Having studied the clues, and examined the evidence, I believe I have solved the mystery.




















The butler did it!

Going to make an effort to catch up on this journal, seeing as next week will be the finale. So I apologise for the excessive amounts of posts this evening.

Changes

They say adversity and troubles will change a man. Well it seems that I have changed in many ways, ways that I am unfamiliar with. Living life in Waterdeep was a happier time for me, learning the arts of the bard; the thrill of entertaining the masses. I enjoyed life back then, life itself was one big adventure to be savoured to its fullest. Troubles for me, were no harder then finding a good inn and a good drink. Then the darkness came, it changed everything I knew; turning it blacker and full of sorrow. I've been running now for what seems like weeks, a black pall settling over the land; where the darkness touches it. Leeching the life from the people and the land itself. There has been only one ray of light, one that shines brighter than any darkness around me. I regret saying this, but it is not enough to lift the gloom that seems to have settled deep within my soul.

I have changed, I have seen a reality that has nothing to do with the past I had. I am not even sure I will ever have the same happy outlook as I did, even if we do destroy this ring; we cannot undo the damage that has been done to the lives we knew. Perhaps its for the best, to go back to the past; would be to forget the sacrifices we have made. To ignore those brave souls, would be to erase them from memory; making them no better then pawns to be discarded. No, it is better to fill your heart with hope; hope that success will bring joy once more to the world. Leaving the forest, I took confidence in the words spoken by my beloved the previous night. Our road was to take us northwest, an inn along the way; a short stop on our meeting with fate.

It took us a couple of days to reach the inn, but it wasn't long into our journey that once more the forces of Darkness descended on us. From the undergrowth sprang several Drow and Duegar, accompanying them was an Illithid. As battle raged, there suddenly came a loud flapping of wings overhead. To add to the woes we were already facing, a wyvern and chimera suddenly descended into our midsts. Wreaking havoc amongst us, it was a titanic struggle for our group. With the Illithid seeming to stun many of us with it mind powers, we were sorely tested. If it wasn't for the heroic actions of Connor, Prior Easson and Shade, I fear that the journey could well have ended at that moment. Sadly I wasn't conscious for the spectacular acrobatics of Connor, as he sprang onto the Wyvern; stabbing it repeatedly with his longsword. When I had finally recovered from the stunning effects of the Illithid, the fight was over. Blood and bodies littered the ground around me, like so much litter. It is clear, that getting to Waterdeep was going to be harder then we thought.

As we made our way further west, we came upon a group of refugees heading south towards Baldurs Gate. Naturally they were wary of us at first, but after reassuring them we meant no harm; they were able to tell us news of Waterdeep. The city had been overrun as we knew, but it appeared that things were not as we had expected. The force of Darkness were occupying the city, using its citizens to keep the city running; while they marshalled their forces to expand the conquest. A curfew had been put in place, restricting the movements of the people; though naturally this was during the daylight hours. After telling them the fate of Baldurs Gate, Krugen advised them to head north to his dwarven stronghold near Nesme. While not completely safe, it would offer them shelter and protection from the biting elements of winter.

It might have seemed to some that things were getting harder, but in some ways the occupation of Waterdeep served us well. With regular citizens able to roam the streets, it wouldn't be so hard for us to blend in. All in all, things could have been a lot worse, though I think some of our party felt the next day was the worst day ever. As we settled for the night, we heard a clanking and banging coming from the darkness. A deep gruff voice called out of the darkness “Ho camp, would anyone like to buy some pots?”

Old Friends and New Enemies

Out of the darkness stepped a dwarf, stooped and bowed under the weight of many pots, pans and utensils. Having not been with the party at the last meeting of this dwarf, I wasn't aware of the animosity Krugen had for the little fellow. Frankly, I thought he was a jovial chap; though his wares were to say the least appalling. He was delighted to learn that Krugen had finally found his Dwarven Focus, ditching the sword in favour of the traditional axe; most 'respectable' dwarves would use. I don't think Krugen took this too well, as there was much gnashing of teeth and muttering about scavenging low-lives selling tat and trash. Sharing a meal with the fellow, was to me enjoyable and I was sad to see him leave in the morning. Poor Krugen was in a foul mood all morning, though he did seem to brighten up towards the evening.

