Alev: Through the Lion's Den

March 22, 998 CE

Well, Lion's Den is an apt name for the City of Saragost. It is not Crom Calamar, as the corruption runs rampant here. As we return to the city, we are swarmed by evacuees. Not only has the city not expedited its efforts to bring the people inside the safety of the walls, the crowd has nearly doubled in size. If these councilors cannot get these people inside to safety, then everything we have done is for naught.

On the way to meet with Lady Arigane, Rygorh pulls myself, Casey and the Knife aside to inform us of his plan to meet with someone at the Temple of Firinna. I do not think this a wise course of action, especially with him taking the Starkweather John sword, but he is set in his course. Casey is intent on following him though, as added protection. She is a smart woman, I like her tactics.

We meet with Lady Arigane at the Sanctuary of the Seven Archways, base of the Order of the Prism. She informs us that the enemy has learned of our actions and increased their numbers to double what we originally discovered, nearly ten thousand troops. Also, it appears the Drow have taken a more direct command role of the army. This gets more interesting every day. Lady Arigane also has been doing her research into us and the Legend of the Starborn, which Rumus discovered on our previous visit, of which she has found mention of a place within Saragost that was Sacred to the Starborn of old. The description reminds me of the Tump, which would come in handy should one of us fall before or during the upcoming battle.

We do learn that Count Crastic appears to be the one holding up the admission of the people to the city. I feel that he is likely one of the allies of the Drow that they mentioned in their letter. Lady Arigane is much too trusting of her colleagues in the Council. Were we in Crom Calamar, this would not happen.

Rygorh very adeptly feigned anger as an excuse to storm off and separate himself, Casey and Seebo from the group for his task. And here I thought he wasn't skilled in the art of stealth and diplomacy.

We spend the rest of the day selling off the possessions of the drow we slew on the road, then make it over to the Flaming Beard for drinks, dinner and a night of rest. It is amazing how much room this city does have that is not being utilized efficiently. They could easily house these refugees.

Our plan is to depart just before first light, but much depends on whether Rygorh returns alive or the tails return with ill news. We cannot afford another set back at this point in the mission.

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