Aginthar, Kosvia and Kipling had travelled to the borders of Kip’s forest, there to gather both supplies and news of the outside world, the forest being somewhat isolating. They took the opportunity to stay at an inn, and Kos played for the patrons that night a short set to blow some cobwebs off her talents that had gone nearly unused for the preceding weeks.

It was in the morning that a messenger came to Aginthar with the message simply that Kesterberg needs him and he must return. It seems similar messengers had been sent far and wide. Immediately the companions gathered themselves, ready for a longer journey. Kip used Sending to contact Bob and Dikmov, asking them to join us and help. If things were so dire, such capable friends would be welcome. It had also been a year or thereabouts since they had all been together and Kos, in particular, wanted to see the troupe united. Though Dikmov didn’t reply, Kip felt sure the message had been heard. Nevertheless, within the hour they set off for Kesterberg.

A couple days of hard riding later they arrived at the Inn called The Wingless Dragon. An inn that celebrated an historic battle from Kesterberg’s history. As the companions were settling in they soon saw Bob enter the inn as well. He reunited with the group and told them he had claimed his true name, Thrangil. They toasted to that and congratulated him as they kept an eye out in hopes that Dik would join them, though the unanswered message gave them pause.

It seems Thrangil had lost some memories in a battle with a wizard deep in the underdark, as part of the contests he was required to undertake to reclaim his name. So, they shared memories of their times together. After a while Kip noticed a Gnome nearby, drinking at the bar, who carried a weapon not unlike Dik’s. As he went to approach the gnome, Kos took the opportunity to talk more with pretty blonde barmaid called Nora. Making a point of mentioning some of Kips finer qualities.

The Gnome called herself Rus and eventually tells us she is Dik’s daughter. Unfortunately she carries the news that her mother is not well, and dispatched Rus in her place. The group is saddened by the news, but knew of Dik’s advanced age, and try to welcome Rus as warmly as they can.

We stay in the inn for the night, and for once Kip does not stay alone, as the barmaid Nora chooses to stay with him for the evening.

In the morning the group gathers and mounts up to head to Kesterberg. It is about a dsys journey yet, but being this close the group is keen to cover the ground quickly. After travelling a while, they spot some trouble up ahead, cries of fear and howls of wolves. As the party rounds the corner they see a small group, perhaps a family attempting to herd some cow-like animals through a canyon and being beset by wolves. Immediately anyone who views the scene is struck with almost crippling fear. Regardless, the party takes the fight to the huge wolves as best they can, soon dispatching a few. Rus proves herself useful in this combat, the first time the others have seen her in action. Some care is taken to save the group’s horses from a possible stampede. It takes a little while, but the wolves are killed or driven off before they can do too much damage. it becomes evident that the fear effect causing some difficulty is because the particular type of cows being herded have strong empathic abilities and were projecting their own fear.

Kos talks to the refugee survivors after the battle, trying to calm them and reassure them there is help arriving to deal with the troubles in Kesterberg. She styles herself and most of the group as the retinue of the great Aginthar of Kesterberg who will surely put things right. The refugees are given some extra coin to help them on their way and directed to the Wingless Dragon where they can rest safely.

The scattered horses are gathered up and the party is soon on the way again toward Kesterberg. Kos ensures she gives her horse Caramel a hug and praise for bravery and staying. safe but nearby.

Getting to within sight of the city a Raven is spotted in the skies. Perhaps observing the group as they approach the city. Within a moment the raven turns and heads toward the city. It seems clear they are observed and their approach is known. But by whom and for good or ill?

As we approach the city a contingent of city guard meets us. They direct us toward the Golden gate of the city, which will lead us through the more prominent parts of the city. Kos tries to fall into the background away from Aginthar, knowing this is his moment and not wanting to cause issues with his return because of their relationship. Unspoken, she fears with his return to Kesterberg their relationship will likely have to end. She laments it, but wants to make it easy on him and continues to withdraw, also changing her usual garb for fairly drab travelling clothes.

Progressing through the city the streets are lined with many come to see the return of Aginthar, perhaps the solution to the problems that have beset the city. There seems a mixture of hope, intrigue and welcome among the people hoping the dark days will soon be behind them. The procession, lead by Captain Serafina Stormblade of the guard, takes them through the Riverside and Tradehaven districts and on to the Sword district. Aginthar calls a halt to the procession outside the Black Sands duelling grounds. Sitting atop his horse and speaking to the crowd his presence and ability seems to further infuse the crowd with hope. He understands what the crowd needs and speaks to inspire them, making no false promises.

The group then heads into the Vengeance district which leads them around the back of the keep. Here the group dismounts and are greeted by a formal delegation from the keep. At the forefront are Aginthar’s two sisters, Nefael and Nabilla and the aging retainer Cedric. Nefael is clearly in charge here and comports herself with authority and seriousness. Nabilla seems curious and academic. Aginthar greets them but falters when it comes to introducing his companions. Kos jumps in at that moment giving their names and introducing them all as merely travelling companions and friends who can handle themselves in the face of danger. Kos, in particular, is greeted somewhat coldly by Nefael. More or less what she expected, and sinking her mood again. Kos is sure it will only be a matter of time before Agi talks to her of duty and the needs of Kesterberg and family and asks her to leave him be. She resolves to be of use until such time. Perhaps if she does he will remember her somewhat fondly.