Coming over a small rise, we could eventually see a building in the distance. As it could only be the inn we sought, we approached cautiously as there appeared to be fortifications surrounding it. Once we had gained entry, we learned there were several refugees here. A gnome and his halfling bodyguards, a woman and her children and several farmers from the local area. Settling ourselves, Prior Easson disappeared into the kitchen area, intent on making some potions. Krugen, still annoyed by the pot seller, decided to get drunk. While the others talked to the refugees, I took up my flute; intent on providing a little soothing atmosphere. Looking across the room, I could see Raldir sitting by himself. Dark circles under his eyes, showing he was evidently tired; perhaps not sleeping well. As I looked at my beloved, I saw them smile softly. Moving softly across the floor, I knelt before Raldir, shifting the tune to one of a lullaby. Over the Inn was a tower, giving views across the moors it was located. Shade and the Paladin had decided to take a watch up there; before joining the rest of us. When a loud noise resounded out in the darkness, the paladin felt the presence of evil approaching. Turning to shout down the stairs, he was startled to find a 'void of nothingness' coming from below him. Mystified by what could have caused this, he hurried down the stairs. What the paladin learned, was almost as startling as what had seemingly taken control of Prior Easson and Krugen. Having got drunk the dwarf had stumbled outside, screaming and yelling to the unseen enemies. Thinking to calm him down, Prior Easson took him into the kitchen, giving him a drink; which calmed him instantly. Not long after, Prior Easson asked for Raldir to come help him in the kitchen. When Prior Easson offered him the same drink, the effect it had had on Krugen; failed to happen; it was then that the true owner of the Inn was revealed. A hauntingly beautiful woman called Morgana owned the inn, she was in the kitchen when Raldir entered. Immediately her alluring beauty seemed to captivate his attention, though the effect didn't seem to last long; as soon he was defending himself from her fanged attacks. Slashing at her with his sword, he cried out for help; shortly before he was frozen in place by Prior Easson. While this was going on, Connor and Tanann were rudely awoken by wights attacking them. It seemed like the whole inn was under siege at that moment, with crashing in the kitchen; thumps and banging coming from upstairs. To add to the din all around us, a wailing and hammering started on the front door of the inn. Whatever was going on, it was just about to get interesting. As Prior Easson and Krugen led a bound Raldir out, Shade and the Paladin came into the common room. At the sight of Morgana, the Paladin knew instantly that the void was centred around her. Alarm bells ringing he moved forward intent on confronting her. It was at that moment Connor shouted down the stairs about dead bodies or some such; I can't say that I was paying much attention. The reason for my distraction was that Morgana had appeared to change before my eyes. When the Paladin called on his God to banish the evil, Morgana uttered an unholy scream; face twisting in rage and fangs sprouting between her lips. Krugen, the spell broken, flew into an almost berserker rage; slashing Morgana with relentless strokes of his axe. Prior Easson, still under her spell; defended her with all his might. In the end it was useless, as the vampire were no match for the raging dwarf and holy paladin.

With the spell broken, Prior Easson seemed to be a broken man; after he discovered he was the unwitting pawn of the vampire. I was worried about him, even though I had not known him long; he seemed like a man troubled by something. When dawn came the next day, we headed off again; not stopping any longer then necessary; then to deed the inn to a family of refugees who had been staying there.

