Season 2 Journal

Our story begins with Mile and Adelka in the Common Room of the Tower of Lore in Inkwell. There, Sandros guided Mile through the ancient Codex Orientum, which outlined some of his family history, including the existence of a powerful heirloom: An artefact called the Dragonbowl.

As the afternoon sun streamed through the windows, they were interrupted by the sudden arrival of a dark-cloaked figure; the witch Expedora. Seemingly beautiful, her face was however cast into shadow by her hood, giving only a glimpse of some scars, and blue hair covering one eye. She walked with a slight limp, and it was clear she suffered from some grievous old injuries. Sternly she ordered Adelka (unfortunately still wearing her maid's outfit) to bring refreshments, and sent Sandros to fetch Morgenstern to discuss some urgent news.

Reluctant to engage in small talk with Mile she nevertheless hinted that she was aware of his family history. Soon she went to speak with Morgenstern in the Vault, while Adelka returned somewhat flustered with a tray of tea, which Mile helped himself to. At this point they learned from Sandros that Cedany, the Warden of the Tower, had been relieved of her position, for her failure to protect the Tower against Chambon's infiltration. Cedany would leave Inkwell on the Peregrine Nation, and seek employment as an adventurer in Guilderbridge, until such time as she had gathered enough experience to return as Warden once more.

Soon thereafter, Expedora departed without any further interaction, and Morgenstern entered the Common Room with some news.

He had learned from Expedora that the Iron Crown was plotting some further conspiracy, the nature of which was so far unclear. Therefore he asked Mile to take on the mission of delivering a note to the Priestess Elinda at the Water Temple, to enlist her help in gathering this intelligence. While Mile decided to consider the offer, Morgenstern nevertheless paid him in reward for his recent services, and informed him that the Peregrine Nation would be leaving first thing in the morning.

Leaving the Tower, Mile and Adelka chanced across Princess Scarlett, who thanked Mile for his help with a gift of a Woodlands map, but informed him that she would be remaining in Inkwell for now, until the threat from the Iron Crown was better understood. After exchanging farewells, Mile and Adelka emerged into the bright summer sun.

After purchasing some jungle boots and a woodland camo cape from the Scout's Guild, Mile spoke to Rumbelow about arrangements for the journey, and Adelka insisted on accompanying him for now, as she was still keen for adventure, and Rumbelow was undertaking his own secret missions where she was unable to follow.

In the Guesthouse Mile and Adelka were joined by Darby and Travares. After considering their options for travel, Mile decided to accept Morgenstern's offer, and to travel to the Water Temple via Guilderbridge and then possibly Wayrest, where he could try to use his treasure map. Darby also requested if Mile could deliver a letter to her cousin, the alchemist Melzipan, in Guilderbridge. After dinner, the group relaxed with some drinks and songs performed by Mile and Darby, with Mile even convincing Darby to sing a song of her own composition. Finally, when Adelka and Travares had retired, Darby asked another favour of Mile - that he could look after Cedany on this first stage of the journey, and ensure she successfully joins the Adventurers Guild in Guilderbridge.

With this, Darby also retired to her rooms, and Mile accepted her invitation to accompany her.

In the morning, Darby handed Mile the letter for Melzipan, before Mile and Adelka gathered their things and set off to board the Peregrine Nation.

The flight to Guilderbridge took a day and a half, following the course of the Forest River, with the rich green of the Woodlands on either side. Rumbelow set down the Peregrine Nation in the river a short distance from town, with strict instructions that he would be departing at 1pm the next day, with or without them. So Mile, Adelka and Cedany made the pleasant walk to Guilderbridge, arriving in the early afternoon.

Despite his efforts to befriend Cedany, she remained subdued for most of the journey, although she slowly started to open up as they approached the entrance to Guilderbridge. There, at a roadside shrine, they encountered Saffie, who was pleased to tell Mile that his recent stories had strengthened her powers, by giving her the ability to see his fate, and help him to avoid the worst outcomes.

Pressing on, they first reached the Atelier at the entrance to town, with its strange pipes and chimneys sending magical sparks and blue smoke into the bright summer sky. There they encountered Melzipan, the young alchemist, who was delighted to receive Darby's letter (although slightly shocked when she read the part about Mile). Melzipan decided to write a letter to her sister Mogwen, which could be delivered to the Riverlands. They left her as she was complaining about a recent problem with rats in the cellars of the town, and promised to return in the morning to collect her letter.

