Season 1 Journal

Mile started his story travelling from Willowbank to Amberley, with a delivery of magical seeds for Lilia the Baker.

Unexpectedly, the skyship Peregrine Nation flew low overhead, with some kind of battle taking place on deck. In the melee, a golden staff tumbled from the sky, and Mile was able to retrieve it from the clutches of a vicious Chewlip. The staff bore an unusual crest, which shared some elements with Mile's own coat of arms.

Arriving at Amberley, Mile met Scarlett, awkwardly trying to blend in as a villager. When 3 uniformed men arrived looking for her, Mile sent them away, earning her gratitude.

Mile completed his delivery, and met the Ryuujin Saffie at the old chapel. She advised him to seek the wisdom of Old Rosa, the fortune teller in Brambledore, to find out more about the staff. Leaving the chapel, Mile was accosted by a mysterious stranger, Grimshaw, who was aware he had the staff, and attempted to buy it from him, before resorting to threats.

Bluffing his way past Grimshaw, Mile met Scarlett and they both decided to leave Amberley with haste, down the lesser used Forest Road, to avoid their respective pursuers.

Mile and Scarlett set off from Amberley to Brambledore, with Mile intent on seeking the advice of the fortune teller, Old Rosa, to find out more about the golden staff.

Overcoming the perils of the road under rainy conditions, they slowly warmed to each other's company, although there were still secrets that each was reluctant to share.

Arriving at Brambledore they helped a young lad catch his escaped chickens before continuing their discussion at the inn. The next day, while Old Rosa was unavailable, the two companions helped remove some jelly plants from the meadow, earning the gratitude of the villagers, although in the excitement Saffie publicly identified Scarlett as a princess in front of the townsfolk.

This was swiftly forgotten when Mile and Scarlett finally managed to meet Old Rosa, and discovered that the golden staff was the famed Kingstaff of Nightfall. As the Princess of Nightfall Scarlett was dismayed to find her family heirloom in Mile's hands, and immediately was concerned for the safety of her brother Gallen, and their mentor, the famous wizard Morgenstern.

Old Rosa added to her concern by stating that her view of Nightfall was obscured, and Morgenstern's whereabouts could not be determined. However Rosa told Mile that the Kingstaff was the key to his past, and the downfall of his family. Noting the similarity between Mile's family crest and the coat of arms on the Kingstaff, Old Rosa suggested that Mile should seek advice to solve the puzzle and unlock his destiny. However, she could not recommend who would be best able to help; from Calias the King's Wizard in Foxdale, to the Master of the Scrolls in Inkwell far to the North-West, or the tragic witch of Southwatch, or even the wise priestesses of the Water Temple in the Riverlands.

As a token of her gratitude for defeating the jelly plants, Old Rosa gave Mile a part of her Fire Demon, Pyridox, to aid them on their travels. Mile and Scarlett retired to the inn, to ponder the next step of their journey.

After securing supplies, Mile purchased Daisy, an intelligent pony, as a pack animal for their journey. Considering their options, Mile decided to head to Foxdale, to obtain the advice of the King's wizard Calias. This decision was helped by the offer of two delivery jobs to Foxdale: One of a letter from the Water Temple to Sir Edgar, Captain of the Tarsian Knights; the other of a parcel for Calias, that they hoped would help them gain an audience with the reclusive wizard.

As they left Brambledore, a child tried to goad them into chasing him, a ruse that they ignored, and which was revealed to be a trap placed by Grimshaw, who waited in the woods with two fierce dogs. Continuing on their way, they used Pyridox to help start their campfire, and met with Saffie, who warned them of wild Elk on the way ahead. Regardless they decided not to deviate from their planned course, and after finding some treasure in an old cellar, they managed to leave the Farmlands, and evade the Elk on the road, despite Scarlett's clumsy attempts to be stealthy.

Finally, approaching the town of Foxdale, Grimshaw emerged at the gates, where he attempted to have them detained by the guards, on the pretext that they were thieves and vagabonds. After a hotly contested argument, and despite the intervention of a witness on Grimshaw's side, Mile was able to overcome Grimshaw's objections, and they entered Foxdale unhindered, to Grimshaw's dismay.

