Victory.
Bhartus is able to succesfully treat Ardoss, stabalizing him, though he is still in a state of unconscience.
Everyone notes that the water from the wellspring, once sickly and clouded, now begins to clear up with the death of the orc.
Upon a search, the party will determine that the mine is in fact cleared.
The party's return to Duvik's Pass is greeted with cheers and general jubilation. Bhartus, Ardoss, and Jericho all begin/continue to exhibit latent signs of the plague, but are treated in a timely fashion by Father Samual, and the symptoms of the town as a whole recedes over the next few weeks. Sir Whiteclove, speaking on behalf of the town, offers the party a continued mandate to protect the town, with the boon of free supplies, lodging, and meals within reason. In addition, the bestow upon the heroes the assorted ore and trinkets left by the orc and kobolds, in addition to 100 gp each in anticipated profits from the cleared mine.
But there are ominous clues left in the wake of the successful campaing. The wellspring contained orc script that indicated that the 'Demon' was actually a orc shaman of Grummsh named Jakk, of clan Tornclaw, an orcish tribe that was massacred by the valley's militia some years past, of which Jakk was the only surviving member. He sought vengeance on the town, and the Burning Plague was his tool. The town might have found an enemy in a god, or rather, his clergy.
How will this pan out, stay tuned....
Each member of the party receives 950 xp and 1050 gp from the mine's assorted loot as well as the town's generosity. You are free to spend the gold however you wish, though no magic weapons are available, but masterwork are. Expect a second chapter soon. Any feedback would be welcomed in the OOC room. It has been a pleasure to be your DM.