Exploring further into the town, Mile entered the Covered Market, where he purchased a small shield for himself. At that moment the market was menaced by a large rat, which triggered much complaining from the townsfolk. Mile tried to strike it but was unsuccessful in the crowded marketplace and narrowly avoided damaging his whip. Pressing on, they soon arrived at the Broken Spear Inn, on the Eastern side of the bridge.

After studying the noticeboard Mile and Cedany decided to find the adventuring group that was seeking a new member. Navigating the lively taproom they soon identified the landlord, Goran Greybeard, who told them that membership of the Adventurer's Guild required a fee, and a nomination from an existing member. While Adelka was mistaken for a serving wench and started delivering tankards of ale, Mile and Cedany managed to convince a party of adventurers to take her on... if she could prove herself by completing a quest first.

So it was that the three travelers found themselves lighting a torch and descending into the Guilderbridge Cellars, to rid the town of the rat infestation. There they explored stealthily, defeating a rat that emerged from the well, and descending down the rope to the next level. After some exploration, Mile and Cedany jumped across the rotten bridge, but Adelka's jump fell short and she crashed through to plummet down the wellshaft and into the darkness. There was silence, and then a distant splash.

Determined to find Adelka they pressed on, defeating a rat in a corridor alcove and finding a manhole key before retrieving some planks of wood that enabled them to cross the collapsed floor and descend again to the lowest level. Descending an iron ladder, the travelers found themselves at the foot of the bridge, with the cold Forest River rushing by. Mile armed himself with a saw that he had found, while Cedany returned to fetch some rope that they used to cross between the bridge supports.

It was then that Mile and Cedany encountered an angry Water Spirit, who accused them of sending Adelka as a spy, and trying to steal her treasure. After her initial attacks were unsuccessful, and Mile refused to fight her, she sprayed him with water and retreated to her shrine. Then Adelka was able to point out where the rats were streaming through a hole in the wall, and Mile used the manhole key to climb up on top of the bridge support. There he could finally see the source of the rat infestation - some rotten cargo that had got caught in waterweed beside the bridge. Using his whip to dislodge the waterweed, the rotten barrels were washed away, and the rat infestation was brought to an end.

With the rat infestation resolved, Mile returned to the water shrine, where the Water Spirit was sulking, and jealously guarding her treasure chest. After Mile explained the situation, offering his respects at the shrine and promising never to return, the Water Spirit grudgingly rewarded him with three flasks of weedkiller from her treasure hoard.

Then, wet and cold, the three explorers returned to the Broken Spear Inn to report their success to Goran. It was late, but many adventurers were still drinking in the taproom when they returned to receive their reward. Mile was careful to let Cedany take credit for their success, and she was duly accepted into the Adventurers Guild, and welcomed by one of the parties. 

After a restful night sharing a comfortable suite with Adelka, Mile approached Goran and accepted a courier assignment to the Water Temple, to deliver a sealed letter to one Lady Kotara. After saying farewell to Cedany they walked through the town and were pleasantly surprised to see how grateful the townsfolk were, for their role in getting rid of the rats. After musing on whether they needed a name for their traveling group (something better than 'Mile and Wench!') they stopped at the Atelier to collect Melzipan's letter. Refusing to take payment for the delivery, Mile asked how he might recognise Mogwen. Melzipan told him simply that Mogwen was a quiet girl, with something of an obsession with frogs. Armed with this knowledge, Mile and Adelka departed from Guilderbridge and headed back to the Peregrine Nation.

As the skyship prepared to depart, Mile and Adelka were taken below deck by Sullivan, and informed that their help was required with some tasks around the ship. Three sailors offered different options - lookout duty, cleaning the decks, or gambling at dice. Mile's choice of a swift dice game was met with some disapproval, but he redeemed himself by taking on lookout duty in the crow's nest, where he spied a large Garden Tortoise far away in the Northern Marches. Adelka did her best to clean the decks, getting in everyone's way initially, but eventually finding a sailor's lost glasses and being rewarded with a hime apple.

As evening approached, Mile spotted some flying monsters approaching - a flock of rabbit-like creatures called Leporids. By spotting them in time, they were able to gain altitude, putting the skyship out of reach of the low-flying creatures, and avoiding a battle. Mile carefully used Pyridox to quickly heat the ship's skystone and fly them out of danger. So it was that the Peregrine Nation flew on into the night, towards the village of Wayrest, and the next stage of their journey.

