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• Aros – Lightfoot Halfling, Rogue
• Galiena Erenaeth – Half Elf, Celestial Warlock / Druid
• Baldur – Human, Pack Chain Warlock (Spear)
  • Hellina Kaitlyn Deramu – Human NPC, Wererat
• Wickedstraza – Dragonborn (Bronze), Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline) – Not present

Baldur approaches Galiena and says, “OK, when you came down in your new dress the other night – it was too crazy. Too many men were trying to get your attention. We need to do something about this. Make it more manageable.”

Galiena looks at Baldur and asks, “And how do you propose we do that?”

Hellina tells Baldur, “Speaking of making things more manageable, with Galiena’s name sounding so much like mine, I’d rather I just go by my middle name, Kaitlyn.”

Baldur turns, and nods, “Sure thing Helli – that is, Kaitlyn!” He then turns back to Galiena, fingers rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “You need to get all dolled up again in that dress, so we can get you on the stage downstairs so people can see the prize they’re going to win!”

Galiena blushes, “I am not sure I like being called a prize.“

Baldur uses Minor Illusion to make it look like he’s wearing Circus Attire, “We’re not giving you away – I mean, we are – but you still get to have the final say!” He smiles, “We’re not seeing who wins you, we’re seeing who is good enough for you!“

Galiena looks at Baldur, “How… will this contest work?”

Balur smiles, “Well, we will do a talent show! And then from the batch of men (and maybe women?) who enter – you pick your top three! And you ask them questions – like Where would you take me on a date? kind of questions!”

Aros adds, “We should have them require an entrance fee! The money goes into a pool – where half of it goes to their date, and the other half to the party.”

The party then puts a sign up sheet on the wall, with a jar below as an entrance fee, with Aros guarding the jar to ensure those who sign up do indeed pay the fee. In the meantime, Baldur runs upstairs and gets his outlandish outfit (see Session 5 for more) and jumps on the stage, shouting, “Step right up! Who here remembers the beautiful Galiena from the other night? I know you do,” Baldur points to several men who clamoured around Galiena the previous night when she’d come down in her dress (see Session 5 for more). Baldur continues, “I know you want her – this is your chance – if you’re good enough! Who here has what it takes? If you think you’re good enough – the sign up paper is right there, with our good friend, Aros! Make sure to read the fine print!” (One Gold Entry Fee) He continues, “You will need to show off your physical skills, your mental skills and your good looks if you hope to win the chance to go on a date with our very own Lady Galiena!”

“For the one who wins – you will get part of the entry pot to pay for your date,” Baldur adds.

Sixteen people quickly sign up for the chance to win a date with Galiena. Baldur gestures towards Galiena sitting on the stage, who says, “I would like to wish you all well and the best of luck! I am eager to see who shall win the date with me!”

Baldur looks at the list given to him by Aros and calls out, “Waesyn Oakenpath – step right up!”

A large, muscular, burly human and says, in a very thick accent that Galiena immediately recognizes as coming from the small island of Thalaustrea. “Listen here,” he says in his thick accent. “I have the muscles to protect you.” And then he promptly flexes his muscles, for which he does appear to be quite strong. However, one of the bards out in the crowd shouts, “I’ve gotten a bigger muscle where it counts!”

Unaffected by the heckling, Waesyn continues to flex his muscles.

Baldur calls out the next name, “Genren Quinnen! Come on up to the stage and see if you can do better than Waesyn!”

He far more slender human approaches the stage, with an instrument on his back, which he slings over his shoulder to grab and begin playing a melody on his six stringed instrument. As he plays, he begins singing a song –

The skies of grey
Have hidden the light of day
For many years
The skies have remained unclear.
But then I saw you
As you came down the stairs
And I knew
My heart I must bare!
You pierce the darkness
With but a simple smile
It’s is your caress
That sends me soaring for miles!

He does a good job on the stage, used to performing for an audience. He bows and exits the stage.

Baldur looks at the sheet, and then out to the crowd and calls out, “Varyn Summerwish!”

A large, muscular barbarian that came from the frozen north of the main continent, in stinky furs, raises his arms, “I am stronger than Waesyn!” He tries to prove this by grabbing a board and smashing it over his head – however, Varyn only manages to knock himself out (Critical Fail on Strength check!) Waesyn jumps up and points at Varyn, and drags him down the stairs, not even being gentle about it, and throwing him into the crowd.

