am glad Mr. Simon didn't make it into office once more. His credentials fall short.

I performed the Ritual of the Moons Light, for the Mermaids of the Southern Coast. All in all it went off without any trouble. A few deep sea sharks were attracted by accident near the waters of the Event, but I helped change their course away from the ceremony. Mermaids vary as any other Race of Rhydin. Some are content to keep to themselves and away from other races passing through their waters. Some are eager to attract and kill those entering their territory. The Mermaids of the Southern Coast are welcome to meet any that are kind to them. I must admit, there was a certain bit of satisfaction in destroying two slaver ships last week that had entered their domain. Removing of such, for lack of a better word, scum was quite liberating.

My daughters are near the city. I suppose I should mention which, considering I hold to so many. Brianna and Abigail. Both have proved themselves as Skyship Captains upon Rhydin's skies and a tribute to their mother. I suppose I should take some credit, given how they turned out to each holding a gift in the arts'. Brianna is one of the best Hydromancers I've seen. Likewise her sister Abigail one of the more credited Pyromancers. I guess they had a good teacher in their Father over the years. Not all of my students turned out so well. The Chief Mechanic of my own Skyshp seems rather taken with the ship's Medical Officer. Cody is a good young man. Indeed he is skilled in the way of engines and ensuring the solar sails are in order as that of the cannons. As for the ship's Medic, well, I did all right in teaching her as well. McKenna is an accomplished Healer and her use of potions along with medical technology is rather impressive. She is one of the many, I've adopted over the years. Though not of my own blood, I hold her just as close to my heart as any of my daughters. I've kept to the promise her father asked of me before his death so many years ago. An accomplished Healer himself, I trained McKenna after taking her into my home in the ways of her father's practice and with the skill I studied so long ago myself. Indeed it takes years to truly perform what some might call as miracles, in the way of Healing. I believe McKenna will grow in the coming years to only better herself in such an art'. I won't hinder the little spark of something that has started between McKenna and Cody, but of course if he breaks her heart I may be inclined to find a new ship's mechanic.

Taneth has been her usual self when I've seen of the girl lately. So many enjoy seeing of her smile and the warm hugs she brings. She is one of a few about the city here that seem to bring out the Father in me. New faces appear to be popping up about the city as well lately. Along with some faces I've not seen in quite sometime. I wonder sometimes who holds more adopted children, myself or that of the Dragon, Icer. Perhaps we both hold a spot in our hearts for the young.

The Lysandros Syndicate sold several ships this past couple weeks. Some were sailing ships for the great seas, others were one of the skyship designs we manufacture and sell. A few ships were for space travel. Mostly cargo ships in that area. Some weapon sales have profited as well. Medical supplies seem to be our biggest seller lately.

I think it's time to make a few trips across the sea. There are some places I've not visited of in far too long.

Lilliana has been busy with family matters as of late. Herself, along with others that were affected by the magical blunder that cast them all back into their childhood days, has passed. At least it seems so. Many that were of children have gone back to their adult life styles. I think some even celebrated being back to their old selves. I know myself and Lilliana celebrated in our own way. I'm not one to as they say, kiss and tell. I will simply say it was a hungry evening.