Runmae's group catches up to Kauth, who is waiting for them on a rock. He's not going to come quietly.
Bhaltair convinces Arvel to sit this out, just let them resolve it among themselves.
It seems a fight is inevitable, but as they gear up to fight, they are interrupted by a low guttural voice.
"Travelers in the Labyrinth. You stand on cursed ground. You may proceed no farther into this place of evil, and you may not leave to spread its taint further. I offer you a choice: commit your lives to the service of Kalok Shash and the holy calling of the Ghaash'kala, or die where you stand."
Meanwhile, Naze Nol is working in the infirmary, frustrated at his uselessness. For the first time, his prayers are answered, by an avenging angel from Shavarath. The pact is sealed.
Woah.
Naze is taken to speak to the clan's kizshmit, Torgaan. Lharc Suusha is there too, the clan's sar'malaan.
Naze explains what happened, and summons the angel, Zaphkiel. Torgaan questions the angel, and then asks Naze if he wants to join a patrol. Naze is so excited.
Torgaan also threatens Zaphkiel, stating he'll go to Shavarath to kick his ass if he gets Naze killed.
The other group, travelling back to Maruk Dar, get to know each other a bit. Kauth keeps ribbing Runmae, but gets chastised by Durrnak. Runmae asks about Valaari, who seems to be keeping to themselves. Valaari is weird, apparently.
They get to Maruk Dar and are given a tent to bunk in for the night. Their wounds are treated and they're fed.
Bhaltair shares some of their rations. Warren tries jam for the first time! "Thanks for the goop"
Runmae and Denzel sleep in shifts to keep an eye on Kauth, who sleeps through the night.
Warren goes and adds the jam to the perpetual stew. He brings the jar back, and Bhaltair tells him to give it to Valaari.
Warren doesn't wanna hang out with Valaari though. :(
They go to bed.
14th Therendor, 999 YK
The next morning, Valaari and Warren are summoned to the barracks tent, along with two other kala: Voraash Khol and Daruuc. A few minutes later, Torgaan arrives with Naze, and tells them they're being assigned to new patrols. Naze's coming too.
Warren seems incredulous.
Torgaan gets the newcomers out, and asks them for their capabilities. With that information, he assigns them all to two patrols.
Valaari, Warren, Runmae, Bhaltair, and Naze in one.
Arvel, Denzel, Kauth, Voraash and Daruuc in the other group.
Torgaan takes the party aside and instructs them, giving them their route. Valaari is in charge. They leave today, Torgaan advises they visit the blacksmith and quartermaster.
Torgaan leaves, and then Valaari questions Naze about what changed?
Naze summons Zaphkiel, and Valaari questions the angel. They're a bit jealous.
Runmae sees her cousin in Naze, she'll do her best to keep him alive.
Valaari says they hope that Naze is as good with magic as they are at healing. Naze says it seems pretty easy. Valaari smoulders.
Valaari asks who else has magic. Bhaltair does!
Bhaltair asks if Valaari got the jar. Warren forgot.
Warren gives Valaari the jar. Now Valaari has an empty jar with a bit of jam in it.
Naze says that's so thoughtful!
Valaari uses their finger to scoop out a bit of jam residue and licks it. What is this??
Naze asks what jam is?
Bhaltair produces another jar of jam!
Valaari asks what equipment everyone has, and then goes to see Kohja Tas to get potions, and Jhirza Suusha to get spell scrolls.
They get Liberating Command for Bhaltair to use, and Heal for Naze.
Kohja also gives them some cartography tools, and asks that they map their route. The labyrinth changes sometimes, so they need to know about it.
They head out into the Labyrinth, west of Maruk Dar.
The first day is mostly uneventful, and Zaphkiel expresses boredom at the lack of demons! Naze promises there will be demons soon.
Bhaltair notices grit and dust start to rise off the floor, and he feels tingly. They mention it to Valaari, who recognises this is the beginning of a dust storm. They say they need to find shelter, immediately!
It takes them an hour, but between Warren and Bhaltair, they're able to find a cave to shelter in. They caught in the beginning of the storm, and they all take some damage from the bits of debris being flown around.
They have to camp all night in the cave. Naze tends to their wounds, healing everyone back up.
15th Therendor, 999 YK
In the morning, with the storm gone, they emerge. Valaari picks up some demonglass debris. As far as they know, it's indestructible and made from the blood of overlords.
Valaari also checks that Warren has actually been mapping their route. He has! What a good boy.
They continue travelling their route, and about midday, they hear talking ahead. Warren recognises it as Old Common, and suggests it's carrion tribe.
Valaari sends Warren to scout, and he identifies 4 potential hostiles. Naze uses Message to get Warren's report.
Valaari decides to issue the challenge. They stride forward, and offer the tribers the choice.
One of the warriors raises their spear and yells out "For the Rage of War!"