“Next up! Rolyn Moonfall!” Baldur shouts.

A human, dressed in a red robe, grey hair falling out from his shadowed hood, and his eyes glow like feline. “I will bring you magic!” However, his light show goes askew as the lights whirl around out of control before he reigns it back in.

“Uh, that was… great… next up,” Baldur calls out, “is Tilmad Sabor!“

A young Half-Elf approaches (DM Note – I called on Aros to see how this NPC responds) who says, “My lady, I will put on a show for you. Que the music please,” as Bards begin playing, Tilmad tears off his shirt and begins dancing.

“OK, bringing on the talent show a little early! Nice showing Tilmad! But next up we have Balgun Sternrest!“

An Elf Ranger, slides onto the stage. “My lady, I would escort you through the wonders of this island and protect you from the dangers as we went from coast to coast, to see the wonders this island has to offer – together.” He describes the lands – and speaks about Lake Kelnor – and how he longs to hear her heartbeat next to his. (Natural 20 on Nature Check)

Galiena asks, “How would we get there?”

Balgun smiles, “I wouldn’t let you walk. I have horses here – I would let you ride, while I walked.”

Galiena smiles contently.

Waesyn sees this and folds his bulky arms across his chest in disappointment. Baldur looks to Waseyn and says, “You’re still my bro, but you can see where this is going.”

“Next to the stage – it’s going to be rough beating that is Cram Drenstone!” Baldur calls out.

“It’s Kharam Drenstone,” the elf explains as he climbs up onto the stage; more muscular than the previously elf, with a longsword at his side. (DM Note – I had Aros answer for Kharam) “My lady,” the fighter elf, who clearly has taken some hits to the head says, “I’ve not much to say – but take a look at my shoe size. And you know what humans say about shoe size.”

The entire crowd is silent as they look amongst each other. Baldur cuts the silence, “Well, he has big shoes! Might need a cobbler specialist! Ahem, next on the list is Inalin Boltbelt!”

A young gnome Illusionist approaches the stage and says, “I’ve made a gift for you!” And he releases a mechanical owl.

The mechanical owl flies around her doing an assortment of neat tricks.

The crowd cheers. Baldur nods, “That is pretty cool! All right – next up we have Ibapen Cobblesong! OH – and look at that – looks like we have another bard in our midst!”

A young gnome with a lute climbs onto the stage and clears his throat. (DM Note – Once again I call on Aros to see what this NPC says!) who says, “My lady! Not only will I serinate you each night – which, with these clouds – it’s always night – but I am good with my fingers so I can give you a nice, long, hard, sensual… massage.” He then goes into a song about how the ocean pounds the sand, hard, over and over, repeatedly, washing him over with wetness. It becomes very clear that he’s turned the song into a sexual reference (Great Performance).

Baldur looks at Ibapen and then looks down at the paper, “Yes, well. OK – next is Samorn Bubblespot!“

Another Gnome approaches the stage in armor, that’s clearly oversized – and yet does some amazing sword work (Great Performance Check)

Waesyn grumbles – loudly – about how he could kick Samorn across the room.

Baldur looks at the sheet, “All right – let’s move on before a fight breaks out – next we have Wenzu Swiftstride!”

A halfling Cleric approaches the stage (DM Note – called on Aros to answer as this NPC) and says, “I am a local mountain climber! I will take you to new heights and show you the ropes -“

At this, Baldur, Aros and Galiena all cringe due to Galiena’s developed fear of climbing with ropes (See Session 3 and Galiena’s horrible rolls trying to use rope – and eventually being rendered unconscious). Wenzu sees that he’s clearly said something wrong – and tries to recover – but fumbles over his words (Pesuasion at Disadvantage – both rolls land on 5) and he is quickly escorted off the stage.

Baldur watches Wenzu get ushered off the stage then resorts back to his list, “Next up we have Gorik Teabottle,” Baldur sees another halfling approaching the stage, and adds, “and by the looks of his armor – we have a Paladin here!”

Gorik bows deeply (or as deeply as a halfling can bow) and says, “My lady, I would call upon the gods to protect you; but I fear that there is none more beautiful than you – even among the gods – for you… are an angel.” Everyone cringes because a Paladin saying someone is more beautiful than all the gods – can often envoke a curse upon the beautiful person being compared to the gods. Gorik is quickly ushered off the stage.

