Back on the road

The morning started with catch Verrick up on all that happened while he was ill.
 
We gathered for breakfast, and Evelyn spoke once more of Targos, how she believes the Captain of the Guard to be an imposter. She believes it could be a paladin she used to travel with, Gavrin Verril. He was corrupted, in the same manner as they tried to corrupt Rhodri's mother. He tried to kill her, said if he couldn't have her, no one would. She fought, and managed to escape, and thought she had left him for dead. But she is beginning to think he somehow survived.
 
She also mentioned she spoke with a man, the one who brought the nightmare. Said he seemed troubled. The way she spoke of him, reminded me of my brother, Borivik. It has been a few years since I've seen him, but last I knew, he was still on hunt to find our father and kill him. I wasn't sure it was him, but something in the way she spoke of this man resonated with me.
 
We also decided to return a portion of the reward to the Speaker, on the condition that it would be paid back to us on the successful retrieval and return of the cauldron. The Speaker agreed, and thought that this was a great compromise. Rhodri and Verrick opted to keep their ruby, and Evelyn, Eliodiel and myself returned ours. The gold would have been nice, but I felt guilty taking such a hefty reward for something stolen, even though it was not our fault.
 
On the way out, we crossed paths with Captain Imdrah. She spoke of the same man as Evelyn, but offered a name, Borivik, confirming it was indeed my brother. I wonder if he has news on our father. She did say that he was not escorted out of town for anything he had down, but more so the townspeople being frightened of his Nightmare.
 
We were then off to Caer Dineval. We had to make camp, and were unfortunately attacked by an owlbear. We were able to make quick work of slaying the beast, and everyone was able to get some rest.
 
Upon arriving in Caer Dineval, we made our way to the Uphill Climb, but were turned away. We also stopped by the castle, but the guards also turned us away. Claiming they are keeping watch on the Speaker and he was too sick. I asked to speak to someone in charge, and the man who came quickly tucked an amulet in his shirt upon seeing me. Eliodiel confirmed I was making him uneasy. Verrick was able to confirm it was Chardlyn. WE walked away and confirmed to the group this was the cult of Levistus. They wear these amulets so that they are easily recognized by other members. We do not believe the Speaker is sick, he is either locked away, under a spell, a part of this whole cult, or worse yet, already dead.
 
We made our way to the abandoned Inn back at the Town Gate. On our way, we ran into a Drow named Cailley. She is looking a boy that was taken by the cult, brainwashed by them. She was hired by his mother to bring him home. She doesn't seem to want to work with a team, at least not for a direct approach, but she offered to assist with some kind of distraction. She mentioned that there is around 12 guards at any given time patrolling the tower, walking the walls.
 
We made it to the abandoned Inn, I made a comment that it seemed as if someone was keeping it up, as the snow leading to the door was clear. But we all were so tired at this point, we didn't think to check for anyone until it was too late. We were attacked by Dwarves, who had made themselves invisible. We were able to take them down, although one did flee. Verrick also was knocked unconscious, but I was able to bring him back.
 
This is where we are holing up for the night, at least it is somewhat warm. We have to figure out a plan to infiltrate the castle though.