WoR - Chapter 32: Shadow of the Emperor

December 2017
We once again return to the party – this time journeying away from The Mountain – in need of rest, relaxation – and on Sorin’s part recreation.
Along the route back to town, however – a clearly distressed body was found lying in a field within the forest. Mithrellis went to investigate and offer medical aid – in spite of the party’s better judgement. As such, Riordan climbed a tree at the edge of the clearing to keep watch. Jace and Sorin, rolling their eyes – quietly waited to see the outcome of this foolhardy venture. Mithrellis investigated the body – finding a clean wound through the torso – cleanly and quickly having killed the dwarf they had attempted to free whilst under The Mountain. Riordan – failing in his vigil, witnessed blades come screaming out and directly into Mithrellis before either could react.
Mithrellis stood – hurt, but unbowed, turned to face his foe and found himself with two enemies advancing upon him, slashing whilst Riordan leapt from his treetop perch to enter the combat. Jace and Sorin made ready to make use of their remarkable talents, finding that the enemy had already slinked away into the darkness. This fight would be one of skill, silence and death. Riordan found himself to be the first downed, left unconscious and dying, the party found themselves besieged as a flurry of blades found weak spots in Jace’s light armor and knocked Sorin silly(a relative term – if ever there was one).
Alone, hurt but with peerless skill with his long sword and a faith in his magical talents and the will of Mishra, Mithrellis faced down this threat. Sorin, regaining himself cast a wall of fire, in order to protect himself and the fallen form of Jace. He poured a healing potion into her mouth, reviving her to ready for further battle. Mithrellis found the enemy had once again hidden themselves – casting a sphere of darkness near the area of the fallen Riordan. Before he could find this foe – let alone to come to grips with them, they were gone – as was his erstwhile ally Riordan.
Uncertain where they could have taken him, but knowing this style of fighting from previous encounters with Feng – the party now hunts for Shendao and hopes to recover RIordan – if only to save him from whatever grisly fate awaits him at the hands of this silent and deadly foe.