Season 3 Journal

The party arrived at the village of Twyburn, glad to be finally leaving the uncomfortable marshland behind. Despite the difficult terrain they were in good spirits as they relived their victory over Lady Kotara, and their rescue of the Garden Tortoise. It soon became clear that the Iron Crown soldiers had purchased all the rations from the village, but fortunately the group was already well-stocked with food and supplies. More concerningly, a few Iron Crown soldiers were present in the town, but they appeared to be off-duty and Mile was able to avoid trouble by donning his own River Raider uniform, which he had acquired from Lady Kotara's encampment.

Entering the Flying Fish Inn, they found it to be a basic establishment with few comforts, but Mile bought some sleeping pills to make the stay more comfortable.  Mile delivered the letters that Salander had given him and was paid by the innkeeper. They took a lunch of simple but filling Riverlands food, and then headed towards the Travelers Market by the East Gate, careful to steer clear of the Iron Crown soldiers.

The Travelers Market proved to be a trove of uncool and secondhand items, but needing cold-weather clothing Mile acquired a snowflake-patterned woollen hat with big floppy ears, along with a warm fur cloak of dubious style. After browsing a wide range of deeply uncool items, Mile earned a slap by placing a terrible bird-of-prey hat on Adelka's head, then contemplating the idea of buying a crude Harpy-handled hiking staff. 

Adelka and Mogwen decided to head to the Docks, while Mile sold a wood-axe he had acquired, before stocking up on some essentials. Returning to the Travelers Market he purchased a 'classic' duck-head walking stick of adjustable length, before heading to the Docks to meet the girls.

At the Docks, Mile took advantage of the exotic trade goods on offer, purchasing peppermints, supreme cherry sake, curry cup-noodles, as well as a fortune cookie for each of his companions. Adelka raised her eyebrows as he invested in a copy of the gentleman's magazine 'Peach Time', but before she could comment they were interrupted by a commotion on the Docks.

A young man leaped from one of the boats where he had been hidden as a stowaway, before running towards town, away from the angry merchants and dock workers. Mile caught a glimpse of the man, who had aviator goggles on his forehead, before he quickly dodged past the group. The stranger avoided the town watchman by bounding onto the canopy of the market stall and scrambling up the cliff, turning to make a bow before disappearing into the alleyways of Twyburn.

After the commotion had died down, Mile and his companions returned to the Inn for dinner, planning to depart in the morning. Adelka had a scornful look for Mile when she remembered the magazine he had bought, but Mile's sharp eyes noticed what appeared to be a body-pillow stuffed into her bag. He shared the fortune cookies with his companions and pondered their cryptic messages (Adelka: 'Before you receive, you must give'; Mogwen: 'Special touches have been planned with you in mind'). At that moment, as they were about to order dinner, the figure of the stowaway from the Docks walked down the stairs, and entered the taproom...

The stowaway surveyed the room and approached their table, realising that they were the largest group of travelers in the inn. He introduced himself as Jericho, an aspiring skyship captain, and asked to join them for dinner. Adelka quickly moved her shopping bag with the body-pillow out of sight, and Jericho sat beside her. They made their introductions and quickly learned that Jericho was searching for a famous skyship captain who might know the location of Gateway, a mythical island with a magical portal. Jericho's father Travis went missing 15 years ago in search of Gateway, and when he learned that the group was planning to meet with Rumbelow, Jericho immediately offered to join them on their journey.

Mile then produced the items he had acquired from Lady Kotara's encampment - a ledger and a stack of letters. The ledger contained an additional secret store of letters, all in the same coded handwriting. Jericho offered to study the ledger as it was similar to a Quartermaster's book, while Mogwen started to decode the secret letters, which were in an old Eastern language. Jericho swiftly realised that the ledger documented the resource-gathering activities of Lady Kotara and the Iron Crown forces. This was reinforced by some of the plain-text letters which contained Iron Crown orders for Lady Kotara. Interestingly some of the other letters contained thanks and praise for Kotara from family members of her soldiers, expressing their gratitude for how well she was treating her men.

At this point Mile realised that Mogwen had stopped reading, and was frozen with embarrassment at what she had read in the secret letters. Adelka accompanied her for a 'girls chat' and on her return was able to reveal that they were love letters of a rather explicit nature. It seemed that Lady Kotara was having an affair with Juno - such an affair would be a great scandal if it were exposed, because of the difference in social class between the two. As evening closed, Mile and Adelka pondered how they might use this evidence of the Iron Crown's illegal activities, and Kotara's secret affair.

