The Journal of Aegis Anvilbane (Part 2)

Day 3:

Yesterday’s memories are black at best, the rest are shameful and full of pain. I remember battle cries and filthy, treacherous, lizard-men rushing our virtuous party from their stinking hiding places just off the road. Mighty Moradin knows I tried to fend them off and protect myself, stoic and steadfast in the face of their onslaught, as my great lord himself would have been, but I had neither his strength nor resolve to withstand my foes. Moradin forgive me for failing you and my companions in that time of urgency. Next comes a drifting in and out of consciousness, I vaguely remember Korrok standing next to me shouting a prayer to Kord while trying to fend off the voracious vermin and help my pitiful self, I slip away into darkness again. My fitful sleep finally dispersing, I woke up in a room, everything hurt, most of all my pride. Perhaps I should have paid more attention to Grandma and Grandpa when I was a young lad, I miss the comfort and strength they always lent me through their sturdy presence. This bleak world affords little time for such soft thoughts, merciful Moradin pardon my moment of weakness.

After my requisite morning prayers and (hopefully) gaining absolution from my powerful Lord, I ate a sobering breakfast at the inn with my saviours. They filled me in on what had happened during the battle and with their help the fog over yesterday rolled back a little, though not much. Two things were of particular interest during that conversation: Erdran had deserted our group for the forest, reinforcing my first, if biased, opinions of that pointy-eared, light-footed, prancing, need I go on? Thundering Moradin’s beard! A pox on Elves and their fickleness! More importantly, Lord Padraig of Winterhaven has requested our help with their Kobold problem. Relishing the chance to seek retribution and justice against their vile deeds, I whole-heartedly endorsed the party’s decision to find and root out the source of their strength and succor in the area.

Invigorated by our rest and meal, resolved to find our old mentor, our honest company set out down that dangerous road towards the Dragon’s burial ground. The journey gave me chills and I found myself jumping at shadows in the undergrowth, righteous Moradin, grant me the resolve to see these tasks through. Upon reaching the burial grounds, we happened across another group of ‘adventurers’. I was uneasy and so was everyone else, save perhaps Korrok (the lad’s solid like stone, but about as bright and observant as it as well, though I suppose Kord has his reasons for anointing him) and after a short parley, our suspicions proved true as this group of brigands attempted to ambush and kill us. Beneficent Moradin blessed us with the will and tenacity to overcome their assault, choosing my hammer as his instrument to smite the Halfling, as a smith would smite so much iron in the forge. It was enthralling! I could feel his power and strength guiding and reinforcing my blows! Following the skirmish, Moradin be praised, we found Douven Staul! After releasing him from his bonds he informed us that he had been waylaid by these same brigands and taken prisoner by them. He thanked us generously, rewarded our triumphant efforts with his magic amulet, and left for Fallcrest. After I dedicated the souls of those slain to my mighty Lord, we collected the rest of our ‘treasure’ and headed back to Winterhaven to celebrate our victory and count our coins.

Day 4:

Rich, both in spirit and gold, I had a wonderful evening full of camaraderie and ale. Moradin be praised indeed! Our party, knowing Douven to be safe, turned our attention to Winterhaven’s Kobold issue. After morning prayers and a meal we set out to the Southeast in hopes of finding the Kobold’s stronghold. Not too long into our journey, our intrepid company happened across a scenic valley with a beautiful waterfall; truly the Earth Carver graced this place with his touch. While enjoying our surroundings, we were not so ignorant or absent-minded to detect the ambush set for us, by more nefarious and treacherous Kobolds. Truly we were favoured by Moradin this day as we vanquished them in an almost complete rout! Their forces swept before our cleansing presence! It looks as though my generous Lord has blessed my companions and myself with an abundance of good hunting! Onwards for the glory of Moradin!