The entrance here was so damaged that I wondered whether we should even enter. Given how long it has been here; the gamble seemed forthright. Nothing within, just the rot.

This old vampire thought he could escape with his temporal magic. My blade came crashing down just as he appeared beneath. Another treacherous day is past; Abhaya has not spoken a word.

We camped at the entrance. Cain mentioned that I should bring the staff.

It writhed in my hands, folding underneath my palms as a captured snake. Abhaya's eyes met mine a few times, as if her sweat soaked face wished for some reassurance. Alas, something that I cannot give lie to, we are here doomed to toil in these forbidden sands.

The stars here are so numerous at night; some seen but no longer, others yet to be found in the dark.

This tomb was indeed different, not only in its vastness, but also the numbers of hoards that beckoned our rage.

We came at last to rather unique chamber. It radiated a strange light that penetrated my bones. Even as we shut our eyes against it, the feel of it persisted. The staff was writhing more strongly than ever in my palms, and I could hardly keep it in my grasp. It was obvious what was to be done.

Nothing could have prepared us for the tumult that was unleashed. I was wise to tell Abhaya to stand back, as I was able to shield her from some of the stones that barraged us.

A tunnel of sorts had been torn from the very walls of this ancient abode, the stench escaping from within was almost unbearable.

I gathered my shield and strongest weapon, fearing that what lies beyond this passage may be more powerful than any form we have thus far faced.

What manner of beast was this? It was so frigid in the lair that I could scarcely move.

I charged and struck. Abhaya too was fearless, bringing her arrows to bear by the dozen.

We left it, whatever it was, to decompose in ruin. Such creatures should not endure even in the depths of the most remote and hidden enclaves.

The few odds and ends we found beside the still twitching monstrosity were of no use to us. I set them at the feet of the blacksmith, perhaps they will find their way into useful hands. All but the another of the small engraved stones we have begun to collect. Abhaya says they must be preserved.

Some spirit appeared to us in this place. My eyes so covered in blood, sand and bile; I could hardly make out his glowing wings. Something hateful, something dreadful...was imprisoned here; like slender wicked fingers raking across my mind, I can still feel the presence.

We must depart at once.

We walked back to the town in a daze. All the locals wished to greet us, speak of our victories. Fools, what have we done to merit any cheers; they would have less words for us if only they knew the pain we endured here.

As a way to lighten Abhaya's heavy heart; I fashioned a new bow. The carved stones of ages have indeed found some use.

There at the docks we found a well mannered captain of the seas. He agreed to take us from this hellish desert; we departed at once. I suppose the gold that I heaped into his lap may have persuaded such haste.

This post was edited by PatheiMathos on May 25 2016 11:19am

It seems we have traded one suffering for another. At first I asked this man of the seas to take us further, but he pleaded that he dared not, that the evil ahead was far too strong. Who am I to force his hand.

This small landing in the deep dark marshes here must have been built so long ago. The stones are from another epoch of time, a time more prosperous. Oh Abhaya, where have I brought you now.