Journal

The morning after making their escape from the Old Halls, the damaged skyship made its getaway across the snow-topped mountains. Cold air and snow blew through the damaged hull. Jericho did his best to steer the ship, avoiding the mountain peaks in the dark while Adelka tended to Rumbelow, lying injured in his hammock.

By the time morning came, and seeing the smoke from an isolated cottage, Jericho had moored the ship in the shelter of a mountainside. He and Sullivan explained that the ship needed some repairs before they could get any further: Work was needed to repair the holes in the hull. There were some materials aboard, but their tools had been lost during the crash. After some discussion Mile and Rivka had set off to find the cottage, and see if they could get some tools to make the repairs.

So it was that Mile and Rivka found themselves trudging through the snow on a wooded mountainside, with snow gently falling and a cold breeze on their faces. Before long they arrived at the woodcutter's cottage, spotting a youth working in the yard. Making their approach, Mile noticed a tripwire with a bell attached, which he carefully avoided, but hailed the youth in a friendly manner as they approached.

Introducing themselves they soon realised that the youth they had taken to be a boy, was in fact a slight girl with short boyish hair, named Liselotte. While Rivka bluntly commented on her boyish appearance, Mile smoothed things over and soon Liselotte introduced them to her uncle, an aging but still strong woodcutter.

After appraising the newcomers, the woodcutter agreed to lend them his tools if they first helped with some tasks. Mile and Rivka helped move lumber in the yard, and clear snow from the roof, culminating in Mile accidentally sweeping a thick layer of snow from the roof onto Rivka's head. As Rivka's outburst subsided, the woodcutter invited them into his cabin to share some warm stew and take the tools he had promised.

They were not long settled when their solitude was disturbed. An alarm bell signified the approach of intruders, and this time they were a threat. A column of Iron Crown soldiers approached from the east: Snow Raiders, but also elite Storm Raiders, under the command of Lady Melissa. Bidding them make haste, the woodcutter thrust a pouch of coin and a letter into Mile's hands, securing Mile's promise to take Liselotte to the witch Expedora, in the town of Southwatch. As the party escaped through a back window, the woodcutter remained, promising to follow behind.

So it was that Mile, Rivka and Liselotte escaped through the trees. Pausing on the hillside to look back, they saw the woodcutter emerge from the cottage one last time, but this time he stood tall, shoulders back, wearing a bright suit of armour and wielding a sword. This cottage was the secluded home of Corvus Septimus Meridius, last survivor of the Knights Meridian, and he prepared to make his last stand.

The advancing soldiers of the Iron Crown hesitated briefly, before Lady Melissa urged them on, demanding that they 'find the girl'. Advancing with renewed confidence they were met with the flashing steel of Corvus' blade, as he cut a swathe through their ranks, every moment buying time for Liselotte's escape. Finally, as he cut his way towards Lady Melissa, and an expression of growing alarm spread across her face, his path was blocked by a fearsome Captain of the Storm Raiders. It was here that he fell, surrounded, still bringing down his enemies left and right, while his young ward Liselotte fled into the snow.

By early afternoon the Peregrine Nation had lifted once more into the cold mountain air. Below them, the snow-choked forests and ravines fell away in steep, unforgiving lines, while far behind, barely visible against the pale sky, an Iron Crown skyship lingered at the edge of sight. It did not close the distance. Corvus Septimus Meridius had bought them a priceless headstart.

Jericho took the helm, guiding the damaged vessel toward the broken canyons ahead. Spotting two paths, Mile directed Jericho towards the lower channel where flurries of snow indicated a wind channel that would hasten their escape. The sunken canyon yawned before them, its downdrafts treacherous and unpredictable, and at first the ship shuddered badly as the port wing caught the canyon wall. Jericho faltered, fighting the wheel as the Peregrine Nation dipped alarmingly low. Mile remained beside him, calm and steady, speaking with quiet assurance. Jericho’s hands steadied, his confidence grew, and although the wing took further damage, the ship emerged battered but still flying.

On board the mood was tense but controlled. Liselotte stayed close to the bulkhead in the bow, silent and watchful. As the Peregrine Nation plunged into an even narrower and darker set of wind-carved tunnels, violent turbulence rocked the ship, and in a sudden lurch Liselotte vanished through an open deck hatch. For a moment there was panic, but Adelka was already moving, heading below without hesitation. She returned moments later with Liselotte shaken but unharmed. Liselotte’s cheeks burned with embarrassment as she brushed herself off, but when she caught Mile’s eye his brief nod and reassuring glance were enough to reassure her; she straightened, said nothing, and remained on her feet thereafter.