Once more into the Breach dear friends

We encountered little trouble before we got to the high walls of Waterdeep. Though a small village near the city had some trouble with a group of Drow, Dryads and an Illithid. From a safe distance, we could see the Illithid using what appeared to be purple worms on some of the villagers. From tales I had heard, what we were seeing was the impregnation of the villagers with Illithid larvae. Unwilling to leave the villagers to their fate, we attacked; the paladin as usual at the forefront of the assault. While not a hard fight, it was complicated by the Illithid's ability to control minds. At one point Connor was under the control of the foul creature; his attacks on Raldir causing the elf to plummet from a window. After clearing out the village, we moved on to Waterdeep itself. Approaching the city again, was in some ways like coming home; though the sight of giants and drow soured the homecoming. Travelling around the city, we approached it from the east; looking for the entrance in to the Rat Yard. The crumbled walls, piles of refuse and shanty buildings, soon told us we had found it. Locating the sewers was fairly easy, given the directions the rangers of Mielikki had told us. The stench that filled the air, was nothing to the dangers we found lurking in its gloomy depths. Moving through the sewers, we came eventually to a huge room; almost 100 feet long and half that wide. Down either side, pillars ran from floor to ceiling; with symbols to the worship of Loviatar evident throughout. As we stepped into the room, two flagstones appeared to glow; a crackling energy building in intensity within moments. Suddenly appearing before us, were two stone golems on either side of the room. Ahead of us there sprang up a huge fire elemental and a clay golem began lumbering towards us. I think it was at that moment, we realised we didn't really want to be here. Unfortunately, there was no way to escape; as the virtuous paladin and dwarf had already charged into battle. While Krugen engaged the fire elemental, the paladin took on the clay golem. Thinking the best offence was a good defence, I cast mirror image on myself; thinking to confuse the mindless stone golems with multiple versions of myself. It seemed to work really well, as not only did the thing keep missing me. This served me well, as I was then able to dance and sang to inspire my comrades in arms. Keeping the golem busy, I could see that the battle wasn't going as well with the others. It wasn't helped that with each spell cast the two flagstones glowed brighter; the pitch of the hum increasing; until it suddenly exploded in a blaze of electrical energy. Several of us where badly hit by the discharge, the first being the paladin. After what seemed like a lifetime, we eventually prevailed; though it left us exhausted and drained of any magical assistance. We were lucky in many ways, finding nothing else within the sewers; we eventually came upon a trapdoor leading up into the city.

What we found on the other side of the trapdoor, wasn't what we expected. Shade using his cloak to conceal himself, he peeked up into the room above. Only to be confronted by about a dozen crossbow bolts pointed at him. Seemed we had stumbled into a hideout of some refugees and militia guards from the city. Seeking to find out as much information as possible, we assured the guards that we had come to end this and destroy the Ring of Winter. From the disbelieving looks and sneers, we knew this wasn't going to be as easy as we thought. The temple of Mystra has been taken over by the dark forces, at the moment it is being desecrated and turned into a temple for the goddess Lolth. The Underdark seem to be using it as a headquarters as well, making it even more difficult for us to infiltrate. Seeing no other alternative, we had to seek help in getting into the temple. Perhaps there was a secret entrance or a back door that we could try, but naturally the guards wouldn't know anything about those kinds of methods. After questioning them, they suggested we seek out a tavern they knew; which had a reputation of shady dealings. With nothing better to go with, we set out to scratch the seedy underbelly of Waterdeep.

As the campaign has now come to an end, I am attempting to write the journals; as they happened game time. There are somethings that the players now know, that new readers of the journal won't know.

Unexpected Twists

Fate has a way of twisting and turning to suit its only agenda, oblivious to us mere mortals. As it happened though, fate for me; turned out to be the greatest boon of all. I'm get ahead of myself though, when I last left this journal; we were surrounded by refugees and city militia. After talking with them, we found that the best way of gaining entry into the temple would be to seek a certain tavern on the other side of the city. Disguising ourselves as mercenaries, which we found out were being paid to keep the populace in check; we headed over there. The seedy place reeked of illicit, nefarious activities. The dim interior, was awash with the smell of spilled ale and sweat; actually it brought back fond memories of my past. But I digress again, so after seating ourselves; we sought the owner hoping to gain information. On the pretence of buying some 'recreational herbs', we were told to go to the alley out the back. From there, things just got stranger and stranger. The herbs we bought turned out to be nothing more then a seasoning for food. That wasn't the strangest thing though, it was the sight of a real life, 'oh dear I just wet my breeches' Beholder. Not just any beholder, but one that wanted our guarantee; that we would make him a lord of Waterdeep. Now considering all but one of the previous Lords, was unknown and never seen; this was a tall order to say the least. Not sure how to respond to this, the Beholder gave us 24 hours to consider the request.