“These halflings, man,” Baldur shakes his head. “Next up we have Norvon Dancemoon!” Baldur looks and sees another halfling approaching the stage and sighs.

Norvon says (DM Note – this time I called on Baldur to speak as Norvon – I mostly tagged Aros because Baldur was getting a lot of speaking as the announcer – but though it’d be fun to get everyone involved), “As a Warlock, I may have sold my soul, but you’re the only one who can have my heart!” He then ignites the ground around him in the form of a heart, but rapidly loses control (Critical Fail on Arcana) who manages to also catch his robes on fire and is pulled off the stage – pantless, in his “Star Undies” – with several buckets of water (probably more than what was needed) thrown on him.

Baldur shakes his head, and looks at Aros, “Are all of your people like this?” As employees of the tavern quickly run around with buckets of water trying to put out the small fire on the stage.

“We don’t have anymore halflings who entered this right, Aros?” Baldur calls out after the flames are put out. “Because we may need to nix them.” Aros confirms there’s no other halflings – but adds, that not all of his people are like this – this is just a very poor display of circumstance that makes it look that way.

“Good to know,” Baldur sighs. “All right – now that that excitement is over – next on the list is Ramgor Demun!“

A well fit human, with dark, tan, bronzed skin steps onto the stage. In a gruff voice he says, “I am from the Gold Coast – what most simply call the Broken Lands. I have seen wastelands; deserts barren; I have seen hopelessness all around me. But when I look at you, I see forests green and growing; I see springs of water to quench the thirsts of the body; and I see, what I can only assume, is love.” (Also exceptional rolls)

Waesyn growls, “Yeah! Whatever!”

“Impressive,” Baldur says, seeing Galiena’s eyes light up. “But next up we have Akursa!“

Surprisingly – a very stunning and beautiful Tiefling woman steps on the stage!

Baldur can’t help supress his smile as he says, “What do we have here? A little variety perhaps?”

Akursa smiles and says (DM Note – Once again called on Aros to see what this NPC would say), “Roses are red and violets are blue, and I just so happen to have a crush on you.” She goes on to say about how a woman knows a woman’s body.

Baldur smiles back and forth between Akursa and Galiena, wiggling his eye brows, before he looks down at the sheet, “Well, we have one more! Kavium step right up!”

A male Tiefling paladin stands on the stage, “I may have come from the depths of Hell, but when I see you, I see only Heaven. Someone in your bloodline, surly there must be Aasmir.”

“Give it up!” Waesyn calls out from the crowd. “The halfling already tried that ‘you’re from angels’ line!”

However, as Kavium continues to talk, the crowd cheers! Waesyn shakes his head.

Baldur smiles, “Thank you everyone! Galiena is going to narrow down here choices!”

After fiften minutes, Baldur returns to the stage, “All right! Galiena has narrowed down Round 2 to seven people! So – up to the stage, we need to see Waesyn, and -“

Waesyn cheers loudly and jumps on the stage, flexing. “I am the clear choice! No one else need come up here! Her choice is made.”

“You’re a great choice,” Baldur adds. “But there’s more! Balgun Sternrest, Ianlin Boltbelt, Ipaben Cobblesong, Samorn Bubblespot, Ramgor Denmun and Kavium!”

The others climb onto the stage, but Waesyn continues to flex trying to take up as much space on the stage, making the other cluttered together.

For the second round, Galiena says, “This is a question for everyone. If you were to win the date with me – where would we go? What would we do?”

Waesyn answers first, “My lady! If you were to go out with me,” and he flexes, “I would show you what it’s like to date a human! Not someone as frail as an elf,” as his eyes fall on Balgun on the stage next to him, “or as short as a gnome,” he gazes at all three gnomes who made it, “and can be trusted – unlike the demon kind,” and his eyes fall on Kavium. “I would show you what it’s like to be loved, and embraced, in these arms!” as he continues to flex.

Galiena asks, “OK – but where would we go on this date?”

Waesyn smiles and looks over at Balgun and looks back to Galiena and replies, “There is a lake just to the north of Felhorn called Lake Kelnor where we could sit together and enjoy one another’s company, next to the lake!”

Balgun is seen clearly fuming that Waesyn essentially took Balgun’s previous answer.

