Journal of Arcadius - Day 125

(hastily written scrawl)

We have made many mistakes! Alcander is dead! He fought with his usual reckless, almost mad courage. His death was not it should have been... stabbed in the back by a cowardly foe we have yet to catch. At least we've slain their chief wizard. I hope that is their chief wizard. Farewell Alcander. May you take your place of honor beside Heracles.

Fflam is gone. The enemy drow had a teleportation amulet much like that of lady Gozen. We tried to use it, but had difficulties. We teleported into a room with what may have been the ruling lady of this evil house. Somehow when we escaped, we lost Fflam. We returned but both were gone. He has almost certainly been captured. I pray he doesn't become a spider again.

And... what is wrong with Walter-Tupper? He is refusing to do the basic tasks for which he was sent to us. Cowardice seems to have gripped his soul. Surely Heracles can free him from the grip of fear! Perhaps the gods will show kindness and send Alcander to him in visions, to show him the path to honor and courage.

Praise be to the gods! We have freed two potential allies. One, some strange and apparently mute man, who possesses far more power than meets the eye. He teleported out of his own cell once we opened the shutter. He has donned drow weapons and armor to help us as well. The other freed prisoner is a druid from Izmir of all places. She seems to have been captured just before the curse descended on the sacred grove at the center of that city. She was most upset to hear of recent developments, and agreed to join us.

May we be worthy of the aid of the gods!
I Praise thee o' Lord Pelor.
From darkness, light.
From evil, redemption.
From fear, new hope.

*A*