Returning to the hideout, we suddenly found ourselves being followed by two frost giants. Now remember we were supposed to be friendly mercenaries, this doesn't quiet work when you have a Paladin and a psychotic dwarf in the group. Before we knew it, we had the two frost giants to deal with; as well as 3 drow archers and a drow mage. Thanks Pinky and Perky, your diplomacy skills are nearly as good as the legendary Skully. While the dwarf and paladin dealt with the giants, Shade threw up a wind wall to stop the archers. Meanwhile Easson called on his god, directing the wrath of his god on the mage; causing them to freeze in mid-casting. From there is was just a matter of dealing with the giants, sadly Connor decided to use his magical jumping ring to leap onto the roof behind the mage. Now I am all for disposing of the enemy, even if they are held. However, I think even I would have problems with pushing the mage off the roof; while they are still held in a spelled embrace. What is wrong with the good old slitting their throat? It's quick, painless and if your stood behind them; your laundry bill is cheaper. Sadly Connor decided that he would torture the drow mage, forcing them to watch as the ground rushed up to them; unable to move even a finger to cushion the 40 foot fall. Mind you, he paid for this; once the mage was gone the drow archers started to blink out. The last one grabbed Connor and teleported to an unknown location.

Quickly returning to the hideout, we found out where they take prisoners. Gearing up and heading out, we soon found the watch house where he was being held. I've never been part of a jailbreak, but I have to say ours has to be the most unusual I have ever heard about. Of note was the fact that a part of Waterdeep, now looks like a forest; thanks to an illusion from Tanann. I'm just grateful we got Connor back, as we seem to have lost the Elven fighter. He just up and left one night with no explanation. I feel sad about it really, I felt there was a connection between us; perhaps my beloved will return one day. Maybe the fates will allow us one day to be together, if not; then I will have such fond memories of them.

This is the last chapter of the journal, however as usual I got a little carried away. So I am breaking it into three parts - Temple, Final Battle & The End.

Long Weary Road

With Connor now free, the next few days seemed to fly by, with preparations and plans for the assault on the former temple of Mystra. Accepting our assurances, that we would do everything in our power to grant their desire; the beholder organised a diversion outside the temple. It was hoped this would draw away enough of the guards, to let us slip into the temple. The night before we departed, I couldn't sleep. My thoughts were on the one I loved, wondering where they were and whether they were finally finding the peace they sought. They hadn't come to me in several days, so I was worried I guess. Fear that something had happened to them, or that they had come to some sort of harm. All I knew, was that I wasn't going to let them down; not this close to the goal.

I must have slept at some point, as light was just flickering through the boarded up windows. While the drow didn't need lighting in the city streets; their humanoid minions certainly did. With the curfew in place, we felt it best to attack at dusk; when the lighting would be poor for both humanoid and dark dwellers. The temple was situated to one side of a vast open plaza, with various streets leading off to other parts of the city. As the sun sunk behind the building behind us, we heard a loud roaring, screaming commotion coming from the far side of the plaza. What few guards there were, instantly headed off in that direction. I caught glimpses of a large group of people, torches and weapons raised in defiance of the guards who advanced on them. By the time we gained the relative safety of the doorway, the mob had run back a little; taunting the guards to chasing them. With the guard safely out of the way, we entered the temple. This was just the first step, on a very long road for us.