On the next day they were given no duties on board, instead settling in for a simple but wholesome breakfast with Sullivan and another crewmate. After a couple of dice games, the group discussed Mile's journey, and Sullivan shared some information about the land around: How Garden Tortoises often hibernate for years and end up carrying old ruined buildings on their backs, as well as exotic and valuable plants and herbs from faraway lands. Sullivan was adamant that Garden Tortoises had an insatiable appetite for blueberries! Also Mile learned that Wayrest was reputed to be the site of an ancient healing chapel, where any injury or disease could be miraculously cured, but that the chapel had long ago been swallowed up by the forest. Finally, Sullivan mentioned that the Water Temple was renowned as a centre of diplomacy and intrigue, and that there was rumored to be at least one secret entrance where spies could enter and leave unseen.

As late afternoon approached, Rumbelow set them down in a small clearing a short distance from Wayrest, with a reminder that he would be at the Water Temple in 2 weeks. They had no obligation to meet with him there, but if they did he could arrange to transfer their belongings if needed. With that, the Peregrine Nation lifted off and disappeared over the trees into the evening sky.

Mile and Adelka set off down the quiet Forest Trail, making small talk as they went. Adelka gathered stones and complained about how her charm was of little use in encounters with animals and monsters - Mile lent her his umbrella as an improvised weapon in case it was needed. Suddenly as they walked, a Wilderboar burst out of the trees - it had been injured by an arrow and charged to attack them in a rage. Mile reacted quickly, striking then diving into a pile of leaves where his camo cloak obscured him from view. Adelka however was charged by the beast, and knocked back heavily, before it charged off again as quickly as it had appeared. Mile attended to Adelka to check her injuries, before returning to the leaves where he had spotted a metallic object on the ground. There he found a necklace - a plain ring on a chain, alongside a scrap of black silk which appeared to be torn clothing. Adelka indicated that the necklace appeared to be something that lovers (or at least close friends) might exchange.

Taking these items, they proceeded to Wayrest where they arrived in the early evening. After paying for 2 nights of accommodation, they learned from the innkeeper that an injured traveler had been found on the Forest Trail recently, and was being tended by James the cleric. Visiting the temple, Mile quickly realised that the traveler, a dark-haired lady, was wearing a black silk dress that matched the scrap of fabric he had found by the trail. Although she was unconscious and feverish, Mile placed the necklace in her hand, and she grasped it tightly. James informed them that her illness was beyond his abilities to heal, and she would not survive unless some other means of healing was found.

James was able to confirm that Wayrest had indeed previously been named Weyland's Rest. He also used his healing magic to cure Adelka's wounds, after which they returned to the Inn for dinner, and then to their room to study the Treasure Map in private. Mile deduced that the map did indeed include Wayrest, and therefore they could start their treasure hunt in the morning.

In the morning, Mile and Adelka woke and discussed their plans over breakfast. Exploring the village, they asked the local blacksmith if he knew of any forest trails starting from the village, but he was grumpy and refused to help unless they bought something from his shop. Adelka confidently tried to use her charms to persuade him, but failed dramatically (much to Mile's amusement). As Adelka threatened Mile with the umbrella, an old hunter entered the village, heading to the Inn. This time they were able to enlist the hunter's help, and for a modest fee he helped them to find the forest trail entrance, behind some creepers and vines.

As they carefully entered the forest, Saffie appeared, warning them that they would need to find the Chapel by nightfall, or the injured traveler would die of her fever. Therefore they explored the woods, taking the northern route indicated on the map. Mile used his camo cloak to perfectly disguise himself and scout ahead, where he soon located the Chapel, before reappearing suddenly beside Adelka, making her jump and fall over in shock.

Quickly avoiding another swipe of the umbrella, Mile led the way to the Chapel, clearing some vines from the door and pulling it open. However, while the Chapel initially seemed to be empty, the door soon slammed shut and a huge carnivorous plant attacked them with four tentacles through the ancient Chapel windows. Mile dived over the altar, dragging Adelka into cover where they could only be attacked by two of the tentacles. Nevertheless their situation was dire, and they were quickly injured by the dangerous creature. Mile reassessed the situation to recover the initiative, and used the altar to his advantage, dealing damage to the monster. He also remembered the weedkiller he had obtained in Guilderbridge, and used a flask to devastating effect. Still, before long both Mile and Adelka were seriously injured, however Mile discovered a small secret hatch behind the altar. With no other way out, he grabbed Adelka and rolled through the hatch. The two travelers slid down a short sloping passage, emerging into the sunlight at the bottom of a ravine, east of the Chapel.