Night fell swiftly among the snowy peaks. Sullivan moved through the ship lighting lanterns as the last light drained from the sky, and with it went the final signs of pursuit. The Iron Crown ship was gone at last. Relief settled over the Peregrine Nation. They were too tired to celebrate, but enjoyed the quieter certainty that, for now, they had escaped.

As the skyship passed through a huge vaulted arch of rock they were soon tested again. Wind dragons stirred around the vessel, and the wind they brought seized the ship without warning. The Peregrine Nation was hurled into a violent vertical spiral. Jericho was thrown clear of the wheel, Mile slammed against the rail, and Adelka tumbled onto Rumbelow where he lay reclining on the deck: For a moment the ship seemed lost.

Mile seized the wheel as the world spun around him. Bracing himself, he fought the spiralling winds, guiding the wounded ship back into something resembling controlled flight. Slowly the spinning slowed, and the wind dragons passed on, leaving the Peregrine Nation damaged, but intact.

They limped onward into the basin beyond, the mountains opening at last into broader skies. Rivka, thoroughly unimpressed by flight at the best of times, leaned over the rail and was violently sick into the void below, cursing the sky between retches. Adelka collected herself and climbed up off Rumbelow (perhaps lingering a moment longer than necessary). By the time the air finally smoothed and the stars wheeled quietly overhead, the Peregrine Nation flew on alone, with the Riverlands laid out like a living map on the horizon ahead.

The Peregrine Nation came in low over the marshes of the Riverlands, and settled gently by the Temple's approach causeway. The last night beyond the mountains had finally allowed Mile the chance for a deep, restful sleep: He was still sore, but mending. He descended to the ground and led the way to the Temple's entrance, where he surrendered his weapons to the Maiden Guards without fuss, and proceeded inside.

Rumbelow was helped along a short distance behind, Adelka and Sullivan bracing him between them. Mile decided that he had earned some luxury and booked a suite of comfortable rooms at the Temple, for one night to begin with, as they determined how long the skyship repairs would take. Entering the Temple's interior, The West Hall soon opened out before them, a place of sanctuary with fine tapestries, pale stone and dancing coloured light. Rumbelow claimed his place on an ornate marble bench where he reclined and admired the view with theatrical dedication, under Adelka's stern and suspicious gaze. As Mile began to explore, Sullivan slipped away to speak with the clerics about repairs.

In the gallery, Mile found Lawson and tipped him a few coin to smooth their conversation. Rumours flowed easily: the Iron Crown was building something dangerous and vast; a new weapon meant to tip the balance. Their grip had not yet reached the Western Lands - Prince Gallen of Nightfall had refused to concede, even as a prisoner - but a new weapon might change that. Then came more news: Grimshaw was alive. Mile frowned in concern, but although this rumour had been corroborated by a number of sightings, no more details were forthcoming.

Descending again, Mile made a few purchases from a traveling merchant - practical comforts and small indulgences. One item (an exotic woodblock scroll) was described as particularly desirable to men of culture, and was handed over discreetly, protected from observation by a fine paper wrapping. 

Enquiring with a priestess, Mile learned of the Temple’s services and remedies. He chose rest over paid healing, and his attention then turned to the services of the stylist, who had her own corner in the north gallery. Mile submitted to the strange and quirky attentions of the stylist, who made quick measurements with a tape, and asked curious questions. He ordered a new outfit in fine fabric and was told it would be ready tomorrow.

Soon afterwards, Jericho wandered out toward the pools. Mile followed and watched the warm steam drift across the Temple grounds, before deciding he would return in the morning. A brief conversation with a tall foreign Ronin yielded little more than solemn nonsense, so Mile found Sullivan as the mid-afternoon sun slanted through the stained-glass windows and cast a rainbow of colours across the floor. The verdict: Two or three days for the ship to be repaired.

Heading up to his suite Mile took a moment to lie down, intending only to rest his eyes, and he was asleep almost at once. The long fatigue of the journey took hold as the warm mists and murmuring of the waters drew Mile into a deep slumber.

