The gnoll’s five-man boat is seating seven. Bloodthorne flies along side of the boat whenever anyone gets too uncomfortable. Viknen, Eltharion, Ogrim, Grog, and the two rowing gnolls squeeze in on their cramped ride to the mainland.
After a full 12 hours of rowing, they finally reach the shore that evening. Stars fill the sky and the Heroes take note of it again. They can see the lights of a city nearby.
“Thanks!” Eltharion calls back to the gnolls as they row away.
“Is dat da town you be comin’ from?” Viknen asks.
“I don’t know what town that is,” Eltharion responds.
“Let’s get moving,” Ogrim states. They start walking and reach the town in an hour. They take up refuge in an inn (with only a little bit of convincing to let Viknen in). They gather in the morning.
“So, what town is this?” Ogrim asks the innkeeper as they get ready to leave.
“Ye don’t even know where ye are? This is the port town of Selig, on the Cape of Blades,” the innkeeper responds.
“That’s good, we’re close to Brunswick… I think,” Eltharion rubs his chin.
“Yeah, ye just head west on the road, it’ll lead you straight past the Adventurer’s Guildhall, Baron, and on into Brunswick,” the innkeeper helps them out a bit.
“Thanks!” Eltharion tosses him an extra silver, and the Heroes set out immediately.
After what seems like the easiest and most laid back four days of their lives, they arrive at Brunswick without an incident, other than a bit of rain.
“I like this plane better than that other one…” Grog states the obvious.
“Grass feels better than iron,” Ogrim chimes in.
“So, we are going to set up a planar refugee camp in our iron fortress on Archeron, right?” Bloodthorne has his wheels turning already; looking for the most coin.
“Perhaps the dwarves from my stronghold could take up residence there and keep track of the comings and goings for us,” Ogrim offers.
“We need to check on Bellamy Bill and our house on Sigil, too,” Eltharion says. They cross the massive bridge across the huge moat around the city, and reach the wall. They are let in, and head directly for the castle.
“Find Adlai, tell him we have returned,” Eltharion tells the gate guard at the castle. The guard runs in and comes out in a minute.
“Come right in, Adlai and Felix are waiting,” the guard says.
“Where have you been!” Adlai is up and pacing.
“Busy…” Eltharion looks at Grog and chuckles.
“Who are they?” Adlai asks, pointing to Bloodthorne and Viknen.
“This is Bloodthorne, he’ll help us do whatever we need. And this is Viknen Shadowdweller. He may look old, but he uses black magic,” Eltharion explains.
“Necromancer and Blaze died,” Grog adds bluntly, pointing to Bloodthorne’s magical bag.
“Well, we’ll get the high priest to raise them, because we’re going to need their help. The dark elves are moving, and we don’t have any time to waste,” Adlai says.
“Of course they are…” Eltharion rolls his eyes.
“My scouts have reported a huge disc of darkness over their troops. Looks like they have a group of storm giants who are carrying a large metal spire. Out of the top of this spire, the disc of darkness is emanating, blocking all light below it. I think they’re using magic to control the weather as well, as it has been raining and stormy for the last few days. They are coming, and they are coming for us,” Adlai says.
“They’re coming for Brunswick? You know for sure?” Eltharion asks.
“Yes, they are marching directly at us. Unless they change course, we’re the target. I’ve already started planning the defense, digging ditches, tarring the fields, whatever we can do to prepare,” Adlai says.
“We’ll get right on it as well. We’ll be ready,” Ogrim says.
“They’ll be here in less than five days at the rate they’re going. I’ve sent missives to Baron and all the other major cities for aid, but none are coming. We’re too small to hold any sizeable army anyway,” Adlai seems frantic.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be okay,” Felix speaks up from behind him.
“I have all the contingency plans worked out. Once the enemy gets closer, we’ll figure out teams and whatnot,” Adlai says. “Let’s get Blaze and The Necromancer raised so they can help prepare.”
The Heroes take the bodies to the high priest of the castle, who raises both of them.
“Woah… what happened…” Blaze shakes his head.
“A lot,” Eltharion responds, giving his friend a slap on the back.
“Oh… man… tell me you killed that (edited for content) pit fiend…” The Necromancer curses as he gets up off the altar.
“It got away. But we pretty much own the iron fortress now,” Eltharion says.
“Not good enough. That thing just made my list,” The Necromancer growls.
“Calm down Nekky, we’ve got more important stuff going on now,” Eltharion says.
“What is that?” The Necromancer asks.
“The dark elves and their army is marching toward Brunswick. We have to set up a defense and get ready,” Eltharion says.
“Hm, I’m going to see if my brother will help us,” Blaze says.
“Too bad Damaré and Jezda took off, they could help us too,” Ogrim says.
“Especially since Damaré has a jewel that has King Brunswick inside of it…” Grog adds.
“Well, let’s get busy…”
Will the Heroes have enough time to mount a good enough defense? Who will come to their aid? Will the city of Brunswick fall? Find out next time!
