Bruisetooth's Journal - Wanted Iron III

*12 Highsun*

We moved on, after I'd been properly patched up by **Uhklah** and **Alexandria**. I owe them both drinks when we return back to Hope and this is all over with. I lead us forward, inching through the darkness with **Drago's** lamp to guide my eyes. Upon hearing crying, I urged us forward, and found a child, Human, wrapped in webbing. I rushed to her aid, a foolish move, and tore her from the trappings of the spiders, only to signal our presence. Although we were unprepared, we held our own against the monsters that attacked us; some kind of undead created from the horrific death of being eaten by these spiders. And worse, each one we felled was filled with more of the little bastards, in whole swarms.

We won, but **Teres** went down after triggering a trapped chest, and we decided to lay low in another chamber and fully regain ourselves before pressing on. The girl we rescued, as it turns out, was named **Lyla**, and was not used to non-Humans. I allowed **Alexandria** to tend to her.

13 Highsun

The next day, or so it felt, we woke to find **Lyla** gone! Where and when she'd slept out, I'm not sure, but I fear for her safety, given all we've seen here, and the water she'd need to travel through full of those frogs in order to get back out. Returning to the chamber to properly scavenge the treasures remaining from past victims, we found a good number of items, including the *Spider Seal*, which we suspect may be something to do with the pillar we found days ago. We also found another of the greater spiders, which took **Murtagh** from us before we could pull him back. After   Cathal's sister looked down into the pit, she confirmed that not only did more Mummy's await, but an even bigger, more hideous spider lay in wait over **Murtagh's** still form. There was nothing we could do to save him with what we had, but I swear to come back for him when I'm better prepared.

Leaving the mine behind us, empty and safer to use once more, we put **Cathal** properly to rest. His sister sang a song as **Uhklah** performed a holy rite, and the rest of us said words of honour and kindness towards our departed brother.

On our return journey to Hope, we investigated a fallen fort that **Teres** had seen during our second attempt on the mines. It was full of elf-like slavers, who set upon us not too long after realising we were about. With the party at a disadvantage, **Uhklah** used her magic to hide us from our pursuers, and we rested in the swamp that night. I do not condone slaves, and will have to return here as well to put this right.

14 Highsun

Another pillar found, this one baring some form of eldritch markings, including hideous tentacles. Just being near it played with our minds, nearly costing us **Uhklah** as she wandered into the open tendrils of a monstrosity that promised us wonders. I do not trust such things, and with **Teres** aid, we hooked **Uhklah** from a distance and made hasty our retreat. Returning to Hope victorious, the smith rewarded us for our efforts, and we pooled our resources to have the items of value we'd found identified. Along with some handsome ***Mithril*** armour, which we decided to sell, we found a Direstone Dwarven Pick among the loot, which I took for myself. It will be a fine tool, and its qualities will surely come in handy.

I rest now, waiting for Hope to send me something new to suit my skills. I feel my strength grow, and I have my new brothers and sisters in arms to thank for it.