Mile d’Areyn woke as though he had not slept at all. The bed had been soft and the suite was comfortable, but nevertheless he had slept fitfully. When morning came he was in a sour mood: The kind of mood that had no clear cause and therefore no easy remedy. He dressed without ceremony and made his way downstairs.

In the dining hall he found Adelka already awake, perched on the edge of a bench, speaking animatedly with Liselotte. The two of them were finishing breakfast, and Adelka's positive mood made Mile feel even worse. She greeted him cheerfully, pointing out how exhausted he looked and commenting on how long he'd overslept, before sharing their plans to spend the morning in the pools. Adelka was in high spirits, determined to make a day of it. Mile found himself sinking even further.

The girls left him there and Mile lingered, one of the last in the hall. He gathered a plate of cold cuts, rye bread, cheese, eggs, and a small selection of pickles. Solid, practical fare. He picked at it without appetite, briefly optimistic that a cup of tea might lift his mood - until he sipped it and realised it had cooled and was now lukewarm.

At length, he pushed the plate aside and stomped into the West Hall. The central pool reflected the high ceiling and the broken patterns of light from the stained glass windows. Mile sat at its edge, trailing his fingers through the warm water, watching the ripples distort the light, until movement caught his eye above.

A pretty young woman, light-footed and playful, skipped down the stairs from the gallery. She descended toward the male changing rooms with a kind of careless confidence, flicking her vivid red hair, only to be sharply turned away by an acolyte near the entrance. She exaggerated her disappointment with theatrical flair - an eye-roll, puffed cheeks - before giggling playfully and slipping away with a wink in Mile's direction.

Mile watched her go, then looked away, however his solitude was soon broken by another new arrival.

A rotund robed man in a huge hat entered as though stepping onto a stage, his presence accompanied by an uncanny procession of mannequins and a doll-like girl who stood silently at his shoulder. His attention fixed on Mile almost immediately, and he hailed a hearty greeting. Mile did not respond.

The visitor continued regardless, launching into a florid monologue that seemed less concerned with meaning than with performance. As he performed his soliloquy to the room, Mile had had enough, standing before it reached its conclusion, and leaving without a word.

Outside, the air was warmer, heavy with steam rising from the pools beyond. The Temple’s southern terraces spread out in tiers of water and stone, the sound of falling streams masking quiet conversations and private thoughts. Mile paused at the threshold, then reached into his Bag of Holding. It seemed like a day for Highlands wine. He poured himself a glass and drank, taking the edge off the morning’s sharpness.

After changing, Mile wrapped his things in a towel and stepped into the water. The pools were peaceful, with gentle movement as travelers, clerics, and quiet conversations drifted through the mist. Adelka and Liselotte were already settled, having found Mogwen and the others, their voices low and companionable. Mile noted that Rivka was also drinking openly from a bottle, coughing once before taking another pull.

Mile joined them briefly, but said little, and his restlessness soon returned. Muttering about going to explore, he moved westward, skirting the quieter edges of the terraces and finding some steps down. There, he noticed one of the priestesses leaning just slightly too far through the branches of a tree above the male bathing area, her attention clearly not where it ought to be. Mile approached without sound and, on impulse, made his presence known all at once.

With a startled cry, the unfortunate young priestess toppled backward into the water in a thoroughly undignified fashion. She emerged spluttering, flustered beyond recovery, and fled the scene in embarrassment. Mile allowed himself a small, rare smile, wondering if his day might be starting to improve.

He descended further, into the lower tiers where the sound of the falls grew louder and the crowds thinned. Eventually, he reached a more secluded channel - a narrow space carved by water and time, half-hidden from the main terraces. A waterfall spilled into it, misting the air, the light dimmer here. As he was about to move on, Mile suddenly noticed a shadow beside the waterfall - a break in the stone. Investigating, Mile soon realised that it was the entrance to a cave, and so he retrieved his lantern and ventured inside.

Inside, the cave opened into a network of natural passages. The air was cooler, the stone damp beneath his feet - possibly with footprints. Half crawling to another chamber, Mile found a bundle of cloth tucked into a recess. Within it was a letter: The seal had been broken. The script inside was elegant but unfamiliar, perhaps coded, perhaps foreign. He studied it for a moment, then pocketed it, and returned the bundle precisely as he had found it. Preparing to explore further, the the darkness shifted: There was movement, just at the edge of the lantern’s reach.

That was enough for Mile, who had checked his weapons on entry to the Temple, so found himself unarmed. He quickly withdrew, retracing his steps without hesitation. The cave, whatever it held, would keep its secrets for now.

