The Grey Country

The King’s Hand stand back-to-back with the Ederian Watch, facing down the numerous corrupted villagers, and the monstrous amalgamation known as “The Tithe”, a withering black mass of sludge, faces, and body parts. The battle raged on, resulting in the deaths of numerous villages and Ederian Watch, before Xanthe struck a deliberate final blow against the Tithe, destroying the creature.

The reunion with Captain Vaela is bittersweet, as she reveals that this isn’t the first town that they set the torch to under the orders of Commander Otis Van Phem. They wish each other well, and the King’s Hand turns Aelith over to them for safe transportation. Leaving the burning town behind them, they make their way over to the Iron Gate on the Maldarian border.

The King’s Hand reaches Last House, an inn that is the final stop before the border. They decide to rest there for the night, but upon entering they are surprised to find several members of the Order of the Edict, one of them being Sister Sultea, the order member they saved out on the seas near Faithspire. The King’s Hand are unable to retrieve much information from her, as she is joined by a few other members of their order, who seem reluctant to share information, especially with Xanthe present. However, after the other members leave, Sultia does point the King’s Hand in the direction of Brack, a survivor from Sallow’s Shade. He spoke of a wave that came from the ocean, the earth splitting. He warns them to leave and never return, though the King’s Hand refuse to back down.

As everyone rests, Cailynn speaks out to Samson, her patron, and asks him to stay away from her for the time being. He reminds her that his purpose is to protect her, but Cailynn warns him that whatever is infecting the land could have a negative toll on him. Samson seems to understand and leaves Cailynn’s side, appearing to agree to her request.

The next day, they cross into Maldaris proper, though not after they are questioned by several members of the Sanctum of the White Flame. They are questioned and even placed in circles of truth to verify their sincerity. Once they pass, they meet Veskas Draelthir, the daughter of the Countess. They are also approached by one Captain Emrich, a member of (insert name here) who serves as an escort and bodyguard to Veskas. After gathering horses, they make their way into the country.

They all ride at a sprint, riding to a waystation as they try to reach Ebonshade as soon as possible. The Ebonshade witches believe that something terrible will happen in three days, giving the King's Hand limited time to work. At the station they come across the Lampless, travelers who were able to safely move through the dangerous areas ahead of them. However, they were unable to agree on a price. Marik admitted that Baron Abaddon offered safe passage, but required the payment of drinking the blood from one of the heirs, leaving many of them feeling conflicted, but seeing no other way forward.

After one more final day of rest, the party arrives outside of Ebonshade.