Salvation Outpost

Sloane returns carrying an armful of tools and scurries back across the gangway. She overhears Vice’s question. "She’s too damaged to fly on her own right now. But, the repairs will be much easier if we have a functioning crystal. Finding a big enough Khyber crystal and a powerful enough elemental to bind could take months."

As she gets set up, she addresses Kleber. "If this works, we’ll have to assess her, but from what I see, she’s structurally sound. We’ll check below deck of course to make sure."

She then notices the faint glow of the crystal in Malbor’s hands. "Oh wow! Have you dealt with elementals before?", she takes out a magical tool that Gzizmix recognizes from their tumble in the mists. "You must have some kind of connection to elemental magic." she says excitedly. "Okay, if you’re fine with it, we’ll use you to add a little juice here then. Now, this tool amplifies the crystal’s binding spell. Ask her to place her… ’hands’ on the crystal and I’ll fire it up."

Everyone watches as the elemental wraps wispy, finger-like tendrils around the crystal. Sloane uses the magical tool to cast the same aura Gzizmix saw earlier. The runes deep within the Khyber crystal flash to life. The elemental swirls around Malbor and the group watches as she is drawn into the crystal. There is a brilliant flash of a beautiful blue light as the last of the air elemental disappears from sight.

Those around Malbor watch as he is locked with an iron grip on the crystal. He sits motionless for a few moments as the crystal radiates its elemental energy through his hands.

Sloane switches off her magical device. She reaches out and gently takes the crystal from Malbor’s hands. She eyes the drow closely with concern. Hesitating for a moment, she then turns and addresses the captain. "I can put the elemental back into the matrix, but she won’t fly under her own power till she’s repaired. She’ll need a tug out of this wretched place."

"Very well. We’ll make preparations for departure immediately. We may yet have daylight on the other side of the grey.". The Captain begins giving orders to Jean and Faeris to pull the gangway back and prepare to tether the Cyre. He tells Rune to update him on the status of Camran. Then he addresses your group still aboard the Cyre. "We’ll reposition the Zarantyr to tow from the stern. Ensure there are no further threats below deck. Sloane, check in the status of those ballistae and cannons and ensure that she’ll survive a trip through the mists. We may have use of them before our return to New Cyre."

Earic comes aboard before the gangway is removed. After a discussion with Sloane, he goes into the room to speak with Cyre.

As Kleber returns to search the general’s cabin, he searches the chest at the foot of the bed. It appears most of the items have been removed. Likely being worn when the general was thrown from the ship. However, he discovers a large wooden case at the bottom. Upon opening it, he discovers it contains two repeating shot hand crossbows complete with an extra set of cylinders and holsters. Meanwhile, in the crew quarters on the lower deck, Gzizmix hears a dull humming sound. He tracks the source of the sound cautiously. Poking out from under one of the bodies, he discovers a spear with an eye fashioned into its tip. As he removes it, the spear goes silent. Vice makes he way around the deck to help secure the ship. As he passes one of the fallen elves, the body seems to fade out of sight from his periphery. He takes a second look and the elf reappears. Knowing the history of the Mournland, he carefully approaches continuing to watch the elf phase in and out of view. He turns the elf over and the hood rolls back allowing the body to pop into full view. Vice puts the hood back up and the elf once again seems to flicker almost like a mirage. He removes the garment and sees a finely made green elven cloak. Excitedly, he tries it on, but the effect doesn’t appear to work as well. Malbor notices Earic, who is excited talking to the calm and polite Cyre. She seems much more at ease now. There might even be a hint of humour in her green eyes. Malbor joins Kleber in going through the general’s quarters. Having served on an airship, he knows how their commanders like to hide important items from sight. He peaks behind a bookshelf where he finds a winged staff with a faintly glowing blue orb. Taking it, he wanders back out to the main deck to inspect it as the sun approaches the grey mist in the distance. 37 recalls the two chests in Cyre’s quarters and greets Earic. He asks Cyre about the chests. Cyre responds that the chests belonged to General Shadeborn and Colonel Moonsong. 37 tries the keys once more, Shadeborn’s is magically locked. However, Moonsong’s opens to reveal an ornately, elaborate plate armour. Earic whistles softly, "My word, that’s adamantine…". Cyre responds, "Colonel Moonsongs was very fond of it. He was very much the same size and build as you Mr. 37." She pauses for a moment, seemingly distracted, she then says, "The captain of your ship is looking for assistance."

37 says he’ll return for the armour and goes to the poop deck to help the captain aboard the Zarantyr with tethering from aboard the Cyre.

There isn’t much time to revel in the discovery of these items as the crew has finished securely fastening the two ships together. Sloane and Earic stay aboard the Cyre, Vice remains aboard the Zarantyr taking in everything he can during the crew’s work. The captain orders everyone be prepared for the Mists this time and begins towing the mighty Cyre ir’Wynarn toward the ghostly curtain. He begins a slow ascent, putting distance between the ships and the ground. It’s obvious that the speed is greatly affected by the massive ship being pulled by the much smaller one. However, you make good time and reach the Grey Mists with daylight to spare. This time Captain Vren the captain goes a little slower, keeping good tension on the tow ropes. Ordering everyone below deck and to secure themselves, he begins his final approach into the mouths of the waiting spirits.