Back in the open air, he circled toward the central terraces, passing up some stairs into a secluded unclothed bathing area where he suddenly saw the red-headed girl, reclining against the rocks with effortless poise. He noticed how striking she looked - and also wondered if she had seen him venture into the cave from her vantage point. After a moment of consideration, Mile produced a second glass and poured a drink for them both, as she looked on with a playful expression.

Their conversation was light at first - playful, perhaps with unspoken intent. When she spoke of the Temple’s rules, it was with a tone that implied they were, at best, suggestions. When she moved closer to murmur in his ear, it was a natural continuation of the moment. 

The mist closed around them.

Mile awoke slowly in the secluded pool beneath the Temple cliffs, surfacing from sleep as though from deep underwater. Darkness had begun to settle across the springs and the terraces were nearly deserted. Warm water lapped quietly against the rocks where he had fallen asleep after his encounter with the mysterious young woman in the mixed baths.

His body felt strangely relaxed - more at ease than it had in a very long time - but also deeply exhausted and faintly muddled. Gradually, fragments of memory returned to him: The girl’s teasing laughter, her flirtatious energy, and the overwhelming intensity of their liaison. Even recalling it left him lightheaded and distracted.

Eventually he gathered himself and wandered back through the now-quiet pools, dressed, and returned to the Temple. Too tired to interact with anyone, he passed through the eating hall avoiding his companions and went directly to bed, where he slept heavily through the evening.

The next morning he awoke refreshed, though still carrying the lingering haze of profound exhaustion after deep sleep. Descending later than usual for breakfast, he joined Adelka and Liselotte in the dining hall. Adelka immediately became suspicious about his disappearance the previous day, especially when Mile drifted into a blissful expression while recalling the girl from the pools, forcing Adelka to snap her fingers in front of his face to regain his attention.

During breakfast Adelka mentioned that the Toymaker had continued wandering the Temple halls and seemed particularly interested in Liselotte, which unsettled both girls. She also reminded Mile that the stylist had finished preparing his new clothes. Making his way into the West Hall, Mile encountered the Toymaker again, accompanied by one of his mannequins and the strange purple-haired girl whose unnatural stillness made Mile wonder whether she was truly human at all. The Toymaker spoke cryptically as always, hinting that he possessed “cargo” requiring transportation to Southwatch and inviting Mile to return later if interested.

Afterward Mile climbed to the upper gallery and spoke with Lawson, exchanging coin for information regarding the Toymaker’s background. During the conversation Mile suddenly remembered the encoded letter he had discovered in the hidden cave beneath the pools. Alarmed, he checked his belongings and realised the letter had vanished entirely. Everything else remained untouched - including his money and the Dragonbowl - but the strange document was gone.

Disturbed by this discovery, Mile sought distraction by visiting the stylist. He was highly satisfied with the finished outfit, finding it both refined and practical, and promised he might return for additional garments later in the year. As he descended back into the hall, a commotion spread through the Temple as an elegant pink-haired woman entered accompanied by two suited bodyguards. Despite her sunglasses and headscarf, Mile immediately recognised the idol Miji from Nightfall.

The Toymaker remarked unsettlingly that Miji could be 'the ultimate doll,' and awkwardly attempted to approach her, but ended up hanging back as Mile walked forward. Upon recognising Mile, Miji accused him of stalking her and berated him for supposedly losing the signed copy of Peach Time magazine she had previously autographed. At that exact moment the magazine seemingly appeared back in Mile’s possession - courtesy of an irritated (and invisible) Saffie.

After some light conversation, Miji admitted she was considering “trying holy orders for a while” before departing deeper into the Temple. During the exchange she also mistook Liselotte for a boy, embarrassing her yet again.

No sooner had Miji departed than another arrival shifted the atmosphere of the hall entirely.

General Vallis of the Iron Crown entered the Temple.

Approaching Mile directly, Vallis remarked that Mile was a difficult man to track down, and invited him to sit and discuss 'business' on the neutral ground of the Water Temple. Seated beside the central pool with wine brought to the table, Vallis came directly to the point. The Iron Crown wanted the Dragonbowl. On behalf of Lord Azharul, Vallis offered Mile fifty thousand guilders in exchange for the artifact. When it became clear that Mile would not surrender it for money alone, Vallis changed tactics and instead offered him a place within the Iron Crown organisation itself.