On gaining entry to Foxdale, Mile and Scarlett stabled Daisy at the Storyteller's Inn, while Grimshaw stalked off into the alleys of the town. Discussion with Evelyn the innkeeper gave them some news, including that Rumbelow had been seen in the town only a few days previously, before leaving in his skyship. Mile took the opportunity to pay Evelyn to spread rumours improving his reputation in town, following the scene at the gate, before heading to the Walled Road to go shopping. After buying a beautiful suit of clothes in red and gold, Mile suddenly felt someone bump into him, and realised the letter to Sir Edgar had been stolen. Identifying a slight, cloaked figure, he gave chase, taking to the rooftops in an attempt to catch the thief. He was unsuccessful, but did manage to identify the pickpocket as Adelka, the girl who Grimshaw had paid at the gate.

Regrouping with Scarlett, Mile next visited the magic shop, where they convinced Rasmus to take them to Calias to deliver their parcel. Rasmus had a key, which enabled him to lead them safely through the maze of hedges to the base of the Wizard's tower. There they delivered their parcel, and Mile requested that Calias examine his engraved pocketwatch, to share any information he could glean on his family's history. Calias agreed, but demanded that they return the following day, after his investigations.

Leaving Scarlett (with the Kingstaff) at the inn, Mile took an evening excursion, visiting the temple, where he left his walking stick at the shrine, and relayed the story of his most recent travels. From there he entered the Last Drop Tavern, stumbling across a sheet of musical notation in an alley on the way. He swiftly befriended the locals and tried his hand at games of dice and darts, before Adelka appeared, causing Mile to fumble his first dart throw. Pursuing her outside, Mile confronted her and secured the return of the letter, which appeared to have been opened and expertly re-sealed. Adelka said that Sir Edgar's letters were a valuable source of news, but would not say who she relayed such news to, instead calling for help, and forcing Mile to withdraw.

Returning to the Storyteller's Inn, Mile joined Scarlett and listened to another tale told by Evelyn, before retiring for the evening. However, as they emerged for breakfast they were confronted by Grimshaw. He claimed that the parcel they had delivered to Calias was arranged by him, and that the wizard would be of little use to them now. His business would take him elsewhere, but he would return to claim the Kingstaff in due course. In the meantime, another servant of the Iron Crown would be sure to find them.

As Grimshaw left the inn, Rasmus burst in, with the troubling news that his key to the maze was not working, and Calias was nowhere to be found...

With the sobering news that Calias' tower was sealed, Mile and Scarlett accompanied Rasmus to the entrance to the maze, determined to rescue the wizard from whatever misfortune had befallen him. On the way, Mile headed to the Walled Road to buy a more effective weapon, and in the process, by the slimmest of chances, he spotted a shadowy hat-wearing character watching them from the alley. Giving chase he was unable to identify the stranger, or where he had gone, although the trail went cold at an entrance to the drains beneath the town.

With Rasmus' key deactivated, Mile approached the troublesome old man at the entrance to the maze, and after some degree of thirst-quenching bribery was directed to Calias' spare key, on a hook at the top of a nearby lamp-post. Despite some questionable climbing (observed by a perplexed Saffie) the key was obtained, and Mile was able to make his way through the maze, to Calias' tower.

Mile and Scarlett headed into the wizard's workshop beneath the tower, overcoming lightning-throwing MiniMage servants and avoiding a trap through good judgement and careful exploration. However, on entering a larger room, four enchanted suits of armour sprung to life as part of the wizard's magical defences. Despite taking a heavy blow, Mile was able to swing from a chandelier to safety, and press further into the dungeon, pursued by the magical Animated Armour.

Finally entering the wizard's office, where Calias had been examining Mile's watch, it became clear that the parcel they had delivered had contained an enchanted belt, that turned Calias into a mindless and angry Mallow. While Scarlett held the door against the pursuing Golden Knights, Mile dodged the Mallow's attacks and wielded a letter opener and candlestick to cut the belt from the monster, breaking the enchantment and causing Calias to revert to his true form. As the enchantment was broken, and the suits of Animated Armour collapsed to the ground, Calias looked at Mile and muttered: "The 5th noble house of the East! The house of D'Areyn! A royal inheritance..." before lapsing into unconsciousness.

After helping Calias back up to his tower, Mile and Scarlett left him in the care of Rasmus and returned to the Storyteller's Inn, with Rasmus promising to fetch them as soon as Calias was well enough to speak.

