Day 17:
9:00 AM – Woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the faint scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the castle. Decided to treat myself to a leisurely breakfast in the garden. Today was supposed to be a calm day, focused on studying the ancient book we found yesterday. Little did I know, a raven had other plans.
9:30 AM – Settled down in the garden with a delicious sandwich, courtesy of Agnes. Turkey, cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of her secret sauce. Just as I was about to take my first bite, a raven swooped down and snatched it right out of my hands. The audacity!
Interlude – Breakfast Bandit:
Vortax: "Hey! That was my sandwich, you feathered fiend!" Grog: "Looks like the raven's got good taste, boss. Want me to get it back?" Vortax: "Unless you can fly, Grog, I think it's gone."
10:00 AM – Chased the raven through the garden, much to the amusement of the minions. It was like a scene from a slapstick comedy—me flailing and the raven darting just out of reach. Eventually, it perched on a high branch, my sandwich dangling mockingly from its beak.
11:00 AM – Gave up on the sandwich (RIP delicious breakfast) and decided to focus on the book. Gathered in the library with Agnes and Grog, eager to decipher the tome's secrets. The cover alone was fascinating, inscribed with arcane symbols that hinted at powerful spells.
12:00 PM – The book's first few pages revealed it was a compendium of ancient magic, detailing spells and rituals lost to time. One spell in particular caught our eye—a protective barrier that could shield the entire castle. Given our recent diplomatic efforts, it seemed like a valuable addition.
Interlude – Spell Study:
Agnes: "This barrier spell could be immensely useful, Max. It's complex, but with practice, we could master it." Vortax: "Let's make sure Grog doesn't try to cast it. Last time he tried magic, we ended up with a castle full of chickens."
2:00 PM – Took a break from studying to enjoy a light lunch (sandwichless, of course). Decided to wander the castle grounds, checking on the minions' progress with various tasks. They were busy with repairs and improvements, humming happily as they worked.
3:00 PM – While inspecting the walls, noticed a shadow darting through the courtyard. The raven was back, and it wasn't alone. It had brought friends, and they were eyeing the castle like a flock of tiny, feathered thieves. Something about their behavior seemed odd.
4:00 PM – Gathered Agnes, Grog, and a few minions to investigate the ravens. Followed them to a secluded part of the garden, where we discovered a hidden nest. Inside was my sandwich (half-eaten, of course) and several shiny objects, including a small, ornate key.
Interlude – Raven Reconnaissance:
Grog: "Look, boss! The raven stole more than just your sandwich!" Vortax: "Seems like we've got a magpie in raven's clothing. But what's this key for?"
6:00 PM – Returned to the library with our newfound treasure. The key was intricate, clearly designed to unlock something important. After some deliberation, we found a matching lock on a chest hidden in the corner of the library. Inside were more ancient scrolls, detailing the history of our kingdom.
8:00 PM – Spent the evening poring over the scrolls. They revealed forgotten alliances, hidden treasures, and powerful artifacts. One scroll mentioned a legendary artifact called the Heart of the Phoenix, said to grant immense power and protection. It seemed our treasure hunt wasn't over yet.
Interlude – Evening Enlightenment:
Agnes: "The Heart of the Phoenix could be the key to securing our future, Max. We need to find it." Vortax: "Agreed. But first, let's make sure the ravens don't steal our plans. Grog, put up some scarecrows."
10:00 PM – Retreated to my chambers, excited and a bit wary of what lay ahead. Today had been a day of unexpected challenges and discoveries. Reflecting on the events, I realized that even the smallest creature can lead to significant revelations.
End of Day 17
Diary Commentary – Vortax (formerly known as Max):
Today was a day of ravens and sandwiches, of stolen plans and newfound keys. Despite the feathered fiends, we uncovered more about our kingdom's history and a potential new quest. It's strange to think that just a few weeks ago, I was a terror to the kingdom. Now, I'm chasing ravens and hunting for legendary artifacts. Here's to tomorrow, and whatever feathery challenges it may bring. We'll face them head-on, with a smile, a spellbook, and hopefully fewer stolen sandwiches.