Mile took a sleeping tablet to help overcome the uncomfortable conditions at the inn, and awoke greatly refreshed for the journey ahead. Dressing in his new hat and with his duck-billed hiking staff, Mile joined the others. Adelka was wearing a deeply uncool duffel coat, and Mogwen had exchanged her raincoat for a warm frog-onesie. Jericho was the most stylish of the party, wearing a sheepskin-lined aviator jacket.

Taking a few words of advice from the Captain at the gate, the party set off on the next stage of their journey towards the Greymouth Bridge, with a fresh breeze in their faces, and mountains on the horizon ahead.

The party arrived at the Greymouth Bridge around lunchtime and swiftly spotted the shrine on a hill to the north. It soon became clear that the undergrowth blocked most routes to the shrine, but as they explored they found a number of chests where curious items were stored, including a wooden sword and a birthday cake. Knowing that items were often left in such chests to aid other travelers, Mile considered taking the cake, but then realised it might be intended for a birthday event, so decided to leave it be. 

During their exploration, they encountered some Mob Beasts; small jackal-like animals that were initially curious, and Mile managed to bribe them with some of his peppermints. Retrieving a woodcutter's axe from a nearby clearing, Mile was able to clear the blocked path to the shrine, but was then confronted by a larger pack of Mob Beasts, and this time they were unimpressed by his offering of mints. Beating a retreat, the party regrouped and decided to use some of their food to decoy the animals. This worked, with the Mob Beasts siezing the rations and fleeing into the trees.

Mile and Adelka were able to make their way to the shrine where they were greeted by Saffie, who was grateful for the peppermints Mile offered her, and was able to offer some advice on the hazards ahead, and in particular how the animals of the Borderlands might often be bribed with food. She also confirmed Mile's suspicions that the cake was intended for a birthday picnic, satisfying him that he'd made the right decision in not taking it.

Continuing across the bridge the party stopped for lunch, but was soon assailed by a Great Eagle that attempted to steal Mile's backpack. After a brief but violent struggle they defeated the bird, but realised that the Borderlands would be more of a challenge than the lands they'd passed through thus far.

The rest of the day's travel was uneventful, but as they camped for the night they agreed to set a watch in case of wild animal or monster attack. Mile retreated into his tent to let the others decide on the rota, and was woken in the early hours by Mogwen who shared his watch. After discussing her journal and how she was recording her experiences (with stickers and stamps) Mile relaxed to peruse his copy of Peach Time (carefully tucked inside Kotara's ledger to avoid misunderstandings), gleaning some vacuous insights into the life of the idol Miji.

They continued their travels the next day without event, wrapped up well against the increasingly bitter cold, grateful that the well-maintained road made their navigation easy. A second night's camping passed in peace - distant wolves howling but not approaching their encampment. So it was that after an early start they sighted the chimney-smoke of Wintermoss by mid-morning, slightly earlier than expected.

As Mile approached the town of Wintermoss, he tried to brush off the distracting thoughts of Peach Time, and focus on remembering what his father had told him as he left the Guesthouse. 

He thought about his quest to the Old Hall, to retrieve the Dragonbowl and prevent it from falling into the hands of the Iron Crown. He remembered his father's instructions to seek out Arthur Glenderyn in Wintermoss, who could tell him how things stand in Inkwell, and what the risks might be. He also remembered his father telling him about the ruin of their Mansion, that the family was forced to flee from in Mile's youth. There may be some supplies or store of coin still to be found in the cellar there. And finally, his father had recommended that he seek a guide to help in crossing the mountains - and recommended a lady called Talia from an Eastern tribe.

So it was that Mile arrived at Wintermoss, and scraping some moss off a signpost with his duck-billed hiking staff, immediately found the direction to the 'd'Areyn Mansion'. Continuing further across a small bridge he noticed some coins in the stream, and threw a Guilder into the water, with a short murmured reflection to Saffie, the Ryuujin watching over his journey.

After inspecting the town's noticeboard, Mile and the company proceeded to the Trapper's Rest Inn. There he met Silka, a young lady incongrously dressed in a nurse's outfit, offering relaxing services to the weary traveler. Paying for a room and some food, Mile discovered that there were opportunities for a courier to take items to Nightfall, as travel had recently become more challenging due to a Harpy attacking travelers.

Mile then headed to Glenderyn Hall. Showing his watch as proof of identity, he was invited for dinner that same evening. He went on to explore the Trading Post and weapons store, selling some older equipment and buying a boot knife, a hat, and a new cloak, in an off-the-shoulder style that he vaguely recalled from his childhood.