Galiena recognizes what Waesyn has done and prods him further, “At the lake, what would we be discussing?”

“Well, with you – and how beautiful you are – I’d probably talk about your hair, your eyes, your lips, your body, how that dress looks on you and probably off of you,” he adds with an odd wink and a smile.

Galiena looks a little flushed and smiles, “Thank you. Next is Balgun.”

Balgun sneers at Waesyn and then smiles back at Galiena and says, “I too would take you to the Lake to the north of Felhorn; however, I would not speak of how you look out of your dress; but rather, together, hand and hand, we would walk around the lake, and speak of the flowers that bloom, the gentle lap of the lake’s placid water, and admire the life in the lake; and like the flowers, you would help me bloom into the person I want to be.”

Waesyn shakes his head, “Sounds so elfy of you!”

Galiena asks, “Would we stay at the lake?”

Balgun replies, “We would stay at the lake as long as you wanted to. The date would not be about what I want, but rather what you want.”

Baldur gives out an, “Aww,” sound which has Waesyn looking at him and muttering, “I thought you were on my side.” Baldur gives Waesyn the thumbs up and then looks at Balgun and gives him puppy dog eyes.

Ianlin, who had made the mechanical owl (DM Note – called on Aros to answer) and says, “Unlike these chumps who are taking you to the same place – there’s a wonderful waterfall that not many know about” (DM Note – I made a note that somewhere on this island there is now a romantic waterfall!) “I would just want to get know you, the better I can fulfill your every desire.”

Galiena smiles and says, “But what are some things that interest you?”

“I love reading and learning how the world moves,” Ianlin says, as he does some magic tricks.

Ipaben replies on his turn, “I would take you to the manor that is just east of here! As a bard, I’ve heard some stories about the manor! You and I – together – drenched in excitement – exploring the cursed and abandoned manor!”

Galiena smiles, “Do you know the name of this manor?”

“Yes!” Ipaben replies, thinking she’s interested. “Starfall Manor – the home of this island’s fallen master, who apparently disappeared under – shall we say mysterious circumstances!”

“Should we encounter something dangerous there, what would you do?” Galiena asks.

He pulls out his stringed instrument and strums it, and says, “My lady, these fingers can take care of anything.”

Waseyn rolls his eyes.

Samorn steps up to the stage (DM Note – called on Baldur to answer) and says, “Well, I have more than a lute to protect you,” as the fighter pulls out his weapons and slahes at the air with them. “I wouldn’t take you to the lake – there’s monsters there. I could easily defend you; but I’d rather take you to the beach – far less monsters there.”

Galiena winces, recalling her encounter with the Sauhugin on the beach. (See Session 4 for more details) “Besides walk on the beach,” Galiena asks, “what would we do?”

Samorn chuckles, “Well I don’t think that’s appropiate to say in public,” as he winks at her.

Ramgor, from the Golden Coast (Broken Lands), he says, “My lady, where I come from – there is very little to see in terms of beauty. The lands are oceans of sands – and that sand gets everywhere. Here, there is only darkness and shadow – but you, you are a light. When my ship wrecked, I managed to save most of my money as well as my horses; so together, you and I could ride around on my horses – and the horses of the Golden Coast are powerful and strong, built to survive the endurance of the relentless heat of the Golden Coast, much like the men of those desolate lands.”

Waesyn mutters, “Yeah, well there ain’t no sand here.”

Balgun hisses back, “Except the entire beach that surrounds this island, dolt.”

Ramgor, unaware of the bickering between human and elf continues, “I don’t know the island very well; but I would love to explore it with you; and explore what you and I may have between us.”

“I’ve heard of many horrible creatures on this island; what would you do if you encountered them during our… exploring?” Galiena asks.

Ramgor smiles confidently, “First, have you ever been to the Golden Coast?”

Galiena shakes her head, “I’ve not,” noting that that had been where her, Baldur and Aros had originally been sailing to – in hopes of finding a way to break the bind that the evil wizard, Mordak, has on them.

“Let me tell you,” Ramgor explains. “Long ago, before most of the common written history; my lands were once green and plentiful. But madness took over an elf who sought to put an end to an orc army; and he called upon power he could not control. In the end, the land was ripped asunder – not only by the orcs – but by the forces of magic this elf sought to control. The gods gazed down – furious at what had happened – and punished all – destroying the green, plush lands, and burying them all beneath the sands of time. Entire cities, temples and pyramids were wiped out in seconds – few were spared. Arising from that, twisted by the magic that was already there – are creatures that even your nightmare could not imagine. I have stood against them and fought beasts that would make most men run.”

