Faced with these deceptive little nightmares the party did not hesitate to strike back. Idris, with a superhuman feat extracted himself from the trap and climbed up to the narrow passageway of the barrow, sword swinging attempting to hit the little dancing light. The others attempted to pull closer, back to back in an effort to better support each other, Siax desperately trying to fend off another orb as it shocked him again and again. The third orb tried to kill Zenari but her magic reacted and created illusory copies, allowing her to dodge some of the hits. Koraliki Verque, with Idris's bolstering of bravery now vanished, resisted fleeing the barrow but was unable to do much beyond stay with the group, her usual want for space overridden by sheer panic.
While the party fought back bravely it was clear that the wisps had the upper hand - that is until Pine struck back.
In the darkness of the barrow, the group was scattered along the many trap-riddled paths, the light of their enemies shining forth along with their unsettling laughter. Fear and uncertainty gripped the group, determination also. Then Pine stood tall for a moment, eyes narrowed in concentration as he gripped the amulet that had been his focus throughout their time together. He then let out what should have been a roar, a great bellowing sound of intimidation perhaps, and yet no sound was heard, but something happened. The sound that was not a sound might send a chill up one's spine in its passing, but did little else, unless one were undead that was. To them, it was a sound that reminded them of the grave they should have rested in, the passage that had been lost somewhere along the way. The gates of the afterlife and those that stood sentinel over it would be heard in that silent yowling roar that would cause them to flee. When it was done, a small snarl still resided on his feline lips, disdain for those who had thought to mock those powers and receive no comeuppance.
While one the creatures stood it's ground the other two wavered and fled exposing themselves to Idris's blade and Zenari's phychic strike. Bolstered by the turning tide the party surged and drove away the remaining orb. It's light flickered out and left them in darkness. Torches out the party coontinued exploring the Dragon Barrow, this time with Koraliki Verque using the extendible polee to detect traps. She found a similar pit trap to the south. Jumping over it, Idris and Pine helping Zenari and Factoré to cross. In the room south, where the Dragons head should lie they found naught but a niche that held an exquisitely crafted saddle. Above it was the marking of House Korianthil, an elven house that has the reputationof ttrraining some of the best warhorses in the land. Behind the saddle some bones could be seen, clearly remains of a horse.
Before the party interacted with the saddle Pine decided to explore a side passage, a small space merely two feet wide. Squeezing in he used to the pole to detect traps but as he used the pole to remotely trigger a trap was unfortunately caught by the rock passage suddenly closing. In a flash, Siax rushed out of the room and east, not stopping to checking for traps (and thankfully not finding any) and got to the other side of the passage. Alas it was also closed. Meanwhile Zenari used her magic to make a hole for Pine so he could at least breath. Siax quickly returned and investigated the mysterious saddle. As it was touched it flew in the air and a spectral horse formed beneath it. Siax, using some of The Guided Path's techniques spoke to it and found out that this was Barolt, the steed that once bore Lady Tanamere Alagondar. With Siax translating Idris was able to bond to the steed. Tying a rope into the broken passage they were able to pull it open enough for Pine to emerge. Koraliki Verque, her resolve broken from this event exited the barrow. Factoré went to check on her and while she was recovering from the experience she could not enter the barrow again.
Meanwhile the party delved further into the tomb, finding two trapped sarcophagus that spilled corrosive gas when opened but thankfully no serious injuries were sustained. Pine was able to mend his damaged weapon and armor using his divine power. The will o' wisps made another appearance but the party destroyed one and drove the other away seemingly for good.
It was then that they found the sword. In the southmost room, embedded in the skull of a dragon lay a beautiful weapon, gleaming strongly from their torchlight. Idris drew it and held it triumphantly. Siax went up and clasped his shoulder in congratulations where he watched in horror the very air manifest into a solid shadow and cut Idris's throat. Idris caught himself but he seemed to stumble from shock. As he held the sword, it started gleaming revealing where the shadow stood. It was an intense fight, with the party unleashing attack after attack, with spells lighting the walls and arrows flying. All the while the shadow struck Idris, one time it's hand seeming to go through his heart. Each time he struck Idris grew weaker and at somee point was unable to stand in his armor. Toppling over he still attempted to hit the creature, succeding despite his weakened limbs. Finally, with their every resource spent the shadow dissolved, unable to maintain it's form under such devastating attacks. The party left the barrow, the cool air a relief after the trek underground.