The party debated going through a mine or around it. Theros tossed his lucky coin — it pointed them to the caves.
Korin asked Dorn what would bring the Dynasty to attack Shalarag. Dorn believed greed was a factor and that they may have somehow learned about what happened with the royal family, though he wasn’t certain.
Korin asked Dorn what to do with the king’s body. They stopped the carriage at a scenic spot and decided to bury Kaelor IV Cheon atop a hill overlooking Shalarag.
The party dug the grave. Dorn spoke words over the king. Korin fashioned a cross and planted it beside the grave.
Dristuul offered his flask to Dorn — it tasted horrible.
Camp in the Lava Caves
The party entered the caves and found a clearing with lava. They set up camp.
She was reminiscing about her situation, feeling useless and frustrated, not knowing what to do now that she has lost her Warlock powers.
Theros revealed the truth: he sold his soul to Titania in exchange for the power to rescue her. He told her that his father is a thrall to Titania, and that he himself is expected to become her next thrall.
Theros also confided that he has given up on singing, that he has been through difficult times and has changed from the person he used to be.
Neerah, moved by his honesty, regained her spark. She cheered up, looking forward to discovering her new talent or power.
Kailas’s Watch
Kailas found himself remembering the empire, and how his mother had always cautioned him about it. He never understood her warnings until the event that changed everything. Her words now ring in his mind.
Dristuul’s Watch — The Black Senate
Aldur approached Dristuul and they talked about coming back from the dead, bonding over the shared experience. They reminisced about family and old memories.
Aldur switched to Draconic so they wouldn’t be overheard, and confided that he is a member of the Black Senate — a secretive organization. He got his powers through them. He described what he had done as part of the group.
They discussed a woman who wears a porcelain mask — Aldur fancies her. He travels a lot for the organization, has only been a member for a couple of years, and is not high-ranking. Dristuul noted that only high-ranking members of the Black Senate wear masks.
Aldur offered to introduce Dristuul to Lesha. Dristuul then started describing someone and mentioned Robin.
Dristuul revealed that he had also worked for the Black Senate but left. He dodged detailed questions. He warned Aldur to be careful with the Senate and especially around Robin — not to trust him.
Dristuul asked about Silk — Aldur smirked and questioned him further about that relationship. Dristuul also asked about Whisper, but Aldur didn’t remember them. Aldur mentioned two other members and suggested a meet-up.
Dristuul talked about having found a new family in the party, though he admitted he still doesn’t think they’re “that great.”
The conversation turned to the Raven Queen. Aldur was impressed that Dristuul can speak with her, calling him special. They talked about her more — Aldur said he likes the Raven Queen based on Dristuul’s description.
They said goodnight. Dristuul hugged Aldur and told him “I love you.” Aldur said it back.
Nyxara felt unsettled. A bubble of lava popped and startled her. The rest of the shift was uneventful.
The Road to Jurin
Everyone woke up stronger and refreshed.
After walking for a while, Dristuul spotted the light at the cave exit. Korin started singing and Neerah and Aldur joined in.
Outside the cave, the party found the old wagon. They estimated roughly one week to reach the mansion.
Korin got confused by the map. Nyxara helped him get back on track. They passed the Hydra village and continued.
Dristuul chatted with Aldur in Draconic, telling stories. Theros cast Comprehend Languages to eavesdrop. Dristuul noticed Theros casting something but couldn’t figure out what. Theros overheard their conversation about the Black Senate.
Theros asked party members to write their names into his book: Korin, Jaruul, Neerah, and Dristuul. Four names now fill the book. He used it to send a message to Korin (realising Ishanah had done the same). He then contacted Dristuul and told him he knows what he and Aldur were discussing.
Aldur told Dristuul he doesn’t want to talk about Mara and asked him not to bring it up.
Arrival at Jurin — 5th of Unndilar
The party arrived at Jurin on the 5th of Unndilar.
Korin expressed his happiness to be back at the mansion.
Aldur was amazed that the party owns a mansion, not just a house, and was looking forward to seeing it.