Here Saffie was able to help them climb back up from the ravine, although not before Adelka slipped while crossing a stream (again, to Mile's amusement). With some further exploration Mile noticed some mushroom-monsters ahead. In their weakened state, the two decided to return to the village for food and healing, before returning that afternoon. The ancient wooden bridge they crossed nearly collapsed beneath them, but they managed to make their escape, to regroup in Wayrest.

In Wayrest the travelers were healed at the temple, and resolved to return immediately to the Chapel, to make it safe for the villagers to use. Mile and Adelka quickly returned to the forest, and Mile stealthily crept up on the Carnivorous Plant, launching his last two flasks of weedkiller in a devastating close-range attack before the monster could react. With the monster removed, the Chapel was finally clear of danger, and James the cleric was able to bring the injured traveler there to be healed of her desperate illness.

With this task completed, Mile and Adelka planned to explore the eastern forest path, but remembering the broken bridge, they returned to Wayrest first to obtain some rope. There Adelka charmed the grumpy blacksmith into selling them his rope at a discount, before returning to the forest. Mile made some repairs to the bridge, and they crossed safely, defeating some Squashroom monsters on the far side.

After some exploration, Mile discovered the hidden trail that led through the trees to Weyland's final resting place. Leading the way, he discovered the gravestone, and the golden breastplate itself, in an old crate. There he reverently took the breastplate, and paid full respects to the fallen paladin at his grave.

Leaving the hidden trail, and preparing to return to Wayrest, Mile and Adelka emerged into the clearing to be confronted by the injured Wilderboar they had encountered before. As the beast prepared to charge, Mile sprinted towards the bridge, sliding in and whipping away a key supporting branch as the Wilderboar charged at him. The bridge gave way as the beast charged onto it, sending it plunging down into the river below, only moments before it would have reached Mile.

As peace finally descended on the forest, Mile and Adelka wearily returned to Wayrest, for a well-earned meal at the inn, and to plan their journey onward to the Water Temple.

Before setting off to the Water Temple, Mile decided to visit the Temple and check on the status of the injured traveler. While Adelka went shopping in the Store, Mile spoke with James the Cleric and entered the temple.

There the injured traveler was awake, although still weak. She reacted to Mile with surprise and alarm, seemingly recognising him. On being told by James that Mile had saved her life, she relaxed somewhat, appraised him again, and told him her name: Juno. Noting that Mile was a courier (a point he hadn't mentioned), she scribbled a brief note and asked him to take it to the Water Temple, to Lady Kotara. Mile refused to take money from her, but before he could ask any further questions she felt faint and James returned her to her bed.

Mile rejoined Adelka at the Store, where he helped her choose a tent, and they both stocked up on rations (unable to secure a discount from the stern shopkeeper). After replenishing their water at the well, they both set off, into the forest, on Adelka's first real expedition.

Mile made good progress, using his guild knowledge to chart a path through the wild forest. In a particularly dark section of forest the travelers had to evade a number of Creepers, and Mile successfully spotted a dangerous Treevil before it could strike. Emerging unscathed they set up camp by the river, with Mile making a fire and then helping Adelka to pitch her tent before they turned in for the evening.

They awoke to a peaceful morning, only interrupted by Adelka criticising Mile's lack of soap as she went to bathe in the river. However she quickly returned to interrupt his breakfast, having spotted a Boatman on the water. After some negotiation (in which Adelka failed to charm the man), they secured passage on his boat, heading East down the Forest River. During the journey Mile remembered where he had seen Juno - she was the mysterious archer aboard the Vespasian, who had attacked them on their way to Inkwell. Puzzling over why she had re-emerged and given Mile the letter, they continued on their journey down the river.

At one point, the boat had to navigate the water between a section of rapids and another Treevil on the far bank, but Mile successfully spied a path for the Boatman and guided them safely through. Finally, seeing the skies darkening ahead, the travelers were dropped off where the river entered a cave under some hills, and there they said their goodbyes to the Boatman, and set up camp before the next stage of their journey.

The next day the travelers decided to head overland to the east rather than risk following the river underground. While avoiding the unknown risks of the underground, the weather closed in and rainstorms slowed their progress. Mile endeavoured to cheer Adelka up with a song, and eventually she joined in (grudgingly) and their spirits were lifted. Sheltering from the worst of the weather under an oak tree, they were able to use Pyridox to make a small fire and dry some of their things when they camped, drinking Forest Wine and reminiscing about events from their past, before turning in for the night.

