The party is in the home of Vulred, which he had occupied since the days of the Great Conflict. Deiter and Meliyeus speak about what had happened to Meliyeus while he was out. He explained that he was not physically moving, but still alive. Afterward, Deiter heads to bed along with most of the party. Meliyeus and Vulred speak to one another. Vulred speaks about how he can sense the presence of Eshara among them, and asks which one of them is involved with the Eshan. Meliyeus does not directly answer, which Vulred allows to pass. They speak about how Deiter’s opinion of Vojûn and other powers has been spoiled by their recent adventures. Such horrid things as they have seen could be well beyond what the man has experienced.
The party marched for several weeks, returning to Gottholm. Below, in the fields beneath the city, the host of Corgastor is gathering in large number. Some knights of the Iron Circle made it back to the main host. Other levy men have returned as well. A number of Elivas are in the camp as well. The majority of them are casters. Meliyeus speaks to them and identifies himself as the son of Korbo'bontho Xin'thelia. They say they come from the command of Yithmenal Lod, lord of Lodon.
The party makes their way into the dense morass of the dark jungle. Once again they hear the piercing roar tear through the trees, although nothing specific can be seen. They all find a hiding spot, and watch out onto the beach. The beast gives out a final roar and arrives near the ship.
The party left the next day to delve deep into the caverns beneath the fifth level of the Spire. The network of tunnels and chambers beneath and throughout the city were ancient and endlessly winding. They went down a long series of corridors and rooms, being led by Vron, the head bodyguard of Inquisitor Davworth. He was the leader of the small Inquisition party who had captured the Etayen scout that was under interrogation, and had some sense of direction in the dark labyrinth. After almost half an hour of walking nearly blind, they reached the farthest extent of the soldiers' advance. From there, they continued on with nothing but luck to guide them to the right place.
Almost immediately, the reality of the city's horrors revealed themselves to the party. Sights of guards and citizens slaughtered, pinned to walls, torn limb from limb, and other horrid deaths met them on every street corner. Deeply alarmed by this, Inquisitor Tristifer urged the most extreme caution, but the party as a whole seemed quite unfazed by the sights, and were more than willing to continue without any consideration from life and limb. Reckless would perhaps be a good word to describe it.
The Wailing Water is a large, three decked Dramast, being the largest type of ship know to the Everosi. The majority of it is oak and other timbers, but the captain's quarters have some woods from Lodon and the Tombwood. All military outfitting had been removed long ago, save for only a few ballista and other items. Perhaps more would be nice for a place for the Fringe.
Not surprisingly, the war that was raging in the southern reaches of the Empire was an obvious scene of conflict that would require the Inquisition's assistance. The Keepers of Lornesse, being a new Inquisitorial company, were one of the only companies not already deployed on some sort of mission. This made them the perfect choice for Lord Inquisitor Emmerich to give a particularly important assignment.
Along the route, the party is ambushed by some assailants. Deiter and Dio charge forward, while Tristifer flanks. The rest of the party hunkers down in and around the cart. They fight some strange, brightly dressed enemies wielding poor quality spears.