Celebrating at The Working Horse continues, many a drink is bought and the taverns pantry emptied to please all patrons, courtesy of the party. Mornington puts on a show displaying his musical talent, Artax joins him to sing for one song and the pair attract the attention of several women from the village. All the commotion has slowly filtered in more and more guests and the place is bustling. Edward toys with Jacks for his insubordinate behaviour with the candelabra, casting command to make him wait outside in the cold. Fenris partakes in some gambling of his own, arm wrestling with the locals and making friends and foes alike with his bold demeanour.
After some time a short blonde haired boy enters the tavern and courteously introduces himself to Artax. Named Oliver, the boy explains he is Lord Argak's Page and is there to inform him of a log cabin they can use due to a family relocating to the dock. Artax asks Oliver to show him the way while the others enjoy their evening. Upon his return, Artax sees that the night is winding down, most people have left or are too intoxicated to do so by themselves. Mornington is talking to two of his admirers but before long everyone is ushered outside. The party, the other members from the Crew of The Alacrity and the remaining villages are lingering in the cold outside of The Working Horse.
After fumbling between conversations the two wedlock women Mornington was trying to charm leave hurriedly, blushing. The party and company go to the log cabin and settle down, thankful for a proper roof over their head.
The next day the party take some time to hone their abilities, repair equipment, drill technique, and reflect on their experiences.
Mornington and Fenris duel, a more civil encounter than their last bout, with the intent of bettering each others skills. They draw a crowd and after they are done some of the villagers start asking for money, gaining the sympathy vote by sending children. Mornington gives a coin to a young girl, and this, in combination with the spreading word of last nights generosity, means the villagers are becoming aware of the parties wealth.
Artax goes hunting, using new spells to his advantage, trapping and killing a wild boar. After bringing it back to the village butcher and gaining some good quality meat, Artax heads back to the cabin. As he enters the cabin he can see a soft red glow coming from behind one of the bedroom doors, he knocks timidly asking if anyone is inside. A nervous sounding Edward replies and Artax enters to see what is happening. Dawnreach, the root cause for his violent thrust into the adventuring life. The book is covered in embers as the exterior seems to be peeling away, black smoke and strange energies emanating forth. The book transforms into a heavy Dark Tome with new spells within, a sign of Edwards growing power and deepening patronage.
When the party are done with their day they convene at their temporary lodgings. They receive a visit from Argak's page, Oliver, who informs them they are invited to the Lord's manor for an evening feast. Adorning their best attempt at evening wear and leaving their adventuring gear behind they make for The Lord of Timber's Manor House.
Welcomed in to the great hall of the manor, Argak, Meldrin and the party sit ready to eat, Argak gives his thanks for the party helping Meldrin in his studies of healing alchemy. Meldrin produces a small chest containing four healing potions for the party made from the Fey Root of Healing. Argak starts to speak about the village's stranded situation when a loud horn is heard sounding out from the village wall. Argak leaps to his feet "Intruders have been spotted!"
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