Tryne finds the return trip much faster without having to travel over rocky hills or wait for the cart’s tracks to be covered by Meepo. In no time it seems, the looming wall of the Grey Mists can be seen clearly ahead. Talon sits dutifully behind the driver, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.
Torhak seems particularly distracted. The minotaur has a few moments along the railway, where his mark sends waves of searing hot pain through his shoulder. At times, it’s nearly unbearable. The monochrome grey of the Mournland appears nearly red before him, seeming to drip with blood. Then, just as quick at it began, the pain is gone and all is as it was. The mechanical lion behind him, seems to take interest in his mark for a moment, but then returns to watching the horizon.
In the cart, 37 studies Professor Avgo’s notes and manuscripts. He realizes there isn’t much time before they are back in Salvation, but he does find some interesting information that might help enhance his natural armour. It would take some time, and gold, but it does seem feasible. He knows he’ll need to copy the notes for reference later, just in case Kalli’s patron claims the research for themselves.
Vice can’t help but squirm the whole way. Something in the voices is getting to him. At one point, a vivid flashback of a clown faced hydra flashes before his eyes. A faint whisper in the voices almost seems to laugh in delight before it fades in the distance, as does the hydra.
Meepo keeps an eye out the window of the cart. However, instead of finding any ingredients for his alchemy, he feels nauseous from the faster pace and rocking of the cart. The ground beneath him seems to spin a few times and he sits back in his seat until the queasiness passes.
Laulalith sits elegantly in the cart, enjoying the return trip more than the rest. The desolation is often interrupted by the strangest of shapes, like rolled and twisted molten rock, frozen in place. Hints of macabre beauty dotted throughout this wretched land. As they pass the edge of a ravine, she notices the first sign of anything resembling a river. She notes a flowing, inky black liquid. Even at this distance, the flow seems unnaturally slow and viscous. The ‘river’ flows deeper into the Mournland. She wonders where it would go, as the large cliffs to the east would obviously block its progress at some point. As the ravine fades from view, the elf notices a single rider on horseback, travelling behind them to the south. She’s uncertain how long he’s been there, but she’s nearly certain the rider is following them.
Around the same time, Tryne takes note of the rider as well. The figure seems to be keeping their distance. Talon sees her creator and turns her attention to track this stranger as well. The half-elf can see the mist is less the half an hour away now.
