Tuesday April 23rd
Enzo and company bid farewell to Casper and Anna, but not before subtly demanding the Amulet of Security. Obliging the request Casper turned to he magic item over to Enzo. Fifty members of the Lighthorse accompany on your journey to the crossroads. The descent is not nearly as draining as the ascent. The elevated position offers a unique view into The Grimme. Lush forests and rolling planes interrupted occasionally by rivers and lakes. Far to the west beyond the Vorseman clans the amber and white of The Seiche. The North offers a glimpse deep into enemy territory, but the heavy forestation and seemingly endless grasslands offer few signs of the malevolence therein.
At first the tone of the men is jovial. recounting of the events of the last few weeks fills the soldiers conversations. The closer you get to the valley the more serious and businesslike they become. The transformation of sprits is noticeable and erie. Thin ribbons of smoke betray the locations of troops in and around the woods near the great western road.
Wednesday April 24th
The two day descent was largely without incident. Once you arrive in the canyon entering the valley battle and scout formations are formed. Signs of activity by Grimme scouts are evident from the trailhead down to the western highway.
Thursday April 25th
Signs of a battle are evident along the road. Greasy smoldering piles of bones punctuate the journey westward.
Friday April 26th
The approach to the crossroads and and Auntie Retch's house has changed markedly. The goblin lodgings have been removed and replaced with Imperial tents and fortifications. Trinity company banners hang from the overwatch tower. Hector Ramirez, acting company Sergeant greets the Heros of the Rose with great zeal. He explains that great pride swells the ranks of the men because some of their own have been so greatly acclaimed.
A Madrigala identifying herself as Serenity greets the group. She indicates they she will travel with the group until they reach the road to Hax. At that point she and Faith (Celeste) will depart on their mission.
Saturday April 27th
The bog has changed little and offers all senses a tour of the unpleasant.
Sunday April 28th
Exiting the low wetlands the groups make a gentile climb toward the Tomb of the Ancients.
Monday April 29th
The tomb is occupied by members of Whiteoak's troops. They offer a friendly greeting as the Heros of the Rose continue on their way. A brief delay in travel allowed the party to reclaim some spoils of war from the blue dragon that once controlled this crucial intersection.
Tuesday April 30th
The march was as it had been for days. Enzo began to exhibit signs of discomfort the closer the group came to the road to Hax. Upon arriving at the appointed area where Serenity and Faith would depart on their mission the company of soldiers camped for the night. Celeste and Enzo took the opportunity to bid farewell appropriately.
Wednesday May 1st
The ascent to The Chalice began in ernest. Familiar landmarks slid by during the march. The bridge at Dharaag Ahr with the odalisque posted by Stahl, the tree stand near the Trann ambush. A parade of memories of an earlier time.
Thursday May 2nd
The spirits of the me seemed to rise with the realization that they would soon bee in a safe compound with shelter and three square meals. Silverhawk had returned to her taciturn ways durning the return journey. A weight seemed to be pressing down on her. The process of placing one foot in front of the other for so many days excused such behavior, but to those who knew her well they change was noticeable.
Arriving at Goblin Gate North near midday provided an opportunity to view the mountain fortress in a non military light. The sprawling meadows and glacier-formed mountains seemed a cradle of beauty and peace. Lady Gianna DeErrico was drilling with the members of her corps on the fields near Y'ves. Spying the Trinity Company banners she broke formation and joined the returning heroes an the path the The Chalice Keep. She expressed great joy in the return of the group and the excitement of their achievements against admittedly long odds.
Trinity company settled in at the Warsmith Tavern for a time prior to meeting with Lord Viggo and transferring leadership of Trinity company to a local representative.
The meeting with Lord Viggo, Paolo Sartosa and Baroness Panandrea Vaal. The informal ceremony was more a a document signing in fact. Viggos all business no bullshit attitude kept the meeting short. Paolo had been given the assignment to lead the men until he completed his year of service. Calais assured Paolo of the readiness of the men and their ready acceptance of his leadership. In the hour that followed they discussed times gone by.
Returning to the Warsmith and the warmth of the home fire. Calais and enzo supervised Mouse's slide in debauchery with a local wench.
Lady DeErrico returned to finish the conversation they had started earlier in the day. She and the Vorseman has found common ground in their love of horsemanship and riding. The environment of the pub soon conspired against them as vice and temptation marred an otherwise congenial evening. The paladin returned to her camp a little wiser and a cup of mead over her limit.
Friday May 3rd
Lord Viggo had made arrangements for fifty of his men to escort the heros of the rose the remainder of their journey to Eldred's Cross.
Saturday May 4th
Arrival at Castle Nevermore separated them for Phillip DeHaven and his men. THey had been at The Chalice to meet with Lord Viggo. A night's stay at the keep and they were back on the road.
Sunday May 5th
The marked transition from the green forested mountain to the bleached clay of the Hardlands was jarring and a strong reminder of the difficult journey still ahead.
Monday May 6th
Trolls had been spotted in the distance. the shadowed the travelers seemingly waiting for an opportunity for a cheap meal.
Tuesday May 7th
More memories of the enlistment march pass by as debris from less fortunate travelers lay scattered on the shoulders of the well traveled road.
Wednesday May 8th
Passing by the road to Irontrees Prison put an extra step in the soldier's stride. No one wanted to spend an extra moment near that infamous prison.
Thursday May 9th
The trolls on either horizon seemed to grow in number and in boldness, but not attack had been launched yet. The rangers discussed strategy as they proceeded, but most other kept their thought to themselves.
Friday May 10th
Near noon there forward scouts spotted oily smoke on the southern horizon. A reconnaissance team confirmed what everyone suspected. Trolls.
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