Dispatching the guards in the lobby, we moved further and deeper into the heart of the enemy. Encountering demons, drow and all manner of other creatures; we battled and fought our way steadily through the temple. It took all of our resources and ingenuity, to reach the final goal of our quest. The steady thrumming of chanting coming from up ahead warned us ahead of time, that we were close. The Paladin, positively reeled from the evil emanating from ahead of us. Knowing that we might need the ring, we attempted to retrieve it from the bag of holding. It was at that moment, we learned of the changes that had occurred to Prior Easson; since the death of Jihana. Perhaps it was the guilt or maybe just his dark side emerging, whatever the cause; the presence of evil came from him as well. Upon opening the bag of holding, an explosion rocked the room; as a ward Prior Easson had placed on the bag; was activated. Unfortunately I was one of the ones holding the bag at the time, as a small ball of fire exploded in my face. To say I was miffed, is an understatement. One doesn't expect his companions to set wards on something; without warning us in advance. Finally freeing the ring from the box, we encountered our next problem. How were we to get the ring out of a warded box, set by a Grand Master mage? Like most problems, we resorted to brute force and ignorance. Between the paladin and the dwarf, we eventually managed to smash the 'box' which was in essence a wall of force spell.

Final Battle

Any act of subterfuge was gone, with the ring free and in the open; we knew the forces of the Underdark would know we were right on their doorstep. Not that we had much choice about the matter, as the ring immediately started to drag Shade down the corridor towards the chanting. As we exited the corridor, we were confronted by a daunting sight, one that will live with me for the rest of my life. In this massive room, there were about a dozen drow priestesses; the source of the chanting we had heard. Just above and behind them a massive swirling vortex pulsed, easily 20 feet across it throbbed with waves of evil energy. However it was not the chanting priestesses, that worried us the most. About 150 feet in front of us, stood the prophersised albino drow; beside her a drow warrior stood ready to defend her. Our attention was however, diverted by the huge white dragon that could easily have eaten the dwarf as a snack. “So the brave fool have arrived at last, I hope you brought the ring with you; would be a shame to come all this way without it.” her evil gaze swept over us all; resting on Shade who held the ring. “Give up the ring, perhaps I will be merciful and let you live long enough to see the return of our God.” When none of us moved to comply, battle was at last joined. The drow warrior, immediately raced up the sloping path towards us. His inhuman speed, warning us that this foe could well be spelled with some form of speed enchantment. Despite his speed, we had bigger things to worry about; namely a big nasty dragon with bad breath. As we were on a higher level to the drow, the dragon swooped in and hovered over the edge of the ridge. Krugen and the paladin, immediately moving into engage it. Knowing that preservation of the clerical members was paramount, I quickly cast Mirror Image. It might have been the vortex, but the spell wasn't as good as it usually is. Not to be downhearted, I moved over to the paladin and dwarf; casting haste on them to perhaps counter the drow warrior. All around me spells were flying and the clash of steel on steel and flesh resounded. The albino drow turned out to be a mage as well, which was pretty evident when suddenly confronted by 6 copies of the same abomination. Not to be outdone, she also turned her skin a grey; rocky colour. With the paladin and the dwarf appearing to be but blurs to the rest of us, they soon forced the dragon to back away to the floor below. That was when the warrior moved in, engaging Krugen in a fight; that resembled nothing more then a whirling of deadly blades. Twin scimitars and flame trailing axes flying at super speeds, would have been amazing to watch; had we not got other problems.

Connor, in his usual trademark style took to the air; intent on coming to land on the dragon's back. Wings still moving as it landed, Connor must have been blown by a stray gust of wind; landing heavily beside the beast. Meanwhile Tanann and Shade flanked the drow warrior, moving cautiously down the slope towards the mage. Prior Easson had seemingly disappeared, when suddenly I spotted him slowly rising up out of the stone floor. Running out of memorised spells, I moved closer to the edge of the ridge, pulling from the bag we held scrolls a spell called Earthen Grasp. Directing it at the dragon, I had hoped to hold it in place; to give us time to deal with the drow warrior. Sadly, the dragon; perhaps sensing the magic; shifted at the last second. Cursing loudly I reached for another scroll at random coming away with one called Blindness. By this time the warrior was down, having been sliced to pieces by Krugen and Drake the Paladin. As my companions headed down the slope I stayed were I was, so that I would have a commanding position in which to attack. Tanann reach the drow mage by this time, using his spelled weapon trying to hit the real person; not a copy of the drow.

