Lone Mountain Keep from Tira
Teacher,
The situation at Lone Mountain Keep is complicated, and it's defensive forest has been breached. Forgive the length, the story is complicated and the news is not all good, though the Keep itself and most of it's people are safe.
First, Ipth has fallen. The details are unclear but it fell to internal strife during the winter. Survivors have scattered, I'm told many headed towards Brighton. It seems like a collection of thugs sized power, and conflicting bands of lunatics fought through the winter and spring for what remained.
One of these bands, led by a fellow calling himself the "King of the Forge", lost the struggle to rule the ruins and has been roving the countryside with his band of rabble. According to the prisoners, their leader was approached by a "black winged Fae" and told about the Keep.
The humans seem to believe that our people in the Keep are responsible for stealing herds through the winter and otherwise making it harder for them to survive. When they reached the ancient road, this mysterious Fae told them he'd "clear the way." Whatever magic he wrought, every tree, shrub and enchanted vine within 50 meters either side of the Ancient Road withered and died, from forest edge to the gates of the Keep.
In the worst tragedy of history repeating itself, Rosalia led a delegation to meet with the humans outside the gate. She wanted to take them in… they betrayed her as she led them through the gates and stormed the Keep itself.
Zadiyah made quick work of the rabble, but she blames herself for Rosalia's death. From the sounds of it, she'd argued hard against Rosalia going in person but Rosalia insisted that it would be better for it to be a first meeting between human leaders before elves got involved.
Zadiyah will make a more complete report in person. We're bringing her north with us. She never saw this black winged Fae, but we're all on our guard… I don't think even Alwen could manage magic of that scale without help. We'll head for Solace next unless you have other instructions.
Respectfully and anxiously,
Tira
Tira
Comments