19 The Fading Once again, I've been called out to aid those in need, in this case the folk of Ettinheights, from a town named Shibai. I've heard of this town, discussed by others in the Stuck Pig, and how some great power is holding it under his thumb, some malevolent being by the name of Fuko (though I've heard some derogatory alternatives). I shall ride out with the others; Blaze, who has proven himself capable back in Cathal's Doom, Bronson, who along with Blaze make up two of the previous party to journey there prior, Nadia, the daughter of Drago, and two whom I've seen about but never spoken with before, Sabrina the Sorceress and Fergal, a fellow Minotaur. Blaze and I planned our route, and he executed navigation well. We made good time, and passed landmarks I've seen before, confirming our route as correct. I now have one of the clues to the Treasure Pillar on my person, and hope that the Ettinheights will relinquish another. I do hope whatever sits in that chest will be worth all this. 20 The Fading The day went by peacefully, passing new locales to investigate when time permits. Having mounts has made travelling easier, though I hope to get back on my hooves soon, else my legs might go soft from all this comfortable riding. The night, though, did not pass so peacefully. Something came from the water during Blaze and Sabrina's watch, a terrible, massive thing that threatened to devour us all. A Froghemoth, the others called it, I knew it as death that night, as it pummelled first Fergal, then myself. Even in my larger state, I had nothing to bare against this beast, and it knocked the sense from me in seemingly a single blow of its mighty limbs. It was only my increased height that stopped it devouring me there and then. The others were able to bring me to, and we beat our retreat, but I heard Fergal yell as we held it off while the rest escaped, and I rode into the dark daring not to look back. We returned at sun up. Fergal was gone, lost or devoured, and only his tent and possessions remained. I left his weapon at the place of his fate, with a trinket so others might come to pay their respects, and we moved on sombrely. 21 The Fading The others had apparently seen signs of that monster from the night before, amongst other things. A dragon was amongst them, and not too long after we left camp we happened upon a cave at the base of the mountains, dusted with dry sand. Sabrina suspects a blue dragon, and while I do not doubt her, I hope she is wrong. That would bring three of the things into our immediate area, and put Hope in even more peril. A blessing came to us, though, as a Grung by the name of Dougal offered his services to us, claiming to be a Cleric. We'll need all the help we can get, especially after the loss of Fergal. 22 The Fading While initially beautiful, the Ettinheights proved to be just as deadly as the swamps. Sabertooth cats came at us in the nights, a distinct ambush as they surrounded and attacked from all sides. Not terribly co-ordinated, but they are just beasts, but dangerous all the same. Some form of creature made of light blipped into existence as we were fighting the cats, stinging me and Blaze during combat, before vanishing off, not to be seen again. 23-28 The Fading We've decided to rest in a small town called Budo Town and get our breaths back after the long journey. Bronson has assured us the return may not be so long once Shibai is up and running again, allowing us to cut the journey down by half. He's also helped with diplomatic matters, providing us with some good will from the town by painting them a mural featuring the current party. I hope it serves its purpose as a symbol of hope, and not as a grim memory, depending on our success at the temple. I have asked around the town, and found another place where a horrific man was entombed, so terrible they buried him alive. His name was the Wolf of Yol, in keeping with the symbol of the wolf I saw on the Treasure Pillar.