With the warrior down, it was looking like the fight was going our way. Shade pulled a scroll from his bag, his loud voice could be heard even from where I stood. Before he had even finished casting, a blinding white arc of light tore from his finger and smashed in to the dragon. Its death cries shaking the cavern, small stones and debris clattering down on us; as its huge body crashed to the ground. Our cries of delight were short lived though, the drow mage was still causing problems; protected by her spells she would still be a formidable foe. As the rest of my companions hurried to engage her, I took another scroll; taking a short breath I began casting. Small blazing rocks suddenly appeared before me, five in all I sent them hurtling towards the drow. 3 missed by miles, but two struck their target true and painfully. One of the copies winked out of existence, so I knew one of the rocks had hit the drow. Knowing that I would have to move soon, I started to head towards the slope. As I reached the top, a resounding concussion rocked me backwards. When the spots had cleared from my eyes, I saw 3 bodies on the ground; Prior Easson, Drake and Shade. I raced down the slope then, checking all of them; I found only Drake and Shade clung to life still. Prior Easson, dear companion though the short months that I have known him; was gone. Memories flooded my thoughts, where they came from I wasn't sure; but there were certainly not ones that I had experienced. A deep sadness filled me at his death, unbidden and unchecked it filled me with rage. Grabbing Shades slightly singed and smoking bag, I rummaged in it for another scroll. Distracted as I was, I didn't see the mage turn to Krugen, raise her slender white finger and utter a single word. One minute Krugen was swinging, axe arcing in towards her neck; as it trailed fire behind the blade. The next, a pile of dust; swirling in the current of air his axe had caused. Gone, no flash no bang; just wiped out like he had never existed. When I had looked up, scroll in hand; I saw there was but two of our band left; Tanann and myself. Connor seemed to have fallen unconscious from his wounds, so it was going to be do or die.

Perhaps my anger caused it, or maybe there was some unseen force working through me. I took the scroll in my hands, began to speak the mystical words upon it. As the power built within me, my voice became louder; deeper somehow as I looked up at the drow; I could actually see fear in her eyes. Hand slowly rising from my side, eyes still locked with hers; I uttered the last syllables of the spell. An arc of hot scintillating light flew from my hand, flying straight and true to strike the drow dead centre of her chest. Her body flew back, arms wind-milling and then coming to rest several feet away; a smoking crater in her lifeless body.

Last entry - I just want to say, that I have enjoyed writing these so much. Its been a chore at times, but worth it for the depth that it has given both Jihana and Faldmir. I think without the journal, the characters wouldn't have been as much fun. So to the finale, I hope you enjoy.

Is this the end?