That evening Mile changed into his fine clothes, and invited Adelka to accompany him to Glenderyn Hall, elegantly dressed in the dress she had acquired from Lady Kotara in the Riverlands. They discussed various issues over a hearty dinner of Borderlands food, before Arthur invited Mile to accompany him outside, while the ladies made small talk together. Taking Mile to the back of the Hall, Lord Glenderyn lit a lantern and led the way into a passage leading into the cliff-face behind the building. Up stairs and through a series of winding passages, Arthur explained that this was the Glenderyn Vault, a secret fortification and hiding place for the Glenderyn family, full of traps and hazards.

Finally passing through a series of secret doors, they entered a chamber where Arthur revealed the Winterhelm - the ancient artefact of House Glenderyn. The Winterhelm is an ancient helmet, said to enable the wearer to predict the intentions and moves of his enemies. With this artefact House Glenderyn has been able to survive for centuries, despite being one of the smaller Eastern Houses. Arthur was able to reveal that he knew much of Mile's quest and intentions, and also how he had encountered (and defeated) Lady Kotara already. He noted that many of the Iron Crown followers were not evil, but simply preoccupied with advancement and industry, in a way that leaves the natural world unbalanced. 

Arthur Glenderyn was able to encourage Mile to use Kotara's letters carefully, to establish leverage over her at the right moment. He also strongly recommended that Mile seek out a man named Kendrin, when he got to Nightfall. Kendrin used to be the Master at Arms at the Old Hall, and would be able to give Mile valuable information about how to gain access, and avoid the ancient traps and defences within. Arthur also discussed Talia the scout - Glenderyn sadly informed Mile that Talia went missing in the mountains a few years ago. But he was able to recommend finding her daughter Rivka - the most talented scout in the town (albeit somewhat uncouth in her manners) - before they returned to join the women for a last drink.

After their evening at Glenderyn Hall, Mile and Adelka walked back to the Inn and enjoyed a drink with Jericho and Mogwen, before the party decided to turn in for the night. Mile remained in the bar for a few minutes longer, and as he was about to head upstairs the door opened and a woman walked in. Mile recognised her as a vagabond he had seen around the town - athletic physique, with partly shaven hair, and smoky warpaint around her eyes. The visitor approached Silka at the bar, and demanded beer, depositing a handful of wet coins on the counter (along with some water-weed and a few pebbles), clearly taken from the stream. Silka frowned and was about to refuse service, when Mile intervened, offering the visitor some of his beer. The newcomer joined him, and introduced herself as the scout, Rivka.

The next morning Mile was able to tell his companions about his conversation with Rivka. She had warned him of the Harpy that menaced travelers, but noted that she knew three separate routes across the mountains - however her guidance would come at a cost of 700 Guilders. Mile decided to lead the group to the Ruined Mansion, but before they set off, they took the task of helping a sleepy Silka evade various schoolgirls wandering through the town. In helping her, Mile's reputation was increased in Wintermoss - and he deduced that Silka was a local schoolteacher, who didn't want her pupils to know about her evening job!

Arriving at the Ruin, Mile led the others in picking carefully through the crumbling walls and overgrown floors of the building. Prodding the ground ahead, he avoided some unsafe floorboards, before suddenly stumbling across an old woman, who was laying flowers at a makeshift shrine. The woman was startled and it soon became clear that she was confused with age, but she spoke of Mile and his sister Eloise, who had died in the snow, fleeing from Wintermoss. Although somewhat incoherent, the woman hinted that Eloise had survived, but been taken - and no body had been found! Unsure what to make of this, Mile saw an old painting, damaged with age and exposure to the elements, but he remembered it depected him and Eloise together, playing as children, and this started to unlock other memories of his past.

Exploring further Mile was able to enter the cellar below the ruin, and after a brief battle against some Mob Beasts, he recovered some gold coins and jewellery from a locked drawer. Feeling somewhat better about his financial circumstances, Mile decided to investigate courier jobs to Nightfall, and make preparations for their departure.

After preparing for their departure, Mile made enquiries about courier assignments to Nightfall. He was pleasantly surprised to hear that a number of packages and letters required delivery, at a profitable rate - but then learned that the increased rate was due to the risk of attack by the Harpy that was attacking travelers in the mountain passes.

