How to Slay a Dragon

The group makes their way toward Quan'Mal. Kesra and Red, warning her not to ever try to use Kireen to manipulate her again. Leona sings a jaunty little tune about reuniting with family. Aureo sulks a little.

As they make camp, Deirdre helps Aureo set up a tent for him and Leona. They discuss their impending possible reunion with Maudit. He tells her that thinking about reunions reminds him of how far away his family is. He also warns everyone that Quan'Mal is a rowdy place, dedicated to Kord.

After Aureo's watch, he and Deirdre discuss how the impending drama feels like a play. Deirdre says she's never seen a play, and he tells her he'll take her to one in Rai'Sharr, and he goes on to tell her a little about his time in Rai'Sharr.

In the morning, they arrive in Quan'Mal. They see a statue of Quan'Mal Macierre himself, and Leona regales them all with the tale of how he founded the empire. The resemblance of the statue to Aureo is astonishing. Kesra recognizes the crown on his head and the horse he's riding - it's Red.

They head to a bar called the Winking Weevil. After they settle in, Aureo and Leona head to the airship dock to work on arranging transport. On their way, he admits to her that he had a terrible dream the previous night about Analena. She admits to him that Zanelor is her father. She also messages Zanelor to ask him if he has any updates about potentially getting Analena out, but he doesn't. Aureo manages to book passage on an airship that day.

Meanwhile, back at the bar, Kesra is getting as drunk as she possibly can, knowing that she's going to be on an airship very soon. Deirdre asks her if she likes any of them, considering that she stabbed Deirdre the other night, and Kesra assures her that it was not intentional. Leona, Deirdre, and Aureo manage to get Kesra to the airship where she promptly barfs.

The airship, the **Wicked Maiden**, takes off. Leona tries to sketch the sunset. Deirdre makes an effort to learn about how the airship works. Aureo joins Leona looking at the clouds. And that's when an a massive blue dragon attacks. During the battle, Deirdre pulls out the symbol of the cult of the dragon queen, telling it that they are associated with Maudit, the son of the consort of Tiamat. As it turns to leave, Kesra cuts it open, killing it.

Two crew members are killed in the attack. Captain Demetrius thanks them for their help in defending against the attack. They stip some hide and claws off of it, and Leona says a prayer to the Raven Queen for the lost crew. Deirdre helps Kesra get her armor off and to bed.

In the morning, they are woken up by the ship docking in Rai'Sharr. The city is packed with diverse races, and many temples, but only to certain deities. They head to a tavern that Aureo knows, called The Library. Leona's spare change is pick-pocketed on the way there. They head to their rooms and take a nap.

Aureo gives Deirdre a pep-talk, and they head to the temple of Ioun. Aureo makes a request for an audience with the Realm's Justice, Ever Hassan. There, Aureo asks her to see Theophania Runebringer - she tells him that Theophania has already had a visitor today, but takes them to see her.

They speak with Theophania about Maudit, and about the Covenant. She tells them that some among the Covenant consider him to be an abomination. As they are talking, several massive creatures burst in through the window, unfurling their devilish wings.