Mystery of Saromen Fro

Holding the hidden position there with Aduorix near the ruined stone building and stables, Syrena takes notice of the unusual heat in the area.

This phenomenon was described in advance; now Syrena can confirm it. The air is hot, like the hottest summer day under the full high sun. Syrena feels the perspiration already after the quick exertion of climbing the wall.

Syrena keeps her eyes on the gate house. The thin man staring into the fire, the Krysean whose name is said to be Igolio, is just out of sight behind the building from this vantage point, but Syrena can still see his long shadow casting out from the light of the large central fire.

All seems well enough, but the tension is thick in the air.

Syrena and Aduorix watch as Galopan jogs the west wall rampart bridge to the bulky balcony structure over the gate. He is talking outwardly, but it is unclear what he is saying.

Then he descends the stairs, disappearing into the chain room below.

From the edge of the forest line, Xenophon, Damanandros, and Baudecca watch the exchange between Gennadius and the person within the gate. They cannot see the guard directly from this position, but they feel certain Gennadius is talking to someone.

Gennadius throws his weapons away.

Then the distance clanking and thumping sounds of the gate mechanism. Is it opening?

They don't see any movement yet.

Gundus watches from the lumber yard. He sees Gennadius move up to the gate and apparently speak with the guard there.

Gundus can hear Gennadius's loud pleading, but it's impossible to make out the exact conversation at this distance. Gundus does not hear the guard talking.

Gundus has been watching the tower, which is offset within the compound and closest to this north west corner nearest his position.

The window shudder of the tower that faces north has remained open throughout. Gundus has seen a green glow emitting from the window since he arrived. It continues now.

Damanandros mentioned powerful magic in the tower. Perhaps this glow is confirmation of that, but at the same time the strange lighting has stayed consistent, and Gundus sees no activity at the tower window or balcony so far.

Gundus watches as Gennadius throws two weapons out onto the trail and nearby clearing.

The first thing that Gennadius notices as he enters is how hot it is. When he moves through the gate and inward, he hears the gate close behind him and sees the bonfire ahead in the center of the compound.

It is extremely hot. Sweltering.

There is a thin shirtless man just ahead, staring into the fire.

He turns to look at Gennadius, and holds a gaze that is empty and strange. His attention is unnerving in the light of the fire.



The fierce contrast between light and shadow is dramatic throughout the area. The imposing tower stands like a juggernaut to Gennadius's left. Ahead and right is an old ruined stone structure that has been converted to a barn. A tent and another small square wooden building are nearby off to the right.

Gennadius turns back towards his left shoulder to see the sentry, Galopan, whom Gennadius had seen previously on the trail, emerging from the chain room that is beneath the gate balcony, just to the north side of the gate.



The young lad looks soaked in perspiration.

Gennadius gives another scan of the surroundings.

Syrena watches. Gennadius is in the gate!