The reaver had nowhere to go and was finally dispatched, leaving us with free access to their cave. During a quick search of one room we found a locked strongbox containing trinkets, coins, and a dried parchment scroll marked with evil seals. I opened the scroll to find a blood written invitation to the unholy union from Rava's prophecy. The invitation mentions a Midnight Temple but no clue as to where that might be. With no more enemies we had a good look around the cave and found a few more items of interest; A sword and shield wrapped in a bearskin. On closer inspection an inscription was found indicating that they belonged to Randgrid Ironeyes and that it should be returned to the Shield Sisters in Huldramose. The reavers also had a store of dead humanoids that we blessed before offering them back to the ocean, 'Blessed be the creator.' We decided to take the reavers' bigger boat with us as a prize and once all was ready we set off to rejoin with the ship that brought us here. Because of the extra weight I had to stay aboard the new ship to add some rowing power but this also gave me the opportunity to do some repairs and touch up the hull for a better performance. Our Captain suggested that we could possibly sell the boat up in Wolfheim. "They're always looking for new vessels up there. Ye could fetch a good price if ya find em in a good mood." I thought this was a sensible idea but could also get us in trouble if the boat was recognised so while repairing it I also removed any distinguishing features and customised details in places. During the day we saw a pod of killer whales which gave a good idea. I carved a new name into the boat. Something that would appeal to a reaver, "Grim Orca". It took a few days to reach Wolfheim. Once there the captain moored in the harbour while I took the new boat to the shipyard to sell it. The boss of the yard was a surly Northern dwarf that was very doubtful of me but thankfully my own dwarven heritage was helpful and I managed to explain to him how the boat has been improved and that it is legitimately worth the seven hundred gold pieces that he paid. Wrendell went ashore to get a few supplies and returned rolling drunk just in time for us to leave on our final leg to Marsh Hollow where we would leave the boat and have to travel inland to Huldramose city. On arrival in Marsh Hollow the Captain bade us farewell. "I suppose I'll be seeing you in the halls of Valhalla once this is all over. Pray you die bravely." The locals of Marsh Hollow were hard Northern folk not much for talking or friendly banter. The land of Southern Huldramose is a swampy marshland with no real road up to Huldramose city. We were told we would need to use a skiff and hire a guide to take us up there. Being outsiders, the boatmen took advantage of our need for haste. I offered a generous price of two silver trade bars but the boatman insisted on twice that. 'We could almost buy our own skiff for that!' 'But who's gonna drive it kid, You?' 'You bet I could, I'm not such a bad pilot myself, We don't have to stand here and listen to this....' In the end we really had no choice but to agree so I paid the trade bars and we set off that morning and after two days travel we arrived on the outskirts of Huldramose city where we were stopped by a unit of Huldra Shield Sisters. We explained our position and that we were there to return items belonging to a Randgrin Ironeyes. The Shield Sisters looked down in sadness when they heard the name. 'You'll need to come and meet with our Queen, She'll want to see this.' The city was on poles for the most part. The buildings kept up out of the wetlands with some bigger places made on stone foundations. The streets being wooden walkways and bridges. Near the centre the ground rose up to a dry hill where a stockade surrounded the bigger important buildings. We were taken to a guesthall and asked to wait there while preparations were made for an audience with the queen. That evening we met with the queen and reported on how we found the belongings and that he died valiantly. 'Thank you good folk. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. We shall have a feast in honour of Ironeyes. Then there will be a day of contests. You are all welcome to participate. Sif praises your efforts.' The following day everyone went to a field near the centre of town. The place was well decorated and equipped for the events. Tests of skill and strength were set up for anyone to try out. Archery, Hammer throwing, and such. Later in the day there was a snake handling contest where Wrendell was bitten and finally, as the night came to a close, a boasting competition that was tightly contested by some of the locals until Samba stood up and stole the show. The queen was highly impressed with us and agreed to hear our request for help in the mystery of the blood wedding. She would take our plea and any evidence we had to the witches. 'These seers will be able to guide you but first I request your assistance in dealing with a threat to our city from a strange cult. Once you return from dealing with this cult, the witches should have a report that will be able to guide you to find this Midnight Temple.'