After the greetings, such as they are, Aginthar leads the way into the keep and asks some very direct questions about the nature of the troubles surrounding Kesterberg. He seems vexed that his sisters and their staff have not seen these problems dealt with. They explain it is beyond the training of their town guard or military, and many of the attacks are in unexpected places. However, Nabilla is able to show the group a map of places where attacks have occurred in the city and discussion begins about what can be done to find out more and what sort of threat may be at play. Kosvia asks Nabilla if the Raven they saw was hers, a familiar. She admits it was, showing she has some magical ability. The group takes note as the nature of the attacks seem to have a magical element to them. They are also shown the remains of a huge monstrous worm creature that had been killed in one recent attack. It looks a fearsome beast.

Kosvia more or less insists on playing the role of bait alone in a tavern near where some sewer access is, in a less well guarded part of town. Kip says he will accompany her nearby in the shape of a dog. The rest of the party will lie in wait nearby.

Kos again adjusts her clothing to be even less remarkable. Dirty and old travel clothes, rather than the fetching and skimpy silks and leathers she normally appears to wear. She heads into the tavern and tries to attract little attention. The locals certainly notice an unknown tiefling girl turn up, but pay her little mind after a few drinks. As the place starts to empty out toward the end of the night Kos picks a time to leave when she will be walking the streets outside alone as best as she can guess. With only Kip in his dog form nearby. She wanders up the street trying to look vulnerable, and a little more drunk than she truly was (years of playing in taverns and patrons buying her drinks having given her a little more resistance to alcohol than she is usually credited with).

Rounding the first corner she is soon confronted with two large monstrous worms called Remorhaz. Kosvia flies into combat with them with a reckless fury. Moments later the rest of the team back her up. After a few seconds a third worm arrives from the other direction, but the first two are soon killed and the third turns tail and burrows into the ground. Kos literally flies after it at great speed.

Moments later Kos is in part of the sewer system of city confronting the worm, seemingly daring it to do its worst. Just as the others arrive the worm darts forward and swallows Kosvia. Aginthar charges forward and engages it with all his skill. It has become clear these monsters are resistant to many types of attack and shrug off many hits with little ill effect. Regardless, they damage it greatly, and from within a burst of magic blows the worms head off. Kosvia emerges a little hurt and covered in ichor.

Something further into the tunnels draws their attention and Aginthar leads the way. Soon he is confronted by the ghost of an Elven Knight. Showing great reverence Aginthar goes down onto his knee, followed immediately by the rest of the group. The ghost seems to have good intent and wears known symbols. After acknowledging Aginthar he points to the ground near his feet, and then fades away as he turns. Scraping away at the dirt and stone in the part of the ground indicated by the Knight Aginthar soon unearths a writing desk. It holds a few bundles of papers of different ages, notes, letters and diary entries of various sorts and hands. Also a magical fire starter and a magical compass that points south. The group discovers these findings for a while, but some to few conclusions. Except that what is afoot here is an echo or expansion of things that have happened before and could well prove to be very dangerous indeed. There is also talk of a dragon without wings, which brings their thoughts back to the Inn where they met up before arriving at Kesterberg.

As they head back to street level discussing the possibilities their attention is drawn to the sky, lit brighter than it should be in the dead of night. As they look up they see a representation of the Sword of Havlok is glowing in the sky above the mountain behind the Keep of Kesterberg. A portent, if ever they have seen one.

The group heads back to the Keep and make their way to their guest rooms. There Aginthar stops Kos and asks why she won’t stay with him in his apartment. She tells him of her fears that they must soon be ended by his duties to Kesterberg. He argues that tomorrow may be their last and he wants to be with her, no matter what one more night will make little difference. She nods in assent.

As they move downstairs, Thrangil insists on checking their room for traps or people lying in wait, and says he will stand guard in the shadows as his need for sleep is little. On the way to Aginthar’s apartment they spot Nabilla still at her desk in the library having fallen asleep there. Perhaps their burgeoning suspicions are misplaced. Still, they don’t have any solid answers yet.

Thrangil reports that Aginthar’s apartment seems safe enough and says he will be nearby if there is trouble. Kos chokes back a tear of thanks for this unlooked for kindness as he steps out into the darkened corridor.

Kosvia is still covered in remnants of Remorhaz. She begins cleaning herself off ready for bed. As she does so she disrobes and invites Aginthar to help her, longing for his hands on her. He says he wants to hold her tonight. She nods to his welcome request.

Deeper in the night Thrangil notices Nefael leaving the family chapel further down the corridor he is watching. Perhaps she has been at prayer for her home and her family late into the night. Or perhaps something else.

In the morning they will take the next step, whatever that may be.