After dining, they took an early night to rest and recover from their adventures. Waking early, Mile took an early walk around town, which was blanketed by cloud and gentle rain, finding a second lost manuscript in the street. After meditating at the shrine, and observing a well-dressed lady leaving the temple, he returned to the Inn, where he spoke to a morose musician who was lamenting having lost his valued music, an original composition which he was planning to play at Sir Edgar's forthcoming ball.

By breakfast time the well-dressed lady visited the Inn, leaving Evelyn 500 gil for the adventurer who might obtain the tail feathers of a Redwing, which she planned to use to accessorise her dress for Sir Edgar's ball. Mile learned that this lady was Octavia, a senior priest who held a bitter rivalry with the head cleric, Dasgard. Shortly thereafter, Mile explored the town again, finding another manuscript in the marketplace, and returning all three to the musician for a generous reward.

At this point Rasmus collected them and took them to Calias' tower, where the wizard had somewhat recovered. After a tense introduction he rewarded them for rescuing him, and questioned them on their objectives, learning about the Kingstaff, and their pursuer, Grimshaw. In return he was able to divulge much information about the noble houses of the East, including the fall of House d'Areyn, and the artefacts owned by each noble house, of which the Kingstaff was one.

Calias told them that a full accounting of the noble houses could be found in the town of Inkwell, where the Master of the Scrolls held much ancient knowledge, including an old document called the Codex Orientum. However, by conjuring a magical vision of Inkwell, Calias showed them that the town had been cast into the sky by powerful magics, and would now only be reachable by skyship.

Pondering their next steps, Mile handed the Kingstaff to Princess Scarlett. They discussed whether it would be possible to contact Rumbelow and find a way to reach Inkwell with him. After delivering their letter to Sir Edgar and visiting the Guildhall, they retired to the Inn to consider their next move.

Mile and Scarlett agreed that finding Rumbelow was their best course of action, both to discover what had happened at Nightfall, and also possibly in gaining passage to Inkwell. However, it was unclear how to contact Rumbelow, or whether he could be convinced to travel to Foxdale at all.

Saffie informed them that the chief cleric, Dasgard, had some dealings with Rumbelow, and Evelyn told them that Rumbelow had some connections with the Guildmaster, Prendergast. While discussing this news, Mile approached a suspicious newcomer to the inn named Chambon, playing him at cards. While Mile was successful in the card game, Chambon stole his Hime Apple and suggested a rematch at the Last Drop Tavern.

During the day, Mile and Scarlett split up to follow up on their leads, with Mile walking Scarlett to the Guildhall before setting off to the Temple. On the way he found another of the missing music manuscripts, and then spotted Chambon watching him, before bumping into Lady Octavia, who was hurrying from the Guildhall.

In talking to Dasgard Mile was well received, as news of his rescue of Calias had spread. The cleric was concerned about Lady Octavia plotting against him, so agreed to help Mile if he could uncover news of her activities. Fortunately Scarlett had discovered that Octavia wanted to obtain a Charm Potion, and this news was enough to convince Dasgard to tell them all he knew. Between their two leads, they were able to ascertain that messages could be passed to Kiara, the landlady at the Last Drop Tavern, in sealed glass bottles. However Kiara would not engage in conversation about Rumbelow, and herself would pass the messages on to an unknown contact. Concerned that one of Grimshaw's associates might intercept their message, they determined to find out how the messages were passed on, and identify the true contact if possible.

Mile paid the old beggar to keep an eye out for Chambon, eventually discovering that he had entered the Tavern. Contacting Prendergast, Mile agreed to take on the quest to clear the drains below the town, and in exchange he was given a bottle and instructions on how to deliver a letter to the landlady. Sending Scarlett in to create a disturbance, Mile and Prendergast entered the Tavern and left their messages in the designated place. However, before he could take any further action, Mile had to extract Scarlett, who had entered a drinking contest and drawn a crowd around her table. Sending Scarlett back to the Storyteller's Inn with Prendergast, Mile stayed behind to observe the Tavern, eventually spotting the landlady stepping out into the night. Attempting to follow her, while in turn being followed by Chambon, Mile eventually heard the splash of something being dropped into the well. After a brief confrontation with Chambon, Mile took his leave and returned to the Inn, certain that the messages were somehow being dropped into the drains below the town.