They made better progress and their moods were lifted the next day, with Mile gleefully washing himself to silence Adelka's pointed comments about his habits. However their journey took them into a third day, which was again delayed by storms and cloud which made navigation challenging. 

On the morning of the final day, they followed a small stream into a valley that led them towards the Water Temple. Quickly getting soaked from the river, they faced a number of hazards including a falling boulder, and used their agility to scale waterfalls and other barriers. However, it was here that they encountered some River Raiders - guards in the army of the Iron Crown. Unclear as to why they were here, Mile and Adelka managed to evade them, and make their way through undetected, to the Water Temple.

Mile and Adelka arrived at the Water Temple, tired and with drenched clothes, in the mid afternoon. Immediately they were surprised to see Mile's pony, Daisy, tied up outside the Temple entrance. Intrigued as to how Daisy had arrived there, they continued, to where the Maiden Guards required them to check their weapons before entry.

At the reception, a young acolyte cleric informed them of the Temple rules and facilities. She told them that the High Priestess Elinda was unavailable, but that she would find Mile as soon as Elinda was free. They then paid for a night's lodging and went to the dormitory to hang their clothes to dry. In the eating hall, Mile and Adelka took some tea, and then Mile approached an information-broker named Lawson, who was perched in one corner of the hall. Lawson had a bottle of beer in front of him, but was sipping sweet tea from a glass tumbler hidden behind it.

Mile paid for information about Lady Kotara, learning that she is a noble from Frosthaven, and allied with the Iron Crown. She could be found in the hot springs, and Lawson informed them about the Iron Crown's fixation on industry and development, and the search for resources. Then Mile enquired about Elinda, learning more about the High Priestess' reputation as a diplomat, and how she seeks to maintain the balance of nature in the Riverlands.

Finishing their tea, Mile and Adelka went to their respective changing rooms and entered the hot springs, searching for Lady Kotara. First though, Mile encountered a sad acolyte, who informed him that her friend Mogwen had left without having the chance to say goodbye. Realising that he would need to catch up with Mogwen to deliver his letter, Mile agreed to take a charm bracelet to her as well, aiming to catch up with her at the nearby village of Ashmere.

After exploring the female-only pools, Adelka reported that she had found Lady Kotara, but that she had refused to come to meet Mile. Realising that he had to go to her, Mile arranged for Adelka to slap him and 'accidentally' knock him over a waterfall into the female pools, emerging a short distance from Kotara. Producing the two letters from his waterproof bag, Mile introduced himself, and watched Kotara read her mail.

On opening the first letter from Guilderbridge, Kotara was shocked and momentarily lost her composure, clutching her necklace. Mile realised the necklace was a match with the one worn by Juno, with two interlocking rings. Lady Kotara then opened Juno's letter, and realised she was still alive. Recovering herself she revealed that she now knew who Mile was, and of his noble family heritage. Under normal circumstances she would need to arrest him, but recognising that he had saved the life of someone close to her, she agreed to let him go. However, she warned him that when their paths crossed again, she would have no choice but to detain him.

At that moment, one of the Maiden Guards appeared above the pool. Mile quickly ducked underwater and Lady Kotara kept watch, a hand on his shoulder to let him know when the coast was clear. When the guard was gone Mile said his farewell to Lady Kotara, and dived off the edge of the pool into another pool below. As the bell rang for dinner, Mile and Adelka returned to the Water Temple. As they entered, the acolyte from reception greeted Mile again, and took him to meet Elinda.

High Priestess Elinda was an elegant and beautiful young lady, who quickly appraised Mile and informed him of Rumbelow's recent visit, and the change in his plans. Reading the letter from Morgenstern, Elinda informed Mile that indeed the forces of the Iron Crown were roaming far afield these days, and while not evil as such, their pursuit of industry and resources threatened to upset the natural balance. Knowing that Mile had successfully conveyed the Kingstaff to Inkwell, Elinda informed Mile that the forces of Frosthaven were now seeking out the other artefacts of the Noble Houses of the East: Therefore Mile's family could find themselves in immediate danger. Elinda urgently recommended to Mile that he leave the Water Temple immediately through secret tunnels, and make his way to warn his family of the threat they faced, before they could be found by the forces of the Iron Crown.