Vallis described Lord Azharul as a visionary seeking to drag the world out of poverty and stagnation through industry and progress. As fellow nobles, Vallis argued, men like them had a responsibility to shape the future through difficult decisions. Rather than surrendering the Dragonbowl, Mile could instead join the Iron Crown and wield its power alongside them. Vallis even promised that Mile would stand beside him directly beneath Lord Azarul himself. Mile remained skeptical.

At that point Vallis pivoted again, revealing that the Iron Crown no longer intended to pursue Liselotte before introducing a far more personal matter: Eloise. Contradicting everything that Mile thought he knew, Vallis claimed that Eloise was alive and currently in Iron Crown custody. According to him, she did not know her true identity or her connection to Mile. Vallis implied that by joining the Iron Crown, Mile could be reunited with her. When Mile hesitated, Vallis extended the threat further, mentioning Mile’s parents. Although they had not yet been found, Vallis made it clear the Iron Crown would eventually locate them as well. While implying they would not be harmed, he then posed the question of what Mile’s family would think if he refused the opportunity to reunite with Eloise.

The conversation ended at an impasse. Vallis encouraged Mile to consider the future carefully before departing the hall, leaving Mile with his thoughts, and some big decisions to be made.

Following his meeting with General Vallis, Mile withdrew to the refectory for a quiet lunch. The hall was subdued at this hour, and Saffie observed him attentively from across the table, quill and notebook in hand, waiting to see what conclusions he would draw from the General’s proposal.

When she pressed him about his plans, Mile struggled to articulate his thoughts clearly. Much of his muttering amounted only to fragments of possibilities and half-formed concerns. Eventually, however, he admitted what truly occupied his mind: Whether Eloise might already be somewhere within the Water Temple, perhaps having traveled alongside Vallis.

Saffie agreed to investigate discreetly. With a flourish of blue sparkles and glittering dust scattered across Mile’s lunch, the Azure Ryuujin vanished to begin her search.

Not long afterward, High Priestess Elinda entered the refectory accompanied by two young acolytes. Her pale blue robes flowed elegantly behind her as she approached Mile’s table and seated herself opposite him. She asked about his intentions. Mile explained that he still intended to travel onward to Southwatch, though Vallis’ revelations had complicated matters considerably. Their discussion soon turned toward the Dragonbowl itself. Elinda explained that possessing the artifact alone was not enough; unlocking and binding its true power would likely require an exceptionally powerful magic user. She speculated that Morgenstern or Expedora might possess the necessary ability, though she could not say for certain.

The conversation led naturally to Eloise.

Elinda quietly pointed out that if the Iron Crown believed Eloise capable of unlocking the Dragonbowl, then she was likely too valuable to be harmed. At the same time, however, that possibility made Mile himself increasingly expendable in the eyes of the Iron Crown. Mile then cautiously floated the idea of sabotaging the Iron Crown skyship before departing the Temple. The suggestion was poorly received. Elinda sharply reminded him that the Water Temple’s neutrality depended upon maintaining peace within its grounds. Mile quickly realised he had overstepped, and the conversation ended on noticeably colder terms before Elinda departed with her attendants.

After finishing his lunch, Mile returned to the now-quiet West Hall. The earlier crowds and visitors had mostly dispersed, leaving only scattered travelers lingering around the central pool. There he found Rumbelow reclining comfortably while Sullivan stood nearby. Two young priestesses sat listening attentively as the captain recounted one of his exaggerated adventures. The girls giggled and excused themselves as Mile approached. Sullivan informed him that the Peregrine Nation would be ready to depart either late that evening or at dawn the following morning. Mile immediately suggested that leaving under cover of darkness might be preferable given the growing Iron Crown presence at the Temple.

He also again raised the possibility of sabotaging the enemy skyship. Rumbelow, however, had concerns of his own. The captain explained that he intended to remain behind at the Water Temple while his injuries healed. Glancing meaningfully toward the departing priestesses, he implied that the Temple offered ideal conditions for recovery. Then, removing a key from the chain around his neck, he handed it to Mile. The key controlled the ship’s sunstone mechanism and allowed the vessel to be activated.

“The ship is yours for now,” Rumbelow told him. “Look after her until I’m fit to fly again.”

