The adventurers arranged for transportation by boat from Westkeep to Longspear. The total fare was a bargain: ninety gold pieces for the adventurers and any freed captives who desired to accompany them. Those who came from Westkeep remained in the town. "We can never thank you enough," said Tovar, on behalf of the Westkeep contingent. "There’ll be songs sung about your deeds for years to come." The other locals nodded and called out their agreement.
Hamlost chose to go with the adventurers back to Longspear. "Nothing in particular to keep me in Hokar," he explained. "Change o’ scenery’ll do me good." "Especially after our recent scenery!" said Garn, to the amusement of all.
The two lizardmen decided to make their way back to their homes in the Hool Marshes, since they were in the opposite direction from the route to Longspear. "Lizardmen always friends of Adam and his tribe," said Sskaa. "We meet again, we help!" he promised.
Azod had disappeared shortly after the group’s arrival in Westkeep. "Well, how’s that for gratitude?" Troy had observed at the time. "Scarlet Brotherhood," Zzyggy said. "We’re best rid of him anyway. Nothing but trouble."
The drow (whose name the adventurers learned was Laelqos) also decided to leave Westkeep on his own. "Sunlight hurts," he said. "Although not as much as the acid caress of a black pudding. Or Areg’s lash," the drow added, referring to the cult leader whose initiation ceremony the group had interrupted. He had been captured in the vicinity of Lake Spendlowe, where he had been hunting, alone as was his wont, being an outcast from his place of origin in the Underdark. When Zzyggy asked where that was, Laelqos replied, "Best if you didn’t know."
He mentioned "the priestesses," who had taught that non-drow were fit only to be slaves or sacrifices to the Spider Queen. "They would be surprised, I think," he said, "to learn that humans, and gnomes, and especially a halfling and a half-elf, had rescued one of us. As was I, I must admit." He nodded to Tovar and Hamlost. "Most likely, they would consider them foolish for doing so, and doubly foolish for not requiring a tremendous sum for their efforts."
The drow paused a moment in thought. "That opinion I do not share," he admitted. "But then, since essentially being driven out of my home by those same priestesses, I have come to question much of what I was taught by them." Laelqos would say no more on the subject after that.
Plong, Alca, Bolin and Liriel decided to accompany the adventurers on their journey back to Longspear as far as they could; they would disembark near the Tors, the Little Hills, and the Dreadwood, respectively. "I will always be at your service," said the grateful Liriel, "should you ever need me. You will be welcome in the Dreadwood wherever we rangers are present."
At length, the reduced group departed Westkeep. After about eight days, having stopped ad several points to drop off those lining along the way, the group arrived safely at Longspear.
Almost as soon as they got off the boat, the adventurers sought out some of the local citizens who had provided them with information about the missing individuals. All were thrilled to learn of the party’s successful rescue operation. A number of prominent citizens offered to reward them for their efforts, and their offers were happily accepted. The freed captives themselves missed no opportunity to sing the praises of adventurers, at length and, more often than not, wildly exaggerated! All of the adventures saw their reputations improve significantly.
About a month later, the adventurers were once again gathered at the Gargoyle Tavern, quaffing a few cold ones. Someone approached their table: a beautiful young woman, in wizard’s garb. Human female. Tall, about five foot nine. Well-built, especially where it counted. Long, full black hair, brown eyes, fair complexion. Overall, quite attractive.
Zzyggy waved to his fellow spell-caster. "What brings you to the Gargoyle Tavern, young miss?"
The woman responded, "Are you Zzyggy, by any chance?"
"I am the mighty Zzyggy!" boasted the gnome, "known throughout the land, slayer of the orc priest, slayer of the calzone, slayer of every monster known to man, elf, dwarf or gnome! Green slimes, gray oozes, ochre jellies too!"
Adam rolled his eyes as the gnome bragged of his deeds, real or imagined. Troy threw down his necklace of monster teeth. "Yes, and I’m the man with the big weapon," he winked at the woman. "Troy’s the name."
"You call that a weapon?" exclaimed Adam, pointing at Troy’s mace. He drew his sword and laid it on the table. "That’s a weapon!" The barbarian then turned to the woman and introduced himself. "Adam, at your service," he said, in his most polite tone. The woman was very attractive.
"Wonderful!" squealed the woman, "I’ve found all three of you. My name is Chantal. I hear you’ve had some experience crossing the Hool Marshes."
"Yes we have," Zzyggy responded, "and we have no desire to return to that wretched place, vilest on Oerth!"
"Really?" said Chantal, surprised by the boastful gnome’s view. "Do you all share that opinion?"
"Why would we want to go back to that marsh?" asked Adam. Troy nodded his agreement with the barbarian.
"Perhaps I can make it worth your while," the woman offered. "I have a mission that requires a venture into the Hool Marshes. Your experience in crossing the marshes would serve you well in this endeavor."
Zzyggy pondered the woman’s proposal. "We’d need the services of a cleric with remove disease, to deal with the vile illnesses that fester in that marsh," he said at last.
Chantal smiled at the gnome’s more positive response. "That can be arranged, if you are interested in my mission," she answered.
The three adventurers conferred briefly. Then Zzyggy continued. "OK, what is this mission that requires a return to those vile swamps?"
"I have a wizard colleague who is researching a new spell," Chantal explained. "The spell is a new defense against undead. He tells me that he needs a special ingredient: the corpse flower.
"The corpse flower only blooms a brief time each year. It only occurs in a few swampy and tropical areas. One such area is known to be the Hool Marshes," Chantal said. "Along the southern edge of the Dreadwood. About 175 miles as the crow flies from Longspear to the area where the flowers might occur."
"What does this spell do?" asked Adam, curious to know what it was that would justify a return to the Hook Marshes.
"Not your concern," Chantal answered curtly. "It defends against undead. That’s all you need to know."
"And what’s in it for us?" Adam asked.
"An ample reward, in gold and magic," replied Chantal. "If you prove worthy of the mission, there may be further rewards."
After an at times vigorous discussion, the adventurers decided to accept the mission. "Splendid!" exclaimed Chantal excitedly, almost girlishly. "I will arrange to provide a cleric for you. She’ll have access to curing magic and remove disease. She will also be able to cast gentle repose on the flower, to keep it from spoiling."
Having taken on Chantal’s mission, the adventurers prepared for the long and dangerous journey. They stocked up on potions, rations and other gear. They then returned to their quarters for the night.
Before dawn the next morning, Chantal met the party and introduced them to her cleric friend. "This is Chani," said Chantal. "I am happy to meet you," said Chani graciously. "I have heard so much about you. I’m sure our mission will be successful." The three adventurers likewise introduced themselves, and asked Chani about herself.
The young cleric was 22 years old, shorter than Chantal at about five foot five, slim, green eyed, long red hair tied back in a ponytail. Armed with a longsword and longbow, wearing studded leather armor. She was a fourth-level cleric of Hieroneous.
After the introductions, the augmented party boarded a boat from Longspear to the southern end of the Little Hills, about 75 miles down the Javan River. Having embarked about 5 am, they arrived at their destination at about 8pm, and promptly headed east into the Dreadwood.
About two hours and five miles later, the party made camp. Adam and Zzyggy took the watches. Nothing disturbed the party overnight.
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