Bear Flute (Date 1/8/25)

After much debate and politicking, the council came to an agreement on future projects. A town hall, an orphanage, and a barracks would be built over the coming months. Taxes would be lowered to encourage loyalty in the citizenry by letting them share in the kingdom’s windfall. Also, they would complete the road to the Viecelli Mine and open it for business.

With all the fiscal affairs in order, Marty pushed the group toward a long simmering issue: the fort of the fey queen still sat in the woods, and Gaston might yet be a prisoner there. At the very least, they needed to investigate what Antionne was up to, lest he awaken a powerful enemy of the state. Begrudgingly the party agreed and once again set off for the woods.

Giada took leave to head back to the land of the elves to see what they might know about the supposedly joint fortress. Yuri came along to perform for the queen. On the road they prepared their performance. Lex would play while Yuri would relate tales of daring and heroism both augmented by the Prince’s magics.

The group opted to skip the lumber camp and stick to the river road. Along the way, Justice made yet another attempt to restore Malwan to the monarchy, but the Prince’s confidence in his friends was unshakeable. He was more than content to allow them to choose the path, that he might lend his support and together they would decide the future of Malwan. Justice was nonplussed.

When the party stopped to camp, a familiar melody intruded on their practice and soon they were attacked by giant, monstrous bears. They fought through them. One almost ate the prince. The source was sought out and found to be another drowned sailor with translucent, slimy skin and gills. The skum were still after Prince Euwyn!