Mile accepted the responsibility and promised to safeguard the skyship until Rumbelow’s return. He then instructed Sullivan to quietly prepare the vessel for a possible nighttime departure. Leaving the hall behind, Mile stepped outside into the warm mist drifting over the Temple pools. There he found Adelka waiting among the steaming waters. During their conversation, Adelka admitted that she intended to remain at the Water Temple with Rumbelow. Somewhat sheepishly, she confessed that she had fallen in love with the flamboyant captain and joked that he could hardly be trusted alone among so many young priestesses without proper supervision. She thanked Mile sincerely for allowing her to experience adventures she could never have imagined for herself.

The two shared a brief embrace before Adelka departed to gather the others and prepare them for the coming journey. Mile turned back toward the Temple alone.

However, before he could leave the lower pools, he encountered General Vallis reclining quietly in one of the secluded baths. With some caution, Mile descended the steps into the warm water. “There is someone you should meet,” Vallis said calmly. From around his neck he removed a small object and dropped it into the pool. Instantly, a swirling red magical circle spread across the water’s surface, pulsing softly beneath the steam. Above it, a translucent figure slowly materialised.

A man in dark robes appeared, pale-haired and youthful despite the authority in his expression. Wire-framed glasses rested upon his face, and his sharp gaze fixed immediately upon Mile. “Allow me to introduce Lord Azharul,” Vallis said. “Master of Frosthaven. Lord of the Iron Crown.” Azharul regarded Mile carefully. “You seem surprised,” he observed. “Perhaps I am not the monster you imagined.” Mile shrugged indifferently.

Unlike Vallis’ direct pressure, Azarul’s approach was measured and intellectual. He spoke of unity, of the ancient power of the noble houses, and of a future where prosperity and equality would be achieved through strength, industry, and prosperity for all. He argued that Mile’s family once ruled the Old Halls and could do so again beneath the Iron Crown. He spoke of Mile’s parents growing old in hardship when they might instead live comfortably and safely. He framed the Iron Crown not as conquerors, but as architects of a better future. Throughout the conversation, Mile remained cautious and unconvinced, carefully avoiding any outright refusal while buying himself time to think.

Eventually Azarul began to grow impatient with the evasions.

At that point Mile claimed he needed time to say farewell to his companions before making any final decision. To his surprise, Azarul appeared satisfied by this, apparently taking it as an agreement to part with his companions and join the Iron Crown. Azharul's apparition softened slightly and instructed him to spend the evening with his friends before departing aboard the Iron Crown skyship in the morning. Moments later the magical projection faded, leaving only ripples spreading across the surface of the water.

Vallis remained behind. “Consider the offer carefully,” he said quietly. “You stand upon neutral ground now. But eventually you must leave this Temple.”

His expression hardened slightly. “And when you do… there will be a reckoning.”

Following his meeting with Lord Azharul and General Vallis, Mile decided the party could no longer safely remain at the Water Temple. Before making preparations to depart, however, he first sought out the Toymaker to discuss the transportation of his cargo to Southwatch.

The Toymaker received him warmly in the West Hall, enthusiastically proclaiming them “kindred spirits” due to their shared appreciation for discretion and secrecy. Mile cautiously assured him that the delivery would be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, which delighted the Toymaker further. Pleased with the arrangement, he agreed to pay generously. Promising Mile four thousand Guilders up front he sealed the agreement with an unpleasantly limp, clammy handshake, and feeling Mile's firm grip he gushed that Mile was 'salt of the earth!'.

As evening approached, Mile went outside to observe the Iron Crown skyship more carefully. Sullivan stood nearby studying the vessel as well. The ship, named the Ordinator, was unlike anything Mile had previously encountered: a massive trimaran-hulled skyship held aloft by powerful rotors straining constantly against a single heavy anchor cable. Soldiers crowded its deck, though few ventured ashore.

Watching closely, Mile realised the ship’s greatest weakness: the entire vessel depended upon that single anchor line. After discussing the situation quietly with Sullivan, Mile instructed him to quietly oversee the loading of the Toymaker’s cargo while preparations for departure continued.

Returning to his room, Mile drew a bath and attempted briefly to gather his thoughts. During this time Saffie appeared once again in a burst of blue glitter, chastising him for wearing only a towel before delivering her news: There was no sign of Eloise anywhere within the Water Temple grounds or aboard the Ordinator. Only Iron Crown soldiers remained. Mile was somewhat reassured that he could proceed without risk to Eloise. Saffie promised she would continue listening for gossip concerning Eloise before vanishing once more, leaving glitter scattered across Mile’s freshly dressed black attire.