After a restless night, both Mile and Scarlett were somewhat fatigued, although Scarlett bore the worst of it. Nevertheless after a long breakfast they agreed to delve into the Drains beneath the town, to fulfil their obligation to Prendergast and restore the flow of water. Their actions were given more urgency by the fact that the message they had sent for Rumbelow was returned that morning, with Chambon's calling card attached - they needed to find another way to contact Rumbelow.

Entering the Drains, Mile and Scarlett were quickly ambushed by a Brick Slime, but they pressed on and started clearing the waterweed that was blocking the channels. Soon though, they stumbled across Chambon's lair in an old storage room, where he lay in wait, locking them in with him and springing his attack, using his trickery to steal items during combat. Unfortunately for him, Mile made good use of the furniture and scenery to overpower him, forcing him to use his disengage manoeuvre, and escape through a secret door.

While Scarlett gave chase, Mile made sure to destroy Chambon's supplies, and pocket some papers, including a letter that made it clear that Chambon was in the employ of the Iron Crown, tasked to secure the Kingstaff, and prevent it from reaching Rumbelow.

Giving chase, Mile and Scarlett cleared some more waterweed and made their way to the western loop of the Drains. There they uncovered an old furnace near the bottom of the well, and Mile discovered some discarded letters there. Climbing a hidden ladder inside the furnace chimney, Mile found that it led to the Bathhouse, specifically to Adelka's room.

Returning to the Drains, they were ambushed by Chambon, but this time they made short work of him, pummeling him and chasing him into the western channel, where he only narrowly escaped. At this point they discovered a stockpile of goods marked with the name of Rumbelow's ship, the Peregrine Nation, confirming that he indeed used the Drains to enter the town unseen.

Clearing the last of the waterweed, they exited the Drains and emerged in Calias' maze, to Saffie's amusement. Returning to the Inn, they dried off by the fire, while trying to deduce how the messages were delivered to Rumbelow. After collecting his reward from Prendergast, Mile remembered the crumpled letters he had found in the old furnace. Reading them, he realised they were unsent love letters from Adelka to Rumbelow, revealing her as his confidant, and bringing Mile one step closer to contacting him.

A new day dawned with a surprise invitation at breakfast, as Sir Edgar's butler delivered a gilt-edged card inviting Mile and Scarlett to the ball. With Scarlett hurrying to the Walled Road to buy appropriate clothing, Mile went to the Magic Shop for supplies, where Rasmus told him that a Magic Bag was expected in the next shipment from Guilderbridge.

After buying a beautiful new umbrella, Mile made his way to the Bath House, where he enjoyed a relaxing bath, before confronting Adelka with his need to reach Rumbelow before Chambon and Grimshaw did. Although he was as persuasive as he could be, she was unswayed, and refused to help him. Pondering his options, Mile bought a map of the Heartlands at the Guildhall, and considered a plan to secure the Redwing feathers, while Scarlett bought supplies.

The next day brought a new challenge however, with Dasgard visiting them at the Inn with an offer of employment. Firstly, a courier had fallen ill at the Roadside Encampment to the South-west - Dasgard requested that they deliver a curative tonic to him as soon as possible. However, the cleric also revealed that the courier was delivering a charm potion to Lady Octavia, and asked Mile to switch it for a harmless duplicate.

Keen to disrupt Octavia's scheme, Mile accepted both tasks, and took the Station Wagon to the Roadside encampment, unexpectedly sharing the first part of the journey with Saffie, who he updated on their recent adventures.

Arriving at the Encampment, Mile and Scarlett immediately delivered the tonic, and managed to pilfer the charm potion without incident. Soon later, they fought off two giant hornets, but were injured and poisoned in the process. Fortunately they were in good condition and felt no immediate effects from the poisoning. Spending the evening at the Encampment, Mile purchased a mysterious treasure map from the Trading Post. The next morning, to avoid the heavy rain, they took the wagon back to Foxdale where Mile collected his payment from Dasgard, as well as a dose of tonic for himself and Scarlett.

Considering his next move, Mile pondered whether he could force Adelka to contact Rumbelow by threatening to expose her love letters, or if he could use the charm potion to force her hand. He turned these thoughts over in his mind as he returned to the Inn in the light evening rain.

