Chapter Three - Return to the Mournland

37 shows that he is an excellent navigator. Never losing sight of the dragon, he discovers a pattern to Dubdub’s flying, swooping in and out of the black leaves above. Despite the frequent moments where he seems to disappear from view, the Warforged intuitively is able to help guide the half-elf next to him.

All the while, they hear the random attacks taking place in the water on the side of them. Laulalith’s illusions seem to be working very well. There are fewer of the red eyes visible on their heels as the begin to put space between them.

Tryne instinctively follows the guidance of 37’s beside. His connection with the elemental within continues to grow. It dawns on him that while some within the group seemed to struggle with their magic within the swamp, the magic within the cart in unaffected. The Khoravar can feel an excitement within the sizzle of the lightning pulling the cart. Almost like a horse that revels in the speed with its rider. Tryne cannot help but share this exhilaration.

With just the three in the bouncing cart, they watch the night sky blink out of view as they pass large trees. Virtue begins to struggle more aggressively against her bindings. Leith tries to calm her as best he can.

Vice calls out to the darkness and at first seems to receive no reply. The swamp indeed felled lifeless, save the monstrous creatures that pursue them.

However, the sweet smell of cinnamon begins to fill the air. The gnome recognizes the help from the tiny unseen grubs. Their fragrance forms a trail through the trees. With Vice’s guidance, the dragon and Stella pick up on the scent and follow it swiftly.

The swamp creatures fade further into the distance. Tryne knows they must be nearly to the ambush site.

The minotaur throws his shield ahead, attempting to ramp the cart over the fallen log. With a metallic **clang** and a flash of lightning, the cart crashes through the log. The noise attracts the attention of a nearby creature as the now dented shield flips through the air. As it disappears into the night, the giant hyena catches the shield in its mighty jaws. The hyena gallops along side the wagon, handing the dented, slobbery shield back to Torhak.

Meepo then waves the vial before the last remaining creature, trailing very far behind. The creature hears the kobold’s words and slows, before turning around d and disappearing into the swamp. Moments later, the group arrives at the ambush site. Now completely swallowed in darkness, with only the obscured, grey moons for light.

The dragon extinguishes the light as it touches down. "We bought ourselves time, but they may not give up so easily, especially if one of their own calls for them. She doesn’t have much time.", Dubdub gestures to Virtue in the coach with Vice and Leith.

Kalli stays mounted atop her steed. "We could make it to the hideout. It’s safe… kind of.", Kalli says, as she takes a sip from her canteen. She then offers a drink to Stella.

Leith shakes his head gravely at Meepo, "There's no one else to look for, friend. Just me and Virtue that made it. And likely only because of Dubdub.", he says quietly.

Laulalith takes in the scrapper's words as she assesses the pale goblin. Heeding Dubdub's warning and Meepo's earlier conversation with the creature, she already knows that the water will change Virtue into one of these cursed abominations. The water clearly is driving Virtue to drink more and she knows this must not happen at all costs. The elf is almost certain that if Virtue were to drink any more, she would be under the control of this 'She'. Concern rises in the elf as she recognizes that Virtue will not drink normal water and has not done so recently. Without water, no one can survive. At most, Virtue has two days to find a proper healer that can remove a curse. She would also know, this is not a cheap endeavor. With these revelations, she now understands why there have been no obvious living creatures. Any creature of consequence that drinks the water, would carry the same curse... and transition.

Kalli, sits in silence at Leith's words for a moment, "The only healer I know that can remove a curse is in Salvation. Mother Jahanah. Arythawn does not have such a healer. But Salvation is two days away."

The dragon "I will gladly join you on your journey to Salvation and do what I can for the little one. I cannot hold this form forever, but I will for as long as I can.", Dubdub says. "I’ve never seen anyone try to make it out of the Grey with the swamp’s curse, but I have no reason to doubt that its effects would linger beyond them."

Kalli nods grimly, "Stella can make it to the mists.", she says hesitantly, "But you’ll have to traverse the Thornwood on your own."