Victory and Defeat

We appeared near the giant eye. We took advantage of the surprise and concentrated our attacks on the aberration. I missed twice, but my efforts weren't entirely futile. The power of my attacks seemed to have attracted its attention, and it turned and cast several spells out of its eyestalks. The rays hit me square, but I was able to shrug off most of the effects. My companions kept attacking and brought the beast down quickly.

As soon as this happened, the others in the chamber seemed to have regained their senses. We quickly explained what had happened, and told them at they'd be returning to the aerie. We took an eyestalk as evidence that the attacks on both sides of the border were perpatrated by this beast. Unfortunately, Barrin did not survive the battle, but such is nature of war.

We returned to the fortress, but we still needed a way to contact Ygraine, the commander of the Devoranian forces. Fortunately, someone had a spell that would allow one of us to contact her in her dreams. Ili volunteered to deliver the message. Though Ygraine didn't appear to appreciate us contacting her, she still agreed to hear us out. We met her the next day, and though the situation was tense, the evidence we presented in addition to the Devoranian nobles' tale was enough to convince her. Her forces pulled out the next day, and there was cause for celebration back at the keep. We were all well rewarded and we took some time to rest and recuperate, as well as take the time to get several magical items crafted.

We were soon off with just Barricade to find the Dwarven town. I suggested to Obegard and the others that perhaps, we should invest in a spell of Rope Trick. Though uncomfortable, it would still ensure our safety as we rested each evening. Unfortunately, they laughed at my ascetic but pragmatic suggestion, and insisted upon sleeping where it was more spacious. My worries were proven correct as we were ambushed on night. Barricade cried out in warning as about ten men emerged from the forest with nets. By the time I was able to assess the situation, it was already too late; they had already trapped everyone in nets. I knew that I probably stood the best chance of escaping and subsequently helping to rescue them, so thinking quickly, I pulled out a potion of invisibility and drank it. I then cast a spell that allowed me to slip free of my bindings and I retreated into the forest. I was in earshot but out of sight by potentially magical means.

I heard a familiar voice: it was that of Borka. It appeared as if after her previous defeat, he had hired better help. She took the weapons of the others and also grabbed Barricade. I was glad that I wasn't there, since all of the others but Borrow did not really rely on weapons. Borka knocked the others unconscious and took our mounts as well.

I healed the others and discussed the next plans. Obegard had cast a Dragoneye Rune on some of Barricade's equipment, and we could track them. He next conjured some steeds and we rode in pursuit, but they were quite swift as well. We nearly pushed our summoned horses to death in order to catch up with Barricade. Obegard reported this morning that he sensed that Barricade seemed to have stopped moving, so the next move was ours...