After some discussion, Mile decided to use his newly acquired charm potion to persuade Adelka to send a message to Rumbelow. While considering the various options and challenges with this plan, Mile and Scarlett took the Treasure Map to Rasmus, who passed it on to Calias, noting that the Wizard had some interest in historical armour, and therefore might be able to prioritise the translation.

As rainclouds rolled in, they decided to discover what Adelka's preferred drink was, to make it easier to slip her the potion. However, Scarlett's attempts to gather information at the Last Drop Tavern were met with ridicule, so Mile headed to the Bath House.

There, he ascertained that visitors frequently left gifts for their favourite girls, and that Adelka was particularly fond of a Forest Brandy from the Woodlands. The pigtailed girl Mile spoke to was called Katti, and she told him when there were vacancies in the Bath House, before hopefully hinting that she liked gold jewellery. Mile took his newfound information and headed to the Marketplace. As the heavens opened and rain started pouring down, he finally found the brandy he was looking for.

Returning to the Bath House, Mile correctly assumed that there would be fewer customers on account of the weather - so he asked to see Adelka, to settle their differences over a drink. With some reluctance she agreed - as long as Mile would pay for a Puf-Puf! With some trepidation Mile allowed himself to be blindfolded and led upstairs, to Adelka's room. While what happens in the Bath House stays in the Bath House, suffice it to say that Mile was well entertained, particularly at the unexpected emergence of the Old Man, who was usually to be found sitting outside the maze or drinking wine in the street.

However, misfortune soon followed, as Mile spilled the potion while trying to surreptitiously add it to Adelka's drink! Holding back his frustration, Mile decided to proceed in line with his morals and his good nature, relying on his friendliness (and the flow of brandy) to win Adelka's trust. As she relaxed, and he explained some of the challenges he and Scarlett had faced, Mile found himself using all his skill and empathy to win her over. Sure enough, she finally relented, confiding in Mile that she considered Rumbelow her boyfriend (although 'unofficial'), and agreeing to send him a note - on one condition: That she could accompany them to Inkwell, as her first adventure. After scribbling a note, with cryptic hints to catch Rumbelow's interest, Mile left Adelka to send the message. Returning through the rain, he met Scarlett at the Inn, where she was greatly relieved at the good news.

Soon after, Rasmus arrived and invited them to Calias' tower, where the Wizard had deciphered the Treasure Map. Entering the maze, Mile saw a messenger bird fly from Adelka's window, delivering his message off to the North-West. More good news was to follow - Calias confirmed that the map appeared genuine, and the inscriptions told the tale of an old paladin called Weyland, who disappeared 200 years ago. His golden breastplate was of great value, but should be returned to the Tarsian Knights if found. The map showed a location in the Woodlands somewhere near a village called Weyland's Rest, and while Calias didn't know its location, he believed that it could likely be identified by the Master of the Scrolls in Inkwell.

With this revelation, Calias offered a bargain to Mile. If Mile could find and return the breastplate, Calias would exchange it for the Magic Bag which was soon expected to arrive in Foxdale. With a deal agreed, Mile and Scarlett stepped out into the cool evening, pondering their next move.

With a message on the way to Rumbelow, Mile and Scarlett were able to relax somewhat, and decided to attend Sir Edgar's dinner party. Unsure of what to expect, they entrusted the Kingstaff to Evelyn at the Inn, and dressed into their finest attire, although Mile took along his umbrella and secreted his Knuckles about his person in case they ran into trouble. Greeted by Ipswitch the Butler, they were welcomed into Sir Edgar's home, and ushered upstairs. Before being introduced to the other guests, Ipswitch was keen to present the Mythril Bangle which would be the prize given to the Guest of Honour - a title to be voted on by the other guests. With that, they continued to the ballroom, where they were presented as Princess Scarlett of Nightfall, and Mr Mile d'Areyn.

