Chapter Break -- End of Chapter 14, Parts 2 and 3

Three of Wyndella's half dragon children arrive to aid the expedition to Sandstone Keep, using magical charms to maintain a massive gateway. The entire force finds little resistance at first, beyond a handful of startled Seldir seeking shelter from the sun within the crumbling outer walls. However, that changes once the Kuzani open the main accessway -- almost immediately, a shrieking fills the sky. Hundreds of frenzied Wyvern's swoop in and attack. Oddly enough, they tear at each other as much as anyone else, seemingly inflamed with an urge to mate and lay clutches of eggs at this location. Their actions are wholly artificial, so some folks wonder at the cause of such off activity. After a day of solid fighting (and a steady rain of blood), Sandstone Keep is secured, with a second battalion of Larkan Soldiers moving arriving to render aid. Cleanup of remaining Wyvern's keeps most of the mercenaries busy for the next two days while the Larkans and Kuzani set about cleaning thing up. Wyndella's children depart.

Meanwhile, Rin has found much of the Lagragon Wildlands plunged into a magical darkness. His enhanced vision, a gift from Owl, seems able to penetrate the darkness somewhat and he finds his way to his Mother's old home. Within is little more than memories... but hidden in the floor is a message of sorts. Blade was here, and left a knife to mark his passing. The next day, Soreiss picks up Rin, and finding himself plunged into magical darkness, realizes that this must be the effect of Dawnrazor, an artifact sword suspected of being in the region. Gorvalyk had spoken of a vast region of darkness a while back, and it seems none of it has yet faded.

Slip spends his free time studying with Soreiss and Krosbye, and reaps the benefits of his Usho heritage and a strong education. He picks up the rudiments of Wizardry in only a few weeks.

Rin spends time meditating in quiet contemplation, further attuning himself not only to owl, but to the greater spirit paths.

Mitu and Soreiss return to Muros's encampment with the Varukko who had aided in Sandstone Keep. They both join the battle when another attack comes, witnessing the sheer carnage and brutality that are the Krinod at war.

Mitu (egged on by Tharivol), remains at the front after the battle ends. Soreiss, however, leaves and returns to Larka City, where his services are needed by General Kethryn and Tarsus Kordir. It seems that the Sandstone Keep may gain a permanent gateway between Larka City and itself, one capable of moving many units of soldiers quickly between them. Tarsus was charges with designing the system, but seeks Soreiss's aid to finish the designs as well as implement them on the Larka City side of the gateway.

Soreiss discusses the matter with Tarsus, and they both come to the conclusion that the Eog in close proximity will have a serious warping effect on the Eldritch effects of any gateway. Slip and Rin also travel with Soreiss, offering to help the Kuzani and Larkan forces with some crafting and dowsing skills. While Rin seems fine during most of his interactions with the Kuzani, Slip became quite uncomfortable when questioned by one particular fellow some say is a "Grandfather" in training.

Soreiss takes a short trip up to the Darkweaver's transit tower when he figures out that what Tarsus and he are designing is exactly what the towers already are. On his arrival, he finds an ornately styled dagger thrust into the wall. A note pinned to it claims someone wants a meeting with him in a couple months time at the Blue Candle at a town called Epasca (Subsequent analysis leads Soreiss to believe this note may be from Marika Dracos, especially after he discovers that Epasca was the name of the village where Sashmir now stands). However, Soreiss's immediate concerns are about how the towers work, and in response to his thoughts, the tower opens the passage to Mount Thanir. Soreiss passes through to the next tower, but finds nothing of what he seeks. Only after a short while does he decide that perhaps he needs to travel inside Mount Thanir -- which means winding down the narrow path, and hoping to pass through a door barred by the Syments. Soreiss never even gets that far, with the Syment Stefan Aldroth coming up to meet him. The Syments are offering Soreiss a trade. In two weeks time he must pick up a package for them in the Kesh Confederation town of Shrewsborn, but it is a package that will reveal itself to him, as well as reveal its ultimate destination. After a successful delivery, the Syments will loan some of the Darkweaver's old notes on his tower constructions.

Back on the frontlines of Muros's war, Mitu discovers that the Phoenix's are present there, at least five if not six of them, but are not taking much of an active role beyond support. After another day or two of intense battle, Mitu also meets up with the warriors three -- Caedin, Warrin, and Fartlegoth -- all of whom are pleased to see him. During conversations with many of these people, and a steady westerly march, Mitu learns that they are crossing over the now buried ruins of Ganth, the capital city of a kingdom that bore the same name. Furthermore, he remembers something about Ganth from Adder's list of items -- the Star Scepter of Ganth -- and discovers that it must still be buried beneath them. He attempts to dig his way down (foolishly), until Soreiss arrives to pick him up, and convinces him that they will have to come back later when better prepared.

Another few days are spent figuring out where to go and what to do next -- so many loose ends remain -- with little forward progress in the nearly two and a half months since their return from the Violet Path.

[Jolt Code: 1C, 2CB, 3R]