Of Shakira the Catdemoness

Xenograg sits at a table in his sanctum in the monastery. Opening his journal to a new page, he sets down the events of the day.

55/12/13:

It has been two weeks since I banished the catdemon Shakira back to the Hells. I wrote of it then, but the time since has provided me a better understanding of the events.

As always, my mistakes stand out. The advantage I squandered during the sorcerous battle in the Red Dragon Inn is the most glaring. I have regained almost all of my former power but wielded it crudely that night! I damn near killed myself when she reflected my attack back upon me (and that is not the first time that has happened, either). The Cloak saved me but I never recovered from the resulting loss of balance and position. Only the presence of KnightHawk and Cullyn saved me from being at Shakira’s mercy, or lack thereof.

I made not one but two mistakes during the battle in the Great Hall. Almost received a dagger in the back from the first one. The second was a strategic mistake I am going to live to regret. I should have given Baphelocutis command over the magic circle that held Shakira. I know now that a mixture of pride and desire for control made me want to be her banisher. Oh yes, ‘the great sorcerer Xenograg’—Shakira saw through me then and there. She called it right. I must guard more vigilantly or pride will be my downfall. She saw that weakness, and knows.

Bapheloc and Jayne were married recently. The wedding was a great event. Jayne walked down the isle on Blue’s arm. Amaltea, beautiful in her gown, and I standing beside Baphelocutis at the altar. Everything was perfect until Bapheloc found the ‘gift’ left behind the altar by Shakira. The celebration was brought to a halt when they read the note left in the box along with a black cat stuffed toy: ‘Enjoy while it you can.’ Was it merely an instrument to blacken their wedding, or was it a real threat?

Xenograg puts down the stylus and rereads the entry. Lessons learned. He knows he cannot afford to make more mistakes, or show weakness.

"Good luck," he tells himself cynically.