Warmly greeted by Sir Edgar, Mile surveyed the room, quickly identifying some familiar faces - including Saffie, who was perched on the banister drinking champagne, but also Chambon, who was evidently claiming to be an ambassador from Frosthaven, and was lurking in the corner attempting to make small talk with some other guests. Quickly approaching Saffie, Mile was able to get her quick assessment of the room, although her flow was somewhat disrupted by the arrival of Lady Allegra, a striking young cleric from the Northern Marches. Taking his measure of the other guests, Mile walked over to Dasgard, and struck up a conversation with the cleric and his colleagues; Prendergast and Lady Octavia. Despite Octavia's judgmental air, he soon settled into a comfortable conversation, and started learning more about the other attendees.

When the bell rang for dinner, Mile found himself between Octavia and Prendergast, and witnessed Lady Octavia's increasing frustration at her failed attempts to charm Sir Edgar, who had eyes only for Princess Scarlett. Mile did his best to smooth over the situation, while avoiding social faux-pas involving dining etiquette and wine selection as much as he could. Despite an unfortunate wine selection (and Octavia's pointed look at his choice of footwear) the meal was delicious, and easily the finest food Mile had eaten in a long time. Carefully limiting his intake of wine (despite Adelka's attentive waitressing), Mile remained alert and navigated the unfamiliar situation well, building an impression with the party that would serve him well later.

At the end of the meal, the party mingled once again, and Mile struck up a conversation with Lady Allegra, and the young cleric Chloe. Learning of Allegra's background as a cleric he was able to make an introduction to Dasgard, which was well received and again made a good impression. Trying to avoid interacting with Chambon, they nevertheless both managed to compliment their host on his fine selection of after-dinner chocolates, before realising that everyone else had paired up for the dance. Seeing that Prendergast was sitting out with indigestion, there was no choice but to participate, and Mile quickly made the decision to ask Lady Octavia to dance, rather than the somewhat clumsy and nervous Chloe.

The dance proceeded with the musician from the Inn playing his piece on the piano, and the partygoers forming lines in a dance Mile was not familiar with. Using his wits and dexterity, and occasionally helped by Octavia's experienced guidance, Mile was able to navigate the dance without mishap, despite a sneaky attempted trip from Chambon, and the musician stumbling over his music near the end. However, no sooner had the dance finished than Mile was confronted with another threat, from a familar and unwelcome quarter.

As the partygoers dispersed, Mile found himself facing Chambon, who quickly attempted to use his sleight of hand to plant the stolen Mythril bracelet on his person! With incredible reflexes Mile was able to dodge at the last moment, and the bangle fell to the floor between them - as the other guests turned to face them, Chambon gestured theatrically at Mile, and accused him of theft.

While each protested his innocence, the crowd was initially uncertain, but as the tension mounted Mile appealed to those who knew him best, and it was here that his previous reputation came into play. As Chambon stumbled over his accusations Sir Edgar shouted 'Enough!' and Chambon was placed under arrest. Protesting his outrage he claimed diplomatic immunity, and Sir Edgar ordered that he be expelled from Foxdale immediately.

As the drama concluded, and the guests gossiped in their excitement, there was a sudden roaring sound from outside, as a strong gust of wind enveloped the house. Adelka ran to the window in excitement, and Mile observed the shadow of a skyship flitting across the evening sky. As Adelka mouthed the name 'Rumbelow!' there was a bang from the front door. A figure in blue strode up the stairs, pausing only to throw his hat cleanly onto the hat-stand, before turning to address the assembled guests: 'Am I in time for brandy?'

With the drama of the dinner party over, Rumbelow took care to introduce himself to Lady Allegra, before accompanying Mile, Scarlett and Adelka to the Bath House, where they could discuss their business in private. By this time it was around midnight, so they settled in an upstairs room with a glass of brandy.

Rumbelow took a deep draught before telling them about how he had first been summoned by the great wizard Morgenstern to Nightfall, some weeks ago. As Adelka and Scarlett hung on his every word, he told them about a plot to poison Morgenstern and steal the Kingstaff, and how he was able to evacuate the wizard, with Grimshaw in pursuit in a skyship of exotic design. Azharul, the lord of Frosthaven and wearer of the Iron Crown, has long desired dominion over Nightfall. Morgenstern's power protected the town, but in his absence Nightfall (and Scarlett's brother Gellen) is vulnerable.

Grimshaw and his ship caught up with the Peregrine Nation as they flew over the Farmlands, and in the battle the Kingstaff was lost overboard - this was when it came into Mile's possession. After Rumbelow and Morgenstern escaped, Grimshaw must have returned in his Skyship, to find the Kingstaff, and start his pursuit of Mile and Scarlett.