Having received the alarming news that his family might be in danger, Mile quickly sought out Adelka and made her aware of the situation (although not fully disclosing why the forces of the Iron Crown were after them), telling her that they must leave immediately.
Although tired, they swiftly returned to the dormitory to gather their things. Passing back through the busy dining hall, Mile overheard travelers speaking of the Garden Tortoise; how it had made its way into the Riverlands and how they often carry exotic and magical plants on their backs. At that moment he caught the eye of Lawson, the information broker, and wandered over to speak with him.

After a slightly guarded conversation, Mile bought a map of the Riverlands and then departed, buying Lawson a drink on his way out. He collected the payment left for him by Lady Kotara, and then they made their way to the tunnel entrance that Elinda had described, wading through the warm pool outside the temple under the moonlight. Lighting a torch that had been left for them, Mile and Adelka plunged into the cool tunnel, following Elinda's advice to always take the path leading downhill. Several times they spotted Stingers, flying jellyfish, lurking in the passages, but Mile clutched the blessed coin that Elinda had given him, and as she had promised, it warded away the monsters.

Emerging from the cave they found Daisy waiting for them with their weapons. Getting his bearings Mile repacked his equipment, and led the way into the treacherous marshland.

Their journey was slow and wet, across difficult and muddy terrain, but Mile's direction sense didn't fail him, and by morning they spotted the lights of the village of Ashmere in the distance. Struggling through a steady drizzle they finally arrived around midday, relieved to be back on firmer ground. They passed by the village watchtower, and turning towards the Boarding House Mile noticed a poster on the noticeboard which identified him by name, claiming that a long-lost relative was searching for him. Tear-off stamps were attached, with instructions to contact Lady Kotara, or a Captain Andrade of the Iron Crown - more concerning was that two of the stamps had already been taken. Pondering this unwelcome development, Mile tore off a stamp for himself, then quickly screwed up the notice and threw it into the water below.

The Boarding House was basic, with no cooking facilities, but it offered them shelter. They tied up the pony then found a quiet space, changed into dry clothes and rested for a couple of hours to recover some strength before heading out to explore the village. Mile and Adelka agreed to take on assumed identities to avoid attracting attention, with Mile adopting a dubious foreign accent for his first conversation with Blake, the fisherman.

Blake was grilling fresh fish on a barbecue, but also offered them the chance to buy a rod and some lures to catch fish of their own. After two unsuccessful attempts by Mile, Adelka stepped in, but also failed to get a bite. At that moment Mile spotted a girl in a frog-raincoat walking by, and recognising the description of Mogwen, ran after her. Catching her up, Mile was immediately recognised by Mogwen from the poster, but he informed her that those who were looking for him did not have his best interests at heart, so he was travelling under an assumed name. He delivered his letters, and they had a brief conversation, although Mogwen was clearly shy and introverted, looking at her shoes. Nevertheless she was impressed that he had met the famous witch Expedora, and disclosed that it was her ambition to gain enough experience to become her apprentice. Mogwen was under the impression that Expedora was beautiful and very kind - slightly at odds with Mile's impression, but he held his tongue. Mile suggested they travel together for a while as Mogwen headed south - she remained quiet and shy, and told him that she was planning to go in search of the spectacular Garden Tortoise. As they parted ways Mogwen bid Mile farewell, and with a faint smile hoped that his 'relatives' wouldn't find him. 

Mile returned to see Adelka failing (yet again) to get a bite from a fish, so they gave up and bought some of the delicious grilled fish prepared by Blake. Saying farewell, Mile suddenly realised he had completely forgotten his assumed accent, so he grabbed Adelka and they quickly hurried away. After buying some rations from the General Store, Adelka returned to the Boarding House and Mile went to the small shrine to the east of the village. After an encounter with a Mud Slime he made some notes about his arduous journey on the message slip he had torn off the noticeboard, and as he left it on the shrine he was greeted cheerfully by Saffie, who was sitting in a nearby tree.

Despite being distracted by her silver looking-glass, Saffie was able to confirm to Mile that the Guesthouse on his map of the Riverlands was in fact his parents' Guesthouse, and therefore he was relatively close to their location. Reassured by this, Mile returned towards the Boarding House, making plans to take a boat south first thing in the morning.

Mile and Adelka awoke having made the best of an uncomfortable night's sleep in the Boarding House.

Emerging into the grey overcast morning, they untied Daisy and navigated the slippery planks of the village walkway to the Boathouse. Wrapped up against a cold drizzle, they saw that Mogwen was already there aboard the boat, planning to head south to find the Garden Tortoise. The boatman took their fee, and after some surprisingly effective flirting from Adelka, allowed them to pay half price for the pony's passage.

