Day 30

I find that I now spend more time within the city than outside it. I have returned only once to my northern lands, and only to collect much of my possessions and bring them here. My strengthening relationships with the people here has all but eradicated my apprehensions of this world; I am beginning to feel at home. We help each other often, though I am usually the one being helped. Hopefully soon, I can initiate some discussion on my history and eventually discover how I got here and why I can't remember.

In learning about the city, I've been told about an evil creature that lies beneath the streets. There is some type of vast tunnel system discovered recently that is host to monsters like those found outside the city, as well as some that are not, including this one they call the "spider queen." It has never been seen on the surface, and some claim to have narrowly escaped its clutches during their exploration. Further investigation is called for; perhaps I could help organize a group to seek out the creature and put an end to it.

It seems that each time I do leave the city limits (the need for wood and leather is insatiable), the monsters are stronger than the last. Though I sense my skill increasing, it has yet to become easier to dispatch my attackers, as if they, too, are training their abilities in combat. Aggression on all fronts seems to be increasing as well; in the flurry of battle I have occasionally slipped and harmed a friendly combatant, who then, without words, turned his attacks on me. I sense that some greater influence is at work; I hope that any limit to my training exceeds that of any such threat.

Yesterday, I brought a respectable supply back to town. A traveler on his way through asked if it was for sale. So far, I had only parted with my harvests for myself and the city, but thought this a good opportunity to possibly make an acquaintance. I asked where the supplies would go to; he explained that his king was building to expand territory and seemed confused that I wasn't familiar with his mother kingdom. I sold him half my hold and he went on his way.

As soon as I returned, I sought out the first of my friends that I could find to ask about my encounter. Outside of cities, there are kingdoms, many of which keep secret their location and dealings. He had assumed I knew this and that I must have already belonged to one. He then asked if I might meet his king to possibly join their ranks. Almost a day later, and I still feel uneasy at the request. I said I would think it over, which must have somehow insulted, as he recoiled as if to rescind the offer.

I must rest and think. I am very confused about the hierarchy of authority. How can cities and kingdoms be such separate concepts? What would it mean to those in kingdoms not my own, should I join one? And to which is my allegiance more important: city or kingdom? I will wait on this for now and continue in my city duties until I understand these things more thoroughly. Surely my city is as strong as any kingdom; in what regard would they think I go wanting?