On arrival at Inkwell, Morgenstern used the last of his magical strength to lift the ancient towers into the sky, creating a flying island in the clouds. There he remains, alive but weakened. With agents of the Iron Crown at large, Rumbelow suggested they depart at once for Inkwell, sending his crew to the Inn to collect Mile and Scarlett's things.

Descending down the secret ladder from Adelka's room, the party met Rumbelow's First Mate, Sullivan, in the drains. Boarding a rowing boat and taking on supplies, Sullivan then rowed them down a dark tunnel into the cool evening where the drain empties into the lake, and ahead of them, silhouetted against the stars they saw the Peregrine Nation, lying at anchor. All still in their evening attire (and Adelka in her Maid's uniform) Mile found himself somewhat distracted as he held the rope ladder for the ladies, nearly falling in the lake. Recovering his composure he followed them aboard, and soon they found lodgings in the hold, drifting into sleep in their hammocks as the ship made preparations to depart.

In the morning they emerged on deck to amazing sights, as the Peregrine Nation soared through the sky. The land was laid out in a patchwork far below with some clouds in the distance, as they raced towards the edge of a forest, with mountain peaks stretching away to the west. Rumbelow greeted them and took them on a tour of the ship, but as he showed them the Sunstone that kept the vessel flying they were suddenly interrupted by shouts from the crew: 'Enemy sighted!'

Emerging once more into the sunshine they immediately heard a loud buzzing sound, as a rotor-driven skyship approached from the stern. Rumbelow quickly identified it as the Vespasia - the ship previously used by Grimshaw. Sure enough as it approached, they were able to see Grimshaw alongside a masked female archer, and a number of cloaked Skyraiders. Rumbelow quickly took the wheel but the Vespasia was smaller and faster, and soon came alongside. As the Skyraiders threw grappling hooks, Sullivan and Mile dashed to the side, hacking and whipping at the grapples, dislodging them as soon as they attached. After some acrobatics from Mile, all the grapples were disabled, and the Vespasia climbed sharply, to take a different approach.

Soon their strategy was revealed, as two Skyraiders swung down tied to ropes, simultaneously attacking Sullivan and trying to grab Scarlett. As one raider dragged Scarlett to the side of the ship, Mile swung down from the mainmast on a rope to blindside the attacker, smashing him away and saving Scarlett. Their enemies were swift and tough, but after a bruising fight, both were driven away.

Realizing that they needed more speed, Rumbelow steered for the clouds and asked Mile to unfurl the topsail. Scrambling up the mainmast, Mile quickly came to the attention of the masked archer on the Vespasia, who fired her heavily weighted arrows at him. Among the billowing sails, with a cold wind in his hair, Mile used all his evasive skills to hide flat against the mast and avoid attack. As the Vespasia circled around trying to spot him, Mile started to untie the sail. His luck held until the final knot, when he was struck down by one of the lead-weighted arrows, which dealt him a stunning blow and knocked him off the mast. At full stretch he just managed to grab the crows-nest rail, and save himself from plummeting to the deck far below.

As clouds obscured him, Mile quickly managed to untie the topsail and slide down a rope back to the deck, avoiding another arrow on his way. Finally, with chilly clouds surrounding them, the Peregrine Nation started to pick up speed, and Rumbelow steered them higher, so the Vespasia dropped back and slightly below. Seeing his chance, Mile grabbed a heavy crate from the deck, and with Sullivan's help, dragged it over to the side. For a moment it balanced on the rail, before plummeting down and smashing straight through the front rotor of the Vespasia, sending the ship into a slow hypnotic spiral until it smashed into the forest far below.

As Mile and Sullivan slumped against the rail, bruised but victorious, Scarlett shouted from the bow. Ahead, the amazing sight of a huge floating island was suspended in the sky, the white towers of Inkwell wreathed in cloud. Soon, the ship had moored, and the party disembarked in a daze, staring at their new surroundings. Their relief would have been dampened however if they had seen inside the hold of the Peregrine Nation at that moment, as the lid of a large chest slowly opened in the darkness, to reveal a familiar shadowy head, wearing a beret...

