The entrance to the mines was riddled with foul smelling creatures as the centaurs had said. Hippofilius’ scented masks protected us against the stench, but not against the claws and teeth of the troglodytes. Both Braz and Hippofilius fell during the battle, a part usually played by myself and Theo, let’s be truthful: physically weaker, better suited for long ranged attacks than hand-to-hand combat. This is not a good sign, it looks like we’re all vulnerable. Maybe this task is, as I fear, beyond us...
But if we are to fail in the oracle’s quest, should we not at least try and save as many as possible along the way? We would not leave any of the party behind (something I am so grateful for!), why would we leave any others? I used to think my curse allowed me to mope as a martyr and ignore the troubles of others, but Demetria’s temple showed me there are far worse fates than mine. At least I can try to avoid my doom, even though I (and this party) will most likely fail.
And if we’re doomed to failure why am I still here, you ask? A good answer would be to say I’ve sworn an oath to the others. But I have been doomed already, one more curse is not something I’m that concerned with. No, I pursue this to spite Lutheria and Sydon...
I worry about Braz’s words - ‘the bigger objective should come first’ to paraphrase. Not only because I disagree, but also because they mark a dividing between the party. In the caves, Calliope and Helikaon ran straight towards the screams to help, the others seem more sceptical to say the least. And then our ranks broke and we approached the situation without any thought spared for tactics… maybe if we were more organised it would have been an easier fight. Maybe we do stand a chance if we can work together. Let’s just hope that we can find some middle ground. But, do I even know enough about the people around me, about what drives them, what frightens them, what they’ve left behind to be here... to help find some consensus on this?