At the Bottom, Above the Abyss

Calling a place the Lowers when you are already deep within the earth and there are more tunnels and worlds beneath you is something of a misnomer. Maybe the name was one to describe those that called this place home or was a broad term to explain what was beneath the bustling parts of the city. Either way, what we expected was not what greeted us when we safely made it to the Lowers and the home of the Paladins of Dreadfall.
 
The minotaur's contact was an odd one, speaking in truths that only a lizardfolk could. He gave us more insight into the Order and the tasks they were currently completing, information that was somewhat chilling to hear. Cultists were here and looking for things, a dragon egg had gone missing. Neither of these things bode well, but it was information we needed nonetheless.
 
Our discussions with the Matron's first daughter seemed to go better, making only enough concessions to get what we needed and skirting around the other issues with the mere mention of Oz himself. A delegation would visit our post at some point, a month from now, and hopefully, our sponsor would join as well. We had secured some level of trade deal as well, one that was more in our favor with items by demand and less one that would involve great travel.
 
As we retired to the Silver Thread for the evening, the Red Mage's stories gained attention, finally joining us with a man that I had only heard Reinys speak of. The Grand Duelist of the Human Empire had come to learn more about the disappearances of many items and about Ozul, the dragon that had called the area beyond Mithril Mantle his home. The half-elf would join us on our journey the following day as we returned home.
 
The prospect of going home is a relief. Monitrex in itself has been an adventure, but one I would not so hastily depart on again.