On arrival at Inkwell, Mile descended the gangplank and set foot on the flying island, to be greeted by a white-robed lady who introduced herself as Darby. Escorting them to the guesthouse, Darby told Mile a little of Inkwell's history, before providing food and drink, and showing the group to their rooms.

Sporting several bruises and exhausted from his recent battle, Mile slept very well in the elegant and comfortable accommodations of the guesthouse, awaking late morning when the others were already up and about. Taking a simple breakfast he emerged into the bright sunlight of the flying island, where they stood amongst the clouds, and birds swooped by at head height. Exploring this wondrous location, Mile eventually made his way to where Scarlett and Adelka were playing by the lakeside, awaiting word from the Tower of Lore that Morgenstern was ready to see them.

After rescuing Adelka's ball from a tree, Mile wandered across to a nearby bridge, where the cold springwater flowed over the edge of the flying island to the land far below. There he met Travares, head of the Scouts Guild, who was mending the bridge. After helping Travares with the bridge, and earning his gratitude, Mile accompanied him to the Guildhall, a small building containing many useful items of woodland garb, and other travel accessories. After some consideration, Mile determined to join the Scouts Guild, and signed up on the spot.

On leaving the Guildhall Mile was greeted by his companions, and a rather humourless young lady called Cedany, the Warden of the Tower. Learning that Morgenstern was ready to see them, they followed Cedany up a narrow cliffside path, that brought them to the Tower of Lore. After being sternly admonished that no weapons were permitted, Cedany unlocked the Tower, and brought them inside. Immediately striding into the centre of the Hall, Mile's shortcut across the courtyard grass was met with an icy stare. Passing through a colonnade, the party entered the Common Room, a comfortably-appointed study, where they were finally introduced to Morgenstern, and Sandros, the Master of the Scrolls.

Over the course of the afternoon, Morgenstern told them more about what had come to pass in Nightfall, the tale of their flight to Inkwell, and the loss of the Kingstaff. After everyone had shared their stories, Sandros took the Kingstaff with great reverence to the vault, where it could be secured under lock and key. With everyone satisfied that the agents of Azharul had been defeated, Sandros took Mile and Adelka on a tour of the Tower, while Scarlett consulted with Morgenstern.

After visiting the Dragon Hall, the Scriptorium, and the ancient Vault of Inkwell, Mile and Adelka returned to the Guesthouse where they joined Princess Scarlett for dinner. While they initially discussed their future plans, conversation soon took a lighthearted turn, with Adelka mocking Cedany's formal glare, and Mile joining Darby in a rendition of the old folk song The Green Willow, for the evening's entertainment.

Finally, with much wine consumed, as the hours advanced, Adelka led Mile outside to see how the moon looked from the flying island. It was then, in the late evening light, that Mile observed a shadowy figure approaching the Tower of Lore.

Making all haste to the tower, Mile rapped loudly on the door to raise the alarm, only to see the unconscious figure of Cedany lying on the ground inside. Exploring further, he made his way to the vault, where he confronted the shadowy figure of the stowaway, Chambon, in the act of pilfering the Kingstaff.

While Chambon initially siezed the initiative, Mile acted quickly to sieze the Kingstaff from him, just as he slipped through the trellis to Dragon Hall. Turning to fight momentarily, Chambon realised that all was lost, and turned to flee. Getting a headstart while Mile secured the Staff, nevertheless Chambon was slowed as he slammed into Adelka in the doorway of building. Giving chase Mile emerged into the moonlight, and used his whip to swing down the cliff face, cutting off Chambon's path of escape. Taking him by surprise, Mile knocked Chambon off into the water below, before giving chase down the steps.

It was at this point that Chambon realised the game was up. Pulling himself from the water, he saw that the sailors of the Peregrine Nation were beginning to wake. As Mile pursued him towards the Guesthouse, Scarlett emerged forcing him to change path. Landing one solid strike on Mile was not enough to secure his escape, and he darted towards the river looking for any way out. At that point, Mile struck with his whip, and Chambon lost his footing. Falling into the icy fast-flowing water, Chambon was immediately swept to the edge of the flying island, seeming to hang momentarily in the air, before plummeting into the darkness far below.

It was only then, in the silence of the night, that the Kingstaff was truly safe, and the party were able to start considering where their next journey might take them.