That evening the companions gathered for dinner in the refectory. The Water Temple served a hearty meal of grilled freshwater fish, dumplings, fresh bread, salads, and steaming platters of Riverlands cuisine. Seated together around a long table, Mile outlined his plan. They would leave under cover of darkness. Before doing so, however, the Ordinator had to be disabled to prevent pursuit. Together the group pieced together the details. General Vallis was sleeping inside the Temple itself rather than aboard his ship. If the vessel encountered disaster while leaderless, confusion among the Iron Crown forces would increase dramatically.

Roles were assigned accordingly. Rumbelow would create a distraction in the West Hall to occupy attention. Mogwen and Mile would ensure Vallis remained trapped inside his room. Adelka - remaining behind at the Temple with Rumbelow - would sabotage the anchor cable itself. With the plan agreed upon, the companions quietly gathered their belongings and transferred them aboard the Peregrine Nation. As arranged, Rumbelow soon began loudly entertaining a growing crowd in the West Hall with exaggerated stories, dramatic anecdotes, and slightly risqué tales that quickly drew travelers, priestesses, and even Miji the idol into his orbit.

During the distraction, Mile and Mogwen shadowed Vallis as he retired upstairs for the evening. However, the General unexpectedly doubled back and briefly caught the pair together in the hallway while carrying a glass of milk. Mistaking the situation entirely, Vallis made a crude remark suggesting that even noblemen were not above “a tumble with a commoner” before retiring to his room, apparently unconcerned. Mogwen endured the moment with surprising composure despite her embarrassment.

Once Vallis was inside, Mogwen cast a spell causing enchanted vines to entangle and seal his door from the outside, ensuring he would remain trapped once the alarm was raised. Meanwhile, Mile left behind a short note in his room:

“Sorry to disappoint. Change of plan.”

As evening progressed, the companions dispersed separately through the Temple to avoid suspicion while Mile reclaimed his weapons under the pretense of transporting them aboard the ship before returning later. At this critical moment, the Toymaker’s strange purple-haired companion approached Mile privately. She revealed that she wished to accompany him as additional “cargo.” Confused but pressed for time, Mile agreed to discuss payment later.

At that exact moment the sabotage began. Out on the lake, Adelka cut through the Ordinator’s anchor cable as the great ship strained against its rotors. Under the enormous tension, the rope finally snapped violently apart. The boarding rigging stretched, twisted, and tore free as the skyship lurched sideways, briefly rearing upward before crashing heavily into the lake with a tremendous wave of water. Iron Crown soldiers stumbled and shouted in confusion as the crippled vessel tilted dangerously in the shallows.

The chaos immediately drew attention throughout the Temple grounds. However, events escalated further when the Toymaker himself appeared and realised his companion was attempting to flee with Mile. His cheerful demeanor vanished instantly, replaced with raw fury. With a twisted expression he unleashed two of his mannequin servants, which began pursuing Mile and the fleeing girl with unnatural speed. Mile shouted for Jericho to prepare the ship and ordered the girl aboard.

At the same time the Peregrine Nation raised anchor and swung violently into motion beneath Jericho’s inexperienced but determined control. The ship pitched sharply as the girl scrambled up the rope ladder while Mile followed close behind. Elsewhere inside the Temple, Vallis finally discovered the trap upon his chamber door. Unable to break through the enchanted vines immediately, he turned toward the window only to witness his crippled skyship slowly listing in the lake below. Meanwhile, Mile struggled desperately up the swaying side of the Peregrine Nation, repeatedly slammed against the hull as the vessel climbed into the night sky. Fearing that he would be battered against the hull, or even worse thrown clear of the ship, Mile gathered his energies and pushed hard with his legs, swinging the rope ladder in an acrobatic arc that ended with him landing perfectly on the skyship's lurching deck.

Under Jericho’s control, the Peregrine Nation accelerated away from the Water Temple and into the darkness, leaving behind the disabled Ordinator, the enraged Toymaker, and the stranded Iron Crown forces. As the lights of the Temple faded into the distance, Mile realised one final complication. The Toymaker still believed his cargo was being delivered to Southwatch. With that in mind, Mile made an immediate decision. Rather than heading south as expected, the Peregrine Nation would instead change course entirely and flee toward Inkwell, throwing both the Toymaker and the Iron Crown off their trail.