Erson interrupted my research to tell me that Malakar and the others were trapped by a cave-in, after they went to search for the missing dwarves. I dimensioned doored us in, but it took us a long time to catch up: apparently we missed out on some interesting archaeology and a fight or two.
Right after we rejoined the party, and before I had a chance to ask about what had happened, we were attacked by an Ooze drake which leaped into the air from a deep lake. Durthen was substantially burned by its acidic sheath, but it didn't last for long after I dampened its fortunes with unluck. It's good to see Durthen shiny and whole again, I missed his good cheer while he was mourning his damaged equipment.
Erson demonstrated his infinite versatility yet again by diving into the Drake's pool and recovering a chest of silver coins. He reported that a grotto lay through another tunnel, but we didn't feel like exploring it yet: we're not well equipped for aquatic adventures en masse.
Malakar urged us onward, down another few miles into the earth through a winding tunnel. He and Borrow pointed out where the rock faces abruptly became smooth and well-worked, indicating dwarven craftsmanship. We exited into a truncated square antechamber with three doors. Tracks of some kind of reptilian biped led to and from the left door, which we promptly opened.
Stepping into the corridor, we were pelted with arrows by small but muscular lizard-like creatures (later, Erson identified them as Poison Dusks, and Malakar commented on their advanced archery discipline). They were surprisingly tough adversaries, and we almost let one of them get away. It appears that they were guarding some kind of community down here, with organized patrols and traps to discourage intruders.
Right after that we came upon a large temple space, with pews and altars. To our shock, we were derisively greeted by the reptilian black humanoid who we last saw dragging Son of Clouds beneath the waves on our first visit to Dragon Keep (during the fight with the shadowy black dragon). Though I couldn't place his species, he was accompanied by two formidable Blackspawn Raiders, each with a blade held to a Dwarf hostage's throat.
He sardonically greeted us, threatened the dwarves perfunctorily, and suggested some kind of a deal (our service in securing his domain against monsters, in return for the release of the dwarves). He was so obviously evil I didn't really need Ili to point it out this time. He mentioned that the dragon we killed was his "sire".
I finally decided that enough was enough: it's time to stop letting villains and scum call the shots. We've now thrice regretted our merciful treatment of Borka at our first meeting, and between Sorscha and Cassandra we are rife with powerful string-pullers. Negotiating with evil terrorists, who openly attacked us at our last meeting, is a step I have no interest in taking.
I believed that I could hold the monster, but he turned out to be a strong-willed spellcaster, and my enchantments were to no avail. Fortunately I was able to aid the others with transposition, and we saved the two dwarves (minus a hand), but the spawn and the leader escaped down a deep and twisting well. Erson could have pursued them along, but would likely have been ambushed. Unfortunately they still have the other four dwarves; they may be lost now. The price of bold action may be bold failure: still, I don't regret my choice. Had things gone but a bit differently, we might have ended this villain's power swiftly and decisively.
I believe we should explore and secure our environs now: hasty pursuit of the enemy, with no foreknowledge and no aquatic spells prepared, would be foolish. The best thing we can do for our dwarven friends is to prepare for our next encounter with their captor. If they are dead already, then our vengeance will just be that much simpler.
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