Nevertheless, Mile took on these jobs, and acquired a few more supplies, before meeting his companions and discussing the next stage of their journey. Agreeing to hire Rivka as their guide, she informed Mile that there were three possible routes across the mountains. The first, commonly known route, would likely take them into the path of the dangerous Harpy. There was another, higher path, which might avoid the Harpy, but expose them to extreme weather and other dangers. And there was a lower path, which would enable them to follow the warren of underground tunnels dug by Hungry Moles beneath the mountains themselves. This would offer protection from the weather, but uncertainty on their route (as well as the danger of encountering the Moles themselves). With their contract sealed by a spit-handshake (to Adelka's disgust), they agreed that the mountain pass offered the safest route on balance, despite the presence of the Harpy.

So it was that they set off. Initially proceeding along the road, they soon found themselves heading across country, with Rivka carefully scouting ahead, hunting for food, and finding a safe trail. As their journey proceeded Mile noticed some sniping between Adelka and Rivka, but was also impressed by Rivka's scouting abilities. Before long they were approaching the foothills of the mountains, and rapidly started to ascend, with the howls of wolves echoing in the distance.

On the second day, Rivka tasted some discoloured snow (to Adelka's disgust), and announced that there were wolves in the area. Following discussion, they agreed to follow an elevated path, which took them clear of the wolves, but exposed them to cold winds. Climbing along a narrow icy path, they considered roping themselves together, but decided that posed its own risks, so proceeded as cautiously as they could. And it was there, at a particularly exposed part of the path, that they were finally ambushed by the Harpy.

Swooping down from above with a pair of Great Eagles, the Harpy didn't attack them directly, instead unleashing a devastating strike on a large overhanging wall of ice. With an ominous cracking sound, a huge avalanche was unleashed, and the party was swept away, tumbling down the mountainside in an unstoppable wave of snow and ice.

Mile awoke, battered and bruised, separated from his companions, with only the lifeless body of Daisy the pony nearby. Offering a prayer, he salvaged what equipment he could carry, and tried to get his bearings. Shaking his fist at the mountain, he picked his way along an animal trail, trying to find shelter for the night. His first attempt at camping was interrupted by hungry wolves. Scaring them away with fire, he pressed on, camping in a hollow among some rocks, but getting little rest.

The next day, Mile skirted the mountains, and eventually came across the road to Nightfall. Wearily trudging through the snow, he made good progress, but twisted his ankle on some ice. Nevertheless he slowly made his way towards his destination. On the way, Mile encountered a military encampment, which he swiftly realised was populated with Iron Crown Snow Raiders, also apparently heading towards Nightfall. Continuing on his way with added urgency, Mile finally crested a rise to see the town of Nightfall ahead of him, lamplight glowing in the shadow of the high peak above.

Mile hurried towards the Nightfall gates. However, as he got close, he realised something was badly wrong. A sudden gust of wind parted the snow to reveal that the town guard appeared to be a Snow Raider... and the flags on the ramparts bore the insignia of the Iron Crown.

Nightfall had fallen.

With more soldiers approaching on the road behind, Mile quickly spied a townsperson observing him from a hiding place. Taking a chance, Mile used all his stealth to leave the road, and join this townsman, to discover what had happened. The man took him to the Inn in the Nightfall Slum, where he gave a secret knock, and they were admitted into the warmth.

So it was that Mile learned that Nightfall had in fact fallen to the forces of the Iron Crown. His helper was a man called Bismark, a member of a resistance group that was trying to gather information and thwart the objectives of the Iron Crown forces. A young girl called Amanda gave Mile a healing draught which cured the worst of this injuries, while Bismark told him about recent events, and the activities of the resistance. On learning that Mile was a courier, Bismark requested that he deliver a message to their informant inside the town - a man called Kendrin. Realising that he already planned to meet with Kendrin, Mile accepted this assignment, and began to plan how he might infiltrate the town itself.

Before he could progress with his plans however, Snow Raiders surrounded the Inn, demanding that the rebels inside open up and surrender. As the rebels sprung into action, Amanda took Mile into the cellar and showed him a secret escape route. Half crawling through a tunnel Mile emerged into the evening snow. Evading the attentions of patrolling guards, he scrambled up the frozen waste tip by the east wall, and pulled himself up onto the Nightfall ramparts. A few minutes later, he was inside.

Once inside the town, Mile changed into his fine clothing. Approaching the Coach and Horses Inn, he peered through the window, before gathering himself and walking in. The Inn was a well-appointed establishment, with a few well-dressed townsfolk, as well as a couple of Iron Crown Snowraiders enjoying a quiet drink. The soldiers left before too long however, and Mile was able to complete his delivery to the barman, before taking a drink and enjoying the fine dining in peace. The food and drink were delicious, and the furnishings very comfortable - so Mile paid for a room for two nights, before noting the arrival of a man from the rooms upstairs. 

