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They sacrificed someone to 'the master' while I was there - he went voluntarily, even taking some part by cutting his own arms with a vicious looking knife that the Ghull carries. There was a horrendous feeling in the air, an overwhelming unpleasant pressure, when the sacrifice took place. They are well organised – they have masons, a shaman, a keeper for the beast and a Captain who goes by the name of Rugnath - this would imply that they have a large, well organised outfit. They are also planning something, which i would guess that it isn't going to be a party for the local orphans. He also cast some kind of augury which has highlighted one known as Harthus as betraying him - I guess that was the name of the orc that guided us here.

If after all of this we still decide that we are going in, then so be it, but I don't think that we stand any real chance, unless we can isolate the Ghull away from the rest of the them and destroy him. The Ghull considered us to be common thieves and an inconvenience, nothing more. I think that he may be in the temple at the moment, but I don't know how long he will be there for, and as a point should we be trying to rescue souls that are willingly given. I'm not saying that I will not support such an action, but I'd rather that we were in agreement in acting thus."

Suva answers solemnly:

“Morin, you raise two points - each of which cast doubt on our mission, and each of which require a different response.

“I am not prepared to jeopardise the lives of any of you in order to satisfy my own interpretation of what my God would want. While I am at liberty to risk my own life I am not at liberty to risk yours. Only you, Morin, can make an assessment of our chances and your considered view is that we will not succeed, at least not without a defined and clever plan (which we do not have at the moment).

“For this reason I agree that we should not re-enter the bad place now.

“You say that you saw a voluntary sacrifice and that we should perhaps not rescue souls that were willingly given in sacrifice. I cannot possibly resolve this issue without reference to divine scripture as the teachings of my religion are unclear on this point. One thing that I know, though, is that our demihuman friend told us that all bar one of his comrades were taken away and given to the vile dog. They were clearly not being sacrificed willingly. It stands to reason, therefore, that there is a good chance that the trapped souls are those of good men - not given and are trapped because they were not given.

“For this reason I am duty bound to help them and must re-enter the bad place.

“Therein lies the dilemma my friends.

“I would suggest that we get a night's rest and sleep on it. I must help these souls but it does not have to be now and there is no point in our deaths. Maybe we should seek Beryn's guidance..."

[Raises eyebrows at Morin]

"...since we have completed this part of our mission. Maybe he can give us some answers.”

At this point, a small revelationis made (as well as the party finally checking and happily discovering that the y do indeed have the gem they came for – the ‘missing’ item Calrhuvianne alluded to had already been removed by Jarek….for safe keeping). At this point, a small revelation is made (as well as the party finally checking and happily discovering that they do indeed have the gem they came for – the ‘missing’ item Calrhuvianne alluded to had already been removed by Jarek and given to Dalrylshana for safe keeping).

When the party was at Beryn’s farm, Morin was given a leather pouch – as he says to the party, he wasn’t sure of its properties at the time but it now looks as though it is one of another pair of Hawker bags. This should thus be a direct route to Beryn so the party decide to rest out in the valley and contact Beryn regarding their plan of action. After some conferring (Jarek would prefer to go back in immediately but some rest and hopefully advice is deemed more important), Morin drops a note into the bag, reading:

“B. Freed C, he's on his way back, on his own. Got item, do you want it sending!!! Found something interesting, temple to unnamed one, highly organised force led by the Ghull (Dwarf of type never seen). Their are some lost souls that S needs to deal with - thinking of going in with a stick and some ceredophilus teeth. P.S. They are planning something big - any advice will be appreciated. We will be heading back in soon, so your immediate and undivided attention in this matter would be gratefully appreciated.”

Nothing immediately happens - not unexpectedly - and the party settles to rest, taking cover, as decided by the rock outcropping on the slightest of inclines near the waterfall. Watches are passed out and agreed, after argument, and the last talons of the sun surrender to the gentle dread of darkness. Towards the end of Suva and Morin's watch, the bag abruptly becomes empty, with a tingle, and is passed on to await any reply to the next two.