Waesyn injects, “I am not most men!”

Balgun mutters, “You’re hardly a man.”

Ramgor, yet again, unaware of the private bickering between Waesyn and Balgun continues, “So, my lady – it is in the very core of my being to stand and defend – and die – to defend that which I adore and love.”

Galiena tries to say something, stammers over her words and clears her throat, looking at Baldur – who announces Kavium.

Kavium says (DM Note – I called on Aros to speak as Kavium this time), “This land is dangerous where ever you go, I’ll just be honest.”

“Can demons even be honest?” Waesyn mutters beneath his breath.

“We will have a drink,” Kavium continues, pushing his devilish charms, “and from there, we would go up to the room and rather than explore the lands – we would explore each other.”

“If we go back to the room,” Galiena asks, “what would happen? Would get room service? A massage?”

“Anything your heart desires,” Kavium replies with a coy smile. “Anything.“

Galiena thanks those who that round; and begins looking at who she has left. After fifteen more minutes, she comes back and hands it to Baldur. She stands and clears her throat, “Well, since I appear to be stuck here for awhile – I have narrowed down to three different dates.”

Waesyn flexes, “Well, I know I’ve been selected.”

Galiena clears her throat, “The top three are Balgun,” she starts.

“The elf?” Waesyn laughs. “Then she definitely picked me.”

“Ramgor,” Galiena continues.

“Saving the best for last,” Waesyn chuckles.

“And Kavium,” Galiena concludes.

It takes Waesyn several minutes to realize no more names are going to be called and his jaw goes slack. Balgun pats him on the back, “Well isn’t that too bad,” he chuckles as he walks by. Waesyn goes to the bar and immediately begins pounding drinks back.

Galiena explains she will draw from a hat who will win the dates in order; spread over the week.

Kavium says, “Date me first – that way you won’t waste your time with the others.”

Aros approaches Baldur and says, “I wonder if we can get them to pay extra? Like if they donate to the date, they get more entries?”

Baldur nods, “I like it. Well, Balgun is a Ranger – so he lives off the land. Probably not much in the way of money there. The Tiefling Kavium appears to be a Paladin, they tend to donate all of their money. Ramgor, however – specificially mentioned he was quite rich. You might want to approach him.”

Aros approaches Ramgor who agrees, and pays 25 gold into Aros’ pocket to get his name drawn first. Finally names are drawn (rolled by % dice) with the results – Ramgor gets the first date, Kavium gets the second date, and Balgun gets the third date.

Aros then sneaks over to Balgun and says, “For a small price, I room with Galiena – I can steal one of her undergarments for you if you’re willing to pay.”

Recognizing that Aros appears to be a rogue, Balgun nods and gives Aros 2 gold, thinking it’s a sham and nothing will come of it.

Baldur explains, “We will be going on these dates – as, um, escorts – but not the selling our body escorts – but the guard kind of escort.”

“Not into the bedroom,” Kavium smiles.

Galiena heads up into her room to change out of her dress; and back into her normal clothes; but can’t seem to find her bra. She calls for Dearbhán, her fairy dragon; who comes out of Invisibility. “Do you know what happened to my bra? I will get you a cake.”

Dearbhán skitters about excitedly, then yawns; and looks around – indicating telepathically that she’d been napping – but she might be able to track it – which she does – down stairs – but the assault of her senses (between the many bodies, the smoking, the vomit), she quickly loses the scent and shrugs.

Though Dearbhán wasn’t able to locate the bra, Galiena goes to the bartender and speaks to Gergie, “Do you have a cake?”

“A cake?” he asks.

“Yes, a cake,” Galiena replies.

“Well, sure! Servana! Get me a cake! No, not that one – the other one, the good one – that one on that shelf!” And quickly, the young barmaid delivers a beautiful cake.

Waesyn seeing Galiena at the bar, shouts, “Look at these muscles!” as he flexes. Then sobs into his glass.

Galiena heads out across the street to Dalara’s Delights, and sees Dalara. Dalara looks, “You’re back again?“

“Yes,” Galiena blushes. “I have three dates.”

“So that was the commotion from the White Fang?”