This man sported a grey mustache and walked with a pronounced limp, and the barman informed Mile that this was Kendrin. Quickly making his introductions, Mile was able to deliver the letter from the resistance, and unlock the next stage of his journey. Kendrin confirmed that he was the former Master at Arms in the Old Halls for the d'Areyn family - and he still retained the Skeleton Key which could open every door and disarm every trap in the Halls. Once convinced of Mile's identity, he struck a bargain with Mile. The forces of the Iron Crown, led by General Valliss, were planning to hold a strategy meeting in the Nightfall Arena in a couple of days. If Mile would help him to infiltrate the meeting and discover their plans, he would give Mile the Skeleton Key that would be essential to his success in recovering the Dragonbowl from the Old Halls. Recalling that he needed to deliver a letter to a man called Jenkins at the Arena, Mile accepted the terms of the deal.

With the agreement secured, Mile turned in for the night, sleeping incredibly well and awaking refreshed in the morning. It took him a moment to adjust to the fact that Nightfall was still dark even in the daytime - being lit by scattered streetlights. But after some lemon tea and a light breakfast, he explored the shops of the Lower Circle. Mile was able to make his deliveries in town, while exploring a couple of shops, including the Stylist, where he purchased some Tailor's Oil and Repair Tonic, before returning to the Inn to meet Kendrin. There, he took turns with Kendrin to observe the arrival of the Iron Crown guests that afternoon. Watching through the window of the Inn, Mile was able to see a steady stream of coaches arrive. Although he couldn't make out everyone, he did get a good look at a blonde-haired woman with an Iron Crown necklace, and a girl with pink pigtails who looked almost familiar... as well as an elegant woman he couldn't quite make out, and a fourth traveler he saw only as a shadow behind the carriage.

As evening rolled in, Mile made his report to Kendrin, before getting a good night's sleep, ahead of planning to infiltrate the Nightfall Arena in the morning.

They made their plans over breakfast, and after some initial discussion Mile set out into the gloomy town to conduct some reconnaissance. Noting that the cliff face was icy and treacherous, he decided not to gain entry that way, but instead to infiltrate by stealth. With Snow Raiders parading near the stairway, Mile decided to buy a dark suit of clothes that would aid his infiltration.

After acquiring a fine (if somewhat strange) suit of dark clothes, embellished with black lace and gauze, Mile noticed the idol Miji entering the Stylist next door. Avoiding the bodyguard at the door, Mile gained entry and observed Miji closely, taking out his copy of Peach Time to compare her with her picture. Unfortunately at that moment Miji turned, and mistaking him for a fan, grudgingly signed his copy of Peach Time before storming off. In an effort to placate the shopkeeper, Mile acquired a looking glass which he could use to accessorise his outfit, before heading back out into the darkened town.

Seeing that the guards were undergoing an inspection, Mile siezed the opportunity to stealthily creep to the stairs from the side, softly padding through the snow before crawling through the stone railings, and making his way up the steep cliffside stairs, to The Arena.

Inside The Arena Mile was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a decadent gaming hall. Handing his cloak to a Bunny-girl attendant, he entered the hall, using his mirror to check he wasn't followed. Using an assumed name, he introduced himself to some wealthy-looking patrons and enjoyed a cocktail as he gathered some initial information. As his new companions headed to the gaming tables, Mile observed the tables through his looking glass... but was so engrossed that he didn't notice a new lady approaching, until he looked up to see Lady Kotara standing right in front of him.

'Mister d'Areyn', she said, coldly. 'I believe we have some business to discuss'.

Mile gestured for Kotara to take a seat, which she did, slowly, before ordering a glass of red wine. She soon made it clear that she wanted Mile to return her private correspondence, and was willing to pay to get it back. Mile however was in no hurry to lose his leverage, and told her that he intended to keep the letters until his business was concluded. Kotara grew frustrated and challenged Mile on the decadence and corruption that surrounded him in Nightfall, but before she could continue she was interrupted by her companion, a tall imposing man in white, with a long black plait and a dress-sword.

As Kotara joined her companions for their conference, Mile noticed Kendrin entering the Arena, and they met at the bar to discuss their plan. Kendrin pointed out the members of the Iron Crown party - Lady Kotara was joined by the friendly-looking Lady Eloise, and the striking Lady Melissa, as well as the man in white, who turned out to be General Valliss, leader of the Iron Crown forces in Nightfall.