They set off, with the boatman navigating them steadily through the winding channels of the marshland, as they got steadily more damp in the rain. After some initial small talk, they continued in silence for a while, eventually eating lunch on the boat, as midday passed. 

In the early afternoon, while navigating a difficult channel, the boat slowed suddenly and buffeted into some reeds and tangled water-weed - Mile quickly realised that the channel ahead was blocked by a fallen tree and the plants that had washed into it. After a quick discussion with the boatman, Mile used the punting pole to balance himself securely against the boat so he could lean over and saw away a couple of roots that were tangling the blockage together. The debris quickly washed away and they were able to resume their journey without further delay, eventually finding a dry spot to camp for the night.

Night closed in sooner than expected, with rain dragons weaving clouds through the overcast sky. The party set up their tents in a crescent for shelter, and Mile used Pyridox to light their fire, enabling them to warm themselves at least for a while, against the drizzle and damp. Mogwen produced her 'spinner' wand, casting a light spell on it to enable her to read her journal a little as the evening closed in, but soon enough they took to their tents and settled in for the night.

By mid-morning the next day, the boatman dropped off Mile and Adelka as close to the Guesthouse as he could, before departing to take Mogwen further East. Cresting a rise they were soon rewarded with the sight of a rainbow appearing over the Guesthouse, set in a pleasant flower-filled meadow. Mile was greeted by his mother, who directed him to find his father by the old climbing tree. While Adelka took care of the pony, Mile was quickly informed by his father that an Angry Bird had taken his signet ring to its nest at the top of the tree. 

Mile soon found himself clambering up through the branches of the tree, navigating various hazards such as a talking cat, and a large bee's nest. Finally reaching the top, he retrieved the ring, and after a swift battle drove away the Angry Bird. Descending (somewhat bruised from his encounter) he found his father chatting to Adelka, and they walked together towards the Guesthouse.

Before long Mile's mother (Mathilde) was fussing around the travelers, bringing them out a selection of wholesome food while admonishing Mile for never visiting or writing. Despite his bruises he soon made himself at home and enjoyed the familiar memories brought on by his mother's home cooking. After dinner they walked through to the sitting room, where a wizard sat comfortably blowing smoke rings up the chimney, and Mile recognised an old childhood friend, Salander. Sally was a similar age to Mile, and was also a courier, although Mile's mother was quick to point out that he was 'only doing it temporarily'.

After some wine, Mile accompanied his parents to the study, an area he had never been allowed into as a child, to talk business. Mile's father (Evroult) took his comfortable seat and listened as Mile recounted the danger they might be in from the enquiries being made by the Iron Crown. Troubled, Evroult told Mile something of the family history, and his hopes that they would remain safe by living a quiet life in the Guesthouse. While concerned that the Iron Crown might be searching for the Dragonbowl, the ancient artefact sequestered in the Old Halls far to the East, he remained convinced of their safety, noting that the Dragonbowl could not be accessed without Mile's watch, nor activated without his signet ring, and the power of a great wizard.

Deciding to sleep on this information, they retired to bed, and Mile soon fell into a deep and comfortable slumber. However in the dead of night Mile was suddenly awakened by the appearance of a spectral thief, a Wisp made of the Wizard's pipe-smoke that had entered through the fireplace! Only by his quick wits did Mile detect the smell of tobacco and awaken as the Wisp was making off with his pocket watch. 

There was a brief fight as Mile attempted to stop the Wisp escaping, and after some frantic scrambling he managed to pilfer the watch back just as the Wisp slid through the open window. Hearing shouting from elsewhere in the house Mile realised more trouble was afoot, and out of the window he saw the wizard standing in a magic circle on the grass behind the Guesthouse. Quickly running downstairs he saw another Wisp depositing his father's signet ring in the wizard's hand.

Mile charged into combat but the two Wisps threatened to overpower him. As the wizard hurled black flame at him from his wand, Mile used the last of his strength to pilfer the ring back from the thief's pocket. At that moment Salander and Adelka leapt down from the Guesthouse windows to his aid, helping him scramble away from their attackers. Realising the game was up, the wizard disappeared into the night.

