Benin meets Madrazim and is delighted to find in Madrazim something of a kindred spirit, sharing a taste for the refinements of Turkhani culture. On Madrazim’s enquiry into conditions in the Lands of Despond, quoting tales of Orcs, Dragons, and Undead Horrors, Benin breaks and confesses the terrible state of affairs in the compact. Hamar is much maligned, Nazeem described as a horrible Insane Monster who flays sentients for sport, and Benin’s depth of despair at the conditions in Despond become clear..

Bucked up somewhat by Madrazim’s display of outward confidence, Benin and Madrazim together, throw themselves into a week of study, research and organisation. Studies of Dragons are pursued, and Copies of Kunazri’s anecdotes are bought, Vols 2, (On Dwarves and their secret Nature) 7, (Travels on the Sylvan frontier: Observations of Elvenkind) and 13, the Appendices: Expeditionary notes and plans, Dragonkind.(notes for an unfinished volume, which was to have dealt with Dragons.

Captain Shilab Contracts various mercenaries to muster in Mentamr, and makes provision for Galleys, Boats & Barges, with artillery and all proper provision made. Monies are distributed to inspire Immigrants of all natures, and many specialists are retained.

Meanwhile, in the South Fort..

With the Chimera vanished, along with the expeditions horses, the Fort is searched. Much in the way of Armour and weaponry, enough for thirty men, also an iron pay chest of copper and silver, about 4r in total value is discovered. The Chest is concealed as best it can be, and Rajiir is sent to scout for the horses. There is no sign of them.

After discussion, Djan’s counsel prevails, and the group march north following the Ilthuuz river, following tracks of three horses.. Illmanar’s power heals many, and in the morning, on hearing the distant sound of horses, Raschid calls to them in their own tongue, and is re-united with Lightfoot! (And Rajiir’s nag..) Their tale is relayed, and it is learned that they parted company with Demon in the night after an encounter with orcs.

Nazeem proclaims they will find Demon, and so the group plunge into the Hills, and backtrack to the site where lightfoot fled from the Orcs. there is ample sign of a fight, and the tracks of a force of orcs with an injured horse are followed to the north.. In the night, there is a skirmish with orcish scouts, in which Rajiir acquits himself well, But the group are bombarded with some sort of explosive devices, as if from nowhere, and so the group break contact. The next day, tired and weary, they press on the Orc’s trail, passing through where a band of twenty or so Orcs were camped, they find themselves losing ground on the swift travelling orcs and drawing ever closer to the Troll Caverns. Resigned to the loss of Demon, Nazeem abandons the chase, and they make their way towards the river. As night falls and camp is made, A beacon fire can be seen burning in Baranul’an.

The night passes uneasily and in the morning the Baranul’an beacon is still burning. One more days hard march north brings the group level with the Troll caves, and as the decision is made to push through the night, Light stones blazing throughout the group, the exhausted band hear the Deep thundering roar of Horns in the night. Once more, Fire and thunder explodes in the midst of the spread out group, mercifully harming no-one. Light arrows are fired aloft and Djan’s sharp eye’s spy a giant bat, high above, with an Orc aboard, hurling down blasting fire from above..

Wolf riders harry the parties flanks, but are driven off by Raschid’s valour and Rajiir’s archery.

A scant two hours from Baranul’an, figures loom in the darkness, A warband of Orcs, with an Ogre in support. Battle is joined. Skilfully using their magics to great effect, and undismayed by the sudden appearance of a Troll, the group fight a bloody battle, and finally, spent and utterly fatigued, they emerge victorious.

Dragging the Troll to Baranul’an, having broken in through the forming Orcish lines, they are overjoyed to find Nebunnadar within, preparing to stand siege.

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