Realising that he needed a disguise, Mile obtained a chef's outfit which included a face-mask, with which he was able to get close to the Iron Crown meeting - but not before being berated by Don Costello, the owner of the Arena, who wanted to ensure the event went off without a hitch.

Finally edging close to the Iron Crown party with a plate of canapes, Mile was able to overhear the purpose of their conference. It quickly became clear that the group was mounting an expedition to the Old Halls, with the sole purpose of obtaining the Dragonbowl before he could get there himself. It also became evident that the Dragonbowl was powerful enough that the Iron Crown forces were confident that, in their hands, it would enable them to succeed in all of their plans to reshape the world according to their designs. As this all sank in, there was one more shock. Mile couldn't take his eyes off Lady Eloise - the lady who shared the name of his lost sister - as she looked strikingly familiar. The more he looked, the more Mile was convinced that they could be one and the same.

Snapping himself back to the present, Mile reported back to Kendrin and they planned their next move. Soon after however, Mile was approached by Lady Melissa, who attempted to enlist his aid. As the three ladies were competing to convince General Valliss that they should each be put in charge of this urgent expedition, Melissa asked Mile to embarrass Kotara (her closest rival), perhaps by spilling a drink. Mile politely assured her of his support, but declined to take the offered coin. As Melissa returned to the group, Mile spotted Saffie perched on the bar, intently making notes, and the beginnings of a plan began to form in his mind...

Mile worked with Kendrin and Jenkins the Barman to put together a tray of cocktails, with some unique signature ingredients from the Arena Bar. As he placed them on a silver tray he briefly interacted with Miji, who immediately recognised him, but fortunately did not raise any suspicions. As Miji left to ready herself for her performance, Mile readied the drinks tray with one small addition - a bottle of the Tailor's Oil he had purchased, which had the ability to dissolve clothing! With all his preparations made, Mile approached the Iron Crown party as before, and moved into position.

Offering drinks around the group, Mile heard some more brief snatches of conversation, but managed to remain unrecognised. Lady Melissa's eyes narrowed when his interaction with Kotara passed without incident, but Mile stayed focused, and moved behind Melissa to deliver the last drink. As he did so, he dripped the Tailor's Oil onto the straps on the back of Lady Melissa's dress. Although she shivered slightly, she didn't seem to notice, and Mile was able to retreat to a safe distance.

So it was that Mile (and Saffie) had a perfect view, as General Valliss raised a toast, and announced his decision. Lady Kotara had made one mistake too many, and lacked the poise and finesse of Lady Melissa... but as Melissa started to stand, already anticipating her victory, the Tailor's Oil did its work, and the top half of her dress fell completely away!

Silence fell across the whole Arena as all eyes were on Lady Melissa, exposed and humiliated in what should have been her moment of triumph. As the Arena descended into uproar, Miji entered the stage and launched into an incongrously upbeat song. But Mile hadn't escaped the eagle-eye of Don Costello who tore off his mask and ranted at him for ruining the proceedings. As Mile made to slip away in the confusion however, there was another surprise in store.

Bursting through the Arena entrance hall came Adelka and Rivka, disguised as bunny girl waitresses (Rivka looking distinctly uncomfortable). Seeing the mayhem, Adelka loudly shouted Mile's name and waved to get his attention! Suddenly the Iron Crown party became aware that Mile had been spying in their midst, and as a horde of guards emerged, Mile decided it was time to leave. Grabbing his bag of belongings, he dodged the guards and leapt over the reception desk, catching the Old Hall Skeleton Key that Kendrin threw him as he fled.

With Adelka and Rivka in tow (and somewhat put out by his lack of gratitude for their 'rescue') they burst into the cool evening sunlight, and a cold breeze. No sooner had their eyes adjusted than they realised that Snow Raiders were closing in from all sides. But just then, in a strong gust of wind, a familiar large skyship wheeled around only metres away from the cliff. There standing on the deck with one foot on the rail, in his blue and gold uniform, was Rumbelow, waving his hat and kicking down a rope ladder towards them. As a hail of arrows flew towards them they took their one chance, and made a running jump onto the rope ladder, which was swinging erratically in the wind.

So it was that Mile escaped the Iron Crown in  Nightfall, and got a headstart on their mission to the Old Hall, clutching the last rung of the rope ladder, with Adelka holding onto one leg, and a hail of arrows zipping past them as the Peregrine Nation ascended into the cold evening sky.