I didn't notice at first, I think I was still stunned by all that had happened. The chanting had stopped, the priestesses had fallen as silent as their mage. Tanann laid his hand on my shoulder “Come my friend, we must see to the others; our grief must wait for a short while” his voice soothing the burning rage inside of me. Looking up, I could see the priestesses, clustered to one side of the cavern, indecision written in their faces. Waving my scimitar in the direction of the exit, I screamed at them to get out; not bothering to watch as they scurried up the slope. Using what potions and spells we had left, we revived Connor, Shade and Drake. There was nothing we could do with Prior Easson, his body badly burned and broken; was beyond our help. I said a silent prayer to Mieliki to accept him into her embrace; as the brave man he was. Gathered near the location where the vortex had been forming, we discussed our options. To complete the ceremony to destroy the ring, we had needed two priests. With Easson gone, it was now impossible for us to do this. Shade by this time had wandered off, began to suddenly cry out excitedly. Hurrying over to the body of the drow mage, we found Shade looting the body. In his hands were two scrolls, which after Tanann had looked at them; proclaimed them to be resurrection spells. The Gods were truly looking out for us, the means to bring Prior Easson back from the dead; was within our grasp. Tanann wasn't so sure about Krugen, having seen the spell cast by the drow; he believed it disintegrated his body. He wasn't sure we could bring Krugen back, from the pile of dust that remained of him. However, we weren't going to give up that easily. Carrying Easson's body down the slope, Tanann cast the first scroll. I have to say, it was not a sight I would want to see; more then once. Bones cracked as they knitted together, flesh seemed to heal almost instantly; before a sudden rasping gasp of life shuddered through Easson's body. As he slowly stood up, he bowed gently to us all, perhaps knowing what we had done. As we turned to what was left of Krugen, Tanann began to chant softly. The dust swirled upwards, a small tornado of debris slowly expanding to the height and width of a dwarf. As the chanting intensified, so the dust seemed to take on a life of its own. Swirling and flying all over the place, almost as if the pieces that were Krugen; were trying to find their proper places. It seemed to take longer then with Prior Easson, but with a sudden popping bang; Krugen eventually stood before us. Unfortunately, the sight of a naked dwarf will stay with me for the rest of my life. We may have resurrected Krugen, but sadly his belongs were gone forever.

Our party whole once more, we quickly prepared the ceremony. Easson and Tanann stood facing each other, the ring of winter; now silent resting in their hands. I hardly heard it at first, the soft breathless chanting they both uttered. As time went on, their voices rose and fell, as the power of the ceremony built in intensity. Soon their voices reverberated throughout the cavern, the ring once resting motionless; had suddenly started to jostle and shake. By the time Tanann and Easson were shouting out, imploring their respective Gods; the ring had risen up spinning in every direction. As I looked on a glow seemed to emanate from the ring, growing brighter and more blinding as the ceremony progressed. Soon it was just too bright to look at directly, which is why I saw it happen. Prior Easson, stood to one side chanting loudly now, reached into his robes. I watch in horror as he slide a dagger out, crying out to his God; before plunging the dagger into his own heart. Before he had even crumpled to ground, the light had given one last pulsing burst of light; before a dazzling explosion of colour washed through the cavern. Blinded and a little stunned, I stumbled to my feet slowly. Looking to where Easson lay, I could see the dagger protruding from his chest, blood slowly starting to pool beneath him. I couldn't understand it at all, there was no reason or explanation to it all. He sacrificed his life to destroy the ring, when we knew only a single drop of blood; from one of pure heart was needed. Shaking my head in wonder, I caught sight of them standing where the ring had spun madly; moments before. My beloved, the one I loved; was here stood not 5 feet from me. I took a faltering step towards them, amazement and wondering suddenly filling my heart with utter joy. Kneeling before them, I looked up into those gorgeous green eyes “My beloved, we finally meet at last”

Jihana looked down at Faldmir, a sly smile on her lips as she saw the devoted expression in his face. Reaching down and pulling him towards her, she kissed him gently; pulling back a little to look at him. “The Goddess has granted me this life again, she felt that such courage and bravery should have its own rewards. She also said the fight against evil has only been halted, but with brave and courageous companions; anything is possible.” She looked then at the others, the ones who had been with her all those months before; Stout and sturdy Krugen, dependable in a fight against any foe. Connor, acrobat and adventurer extrodinaire; always looking for that next beast to ride. Drake, holy warrior and stalwart of his faith; nice hair too. Tanann, mystical priest; with a quiet thoughtful demeanour. Shade, sneaky, devious and someone you definitely don't want to mess with. Her eyes fell on Easson, brave soul, who in the end did what he felt was the right thing. As she knelt beside him, she laid a hand on his forehead “Find peace my friend, know that I shall always remember you.”

Standing once more, she turned towards the ramp; looking over her shoulder at the others. “Well, shall we go see what trouble we can get into?”

Ah superb stuff, I really liked that. Well written sir, a fitting end to the campaign!