So it was that over a round of brandies, wrapped in cloaks and with Mile's wounds being tended, the group discussed what had taken place. Evroult was concerned that the Dragonbowl was at risk, and it should be recovered from the Old Hall before it was finally discovered by the Iron Crown. He realised that to keep the ring would place him and Mathilde in danger, but by giving the ring to Mile it would mean that if anything happened to him, both the ring and the watch could fall into the hands of their enemies. 

Finally it was agreed that Salander would take the ring to Princess Scarlett and the wizard Morgenstern in Inkwell, delivering Mile's Golden Breastplate to Foxdale on the way. Without that encumbrance Mile decided he could travel East to Twyburn, and thence into the Borderlands, gathering information and supplies in Wintermoss, before deciding if he should risk heading for the Old Hall to retrieve the Dragonbowl.

Mile awoke, sore and bruised; well-rested from several hours in his old bed, but troubled by half-remembered dreams.

Meeting his father for breakfast in the study, Mile was presented with a sketched map of the Old Halls, drawn from his father's memories of that place, with valuable clues to its layout and hazards. He also learned that Sally had already departed with the Golden Breastplate, leaving him some letters to deliver to the Flying Fish Inn at Twyburn. 

Before departing, Mile's father also provided him with some funding to cover his expenses, as well as advising him to contact Arthur Glenderyn, in Wintermoss. He also advised seeking the services of Talia, a famous mountain guide and dungeoneer, and suggested that there might be some treasures remaining in the cellars of the old D'Areyn mansion, which was burned to the ground when they were forced out years ago. Finally, Mile learned that his watch could show the direction to the Dragonbowl, providing him with a valuable aid to navigation, as well as indicating if the artefact had been moved from its current location.

Mile's mother fussed as they prepared to depart, packing supplies of fresh food and drink, but as he set off Mile was unable to prevent his parents from feeling sadness and despair at his parting.

Heading into the marshland with Adelka and Daisy the pony, Mile swiftly noticed that the water levels were lower, and the ground was much more muddy than it had been before. Nevertheless, the weather was clear, and they made good progress. Using his watch as a compass, Mile headed for Twyburn, and they set up camp without much incident after their first day's travel. Although the muddy ground made camping uncomfortable, they set off early and rapidly headed east.

It was nearing midday on the second day that Mile noticed a wisp of smoke on the horizon. Realising they were still far from Twyburn, he suspected a campfire - approaching cautiously they stumbled across Mogwen, hiding in a line of trees. Mogwen was distraught and quickly explained that soldiers were ahead, planning to capture or kill the approaching Garden Tortoise, in order to harvest the valuable herbs and magical plants that grew on its shell. Mile quickly realised that the servants of the Iron Crown were behind this scheme, and stealing a moored boat, he led his party on a reconnaissance mission to find out what was afoot.

Pretending to be on a fishing trip, Mile befriended some labourers who were constructing barricades and manning a fireplace, with a barrel of flammable oil. He quickly learned that the Iron Crown forces had set a trap for the Garden Tortoise, using barricades and fire to funnel it towards an area of deep mud, created by damming the water of the marsh. Formulating a plan, he suddenly heard the rumbling footfall of the Tortoise approaching, and had to act quickly. Fending off the attentions of a vicious Daggerfish, Mile sent Adelka with one barrel of oil to burn away some of the barriers on the western side, while he headed for the dam to the east.

As the labourers fled, the Iron Crown soldiers emerged from their encampment, led by Lady Kotara, and a mysterious camouflaged archer. Mile used all his arts of concealment to carry the barrel to the dam, while Mogwen followed with her arms full of kindling. Just as Mile was spotted by the guards, Kotara gave the command to attack the giant Tortoise, and Mile used Pyridox to light the barrel of flammable oil.

A great blast followed, and the dam crumbled under the weight of the retained water. The water flooded the platform where Kotara and her men were stationed, washing them away: After holding on briefly and meeting Mile's gaze, Kotara too was swept off into the marsh. The Garden Tortoise stood bemused for a moment, before turning west and marching through the path Adelka had cleared in the barricades.

In the confused aftermath, Mile and his party raided the Iron Crown encampment, taking supplies and gold, as well as a stack of letters and a ledger from Kotara's tent. Adelka kept a fine-looking dress for herself, and Mile found a River Raider uniform, then the group set off to resume their journey to the east.

As they departed, Mogwen was elated at their success, and agreed to accompany them for a while, to gain more experience and enhance her chances of securing an apprenticeship with the witch Expedora. So it was that they continued their journey east towards Twyburn, the gateway to the Borderlands, and the next step on the way for Mile to meet his family's destiny.