Galiena blushes again. “I have two requests. I need a nice date dress; but also, one of my intiment clothing pieces has… disappeared.” She sighs, “So I need a replacement.”

Galiena explains what she wants – and Dalara smiles, “I got just the dress. Mariessa – can you come out in dress thirty six?”

Galiena smiles, “That looks perfect. I will take it.”

Galiena returns to the tavern – and sought out her companions to explain, “We need to check on the ingredients that we dropped off from the swamp with Razathorn’s assistant, Relgar. The party knocks on the door – and Relgar, who still looks nervous is joyous to see them, “Oh! Good! Good! I went to the Whitefang to find you guys – but there was a lot of hootin’ and hollerin’ – and… well, I am not into rowdy crowds! So I left! So I am glad you’re back! I have some news… and not good… so… how do I put this? Uh,” he looks at Galiena, “it didn’t work out. Turns out it spoiled quickly. However, there is a fraction of a hope – but… I don’t know if you will… like what I have to say… if you know someone with a Lycan Blade – they’re extremely rare – a few existed on the island – but as the lycanthropy spreads – people began destroying the blades… and the Lycan Blade can make those infected, if the moon cycle has passed, sick – however, if they’ve not turned by the moon – it will eradicate the infection in the body.”

Galiena turns and sees that Aros isn’t there – he is, once again, waited outside. Galiena excuses herself to get some air, and looks for Aros and begins whispering his name in the shadows – and eventually finds him. She explains, “Relgar said that a Lycan Blade can terminate the infection if someone hasn’t turned! Back at the manor – you got a Lycan Blade from the gardener’s body! I need you to cut me.”

“Cut you?” Aros asks.

“Yes,” Galiena replies. “Well, but not deep. Just enough to draw some blood.”

Suddenly there’s a cough.

Galiena turns, started, and sees Balgun standing there. His face is white and devoid of color at first, then slowly runs a deep crimson color. “Pardon me, Lady Galiena. It would seem… I have something of yours. I wanted to wait until you were out of the bar… because… it’s awkward… and… I didn’t… want to make a big scene… followed you out… but then you went into the clothing store… followed you here… waited… hoping you’d come out.” He sees Aros and shakes his head. “It would seem you small companion there offered to steal a piece of your… intimate clothing… I didn’t think he would. He seemed rogue’ish to me – I just gave him coin so he’d go away… and,” Balgun pulls out Galiena’s bra, “well, he actually delivered. I just… um, wanted to give it back… and say… how sorry I was.”

Galiena spins on her heels and stares at Aros. “You stole it?”

“Well, for some money, not much,” Aros shrugged.

She looks back at Balgun and gently grabs the garment and tucks it under her arm and forces a smile, “Thank you… for your… honesty. I will see you on our date.”

And she spins back around on her heel as Balgun scampers away like a scolded dog, and snaps at Aros, “Seriously?”

Aros smiles.

“How much gold did you get?” Galiena growls.

“Two gold,” Aros replies.

“Well I think that two gold is mine,” Galiena snarls.

Aros tosses her the two gold and catches it.

“A-N-Y-way,” Galiena tries to remain calm. “You have one of those daggers?”

“Well,” Aros smiles, “It’s one gold to draw the dagger, one gold to cut you. So for two gold.”

Galiena folds her hands across her chest, “It’d be unfortunate if an accident happened to Mr. Ducky.” (DM Note – I gave Adrian a “magic rubber ducky” where he can squeeze it if he has it to get advantage on Initiative)

Aros’ eyes opened wide, “You wouldn’t touch Mr. Ducky!”

“I didn’t think you’d touch my under garments,” Galiena smiled.

“Fine,” Aros mutters beneath his breath, and cuts Galiena’s wrist slightly – where she feels the burn of the blade, and as he does so – he successfully (Slight of Hand) removes the two gold from Galiena’s pocket.

“Have you gone to the manor yet?” Relgar asks as he and Baldur come out to check on Galiena.

“We haven’t,” Baldur replies. “But we will. We,” Baldur sees Galiena’s wound, “have more time now. Should we live through the nights.”

“Listen for the toll of the clock,” and at that moment, the clock tolls ten.

“It’s best everyone get inside now,” Relgar says, looking to the hazey clouds above. “Return to your inn quickly.”

TO BE CONTINUED.