Alexandria's Journal - Wanted: Iron III

*12 Highsun*

After a brief rest, we pushed deeper into the mines and could hear a muffled sobbing. While the frontline moved in to investigate, I swung around a side tunnel to flank the giant spider that seems to have made this place it’s lair. With the power of Bahamut on my side, along with Murtagh and **Drago**, the beast was soon dispatched. Looking around though the party were beset by swarms of tiny spiders!

Having put the last of them down, we tended to a terrified child called Lyla. Seems she had been caught by these beasts. Freeing her, she didn’t seem entirely comforted by the presence of **Bruisetooth**! We barely had time to regroup before we seemed to be accosted by more spiders… it seems maybe **Teres** had somehow alerted them while looking at the chest she’d found. She seemed to hurt herself too, I should follow up with her to see if her vision was impaired somehow…

Another giant spider stormed into the room and bore Murtagh straight into the pit, as they tumbled down, we were accosted by swarms. The spider emerged from the hole and took a chunk out of **Drago**’s ear, I wonder if that’ll dampen or fuel **Uklah**’s desires? As we managed to take down the larger foes, the tide almost turned against us but **Aoibhinn** threw herself into the fray to help save **Drago** and the combined efforts of the two of them with **Teres** managed to seal off one tunnel while **Bruisetooth** slammed into a swarm in the second tunnel. **Uklah**’s darts finished off the last of the stragglers.

We could hear movement in the pit. I worry that Murtagh might still be alive but **Aoibhinn**’s quick scout of the hole indicated there were many, many enemies festering down there. We’ve decided to rest up and consider an assault tomorrow….

13 Highsun

Lyla is gone… she seems to have snuck away in the night? I hope she’s OK? Another check of the hole and **Aoibhinn** is certain there are too many for us to handle. I cannot be certain Murtagh is dead but I also cannot risk certain death for the team based on **Aiobhinn**’s report. Bahamut forgive me but I cannot be sure and there is no way to check without risking more death.

Having cleared the rest of the mine, we headed back to the surface to finally lay Cathal’s body to rest. Uklah performed a wonderful ceremony but the main surprise was a very moving song from **Aoibhinn**. She’s a fierce warrior but there’s clearly a softer side. Having bid farewell to Cathal, we decided we’re heading back to Hope but stopping off to investigate the camp fires we saw before entering the mine.

There’s a group of strange Elves camped out at the abandoned keep. **Teres** and **Uklah** scouted the ruins and seemed to engage in conversation. It did not go well based on what happened next… these Elves attacked us while we were looking for shelter! Luckily **Uklah** managed to help us beat a hasty retreat and we settled in for a night in the swamp.

14 Highsun

We’ve checked out another giant pillar in the swamp. This one had engraved tentacles around the base and most of the party seemed afraid to approach… this is not a good sign. We’ve marked it and headed home, I need to get head out to find the Miller’s daughter who’s missing…