Journey Home (Date 2/1/28)

The gnolls crowded into the chamber chanting in gruff, high-pitched, barking voices, “Strom! Strom!” Marty let the chant roll over the victors for a time before raising his hands and silencing the throng. He welcomed their enthusiastic conversion and, in the Prince’s name, welcomed them into the kingdom of Malwan. A touch of healing allowed the addled priestess, Mjelde to find sleep, and the party followed suit – camping at the summit of the cave complex.

With Bar-bark left behind to rule until a suitable bitch rose among the ranks, the party headed first to Giuseppe’s Ferry to drop off a large portion of rescued slaves. A small handful, including the woman who claimed to be Yuri’s wife, made plans to return home. Euwyn avoided Kenny Ismort, and Marty counselled that the prince needed to go ahead with his challenge to Kenny’s father for the slight at the Midwinter Dance. Euwyn agreed. Everyone was aghast at the thought that Yuri had abandoned his wife and child to languish in slavery. Hedge had a flash of memory and recalled that Ichiban had been his student during their shared time in the other world. And the Prince had a nightmare that he, Lexington, his father and all the people of Malwan were trapped in spider webs. He awoke feeling shaken with an intense fear of spiders.

Upon reaching home, it was discovered that Yuri had not seen Emily (Hashek) for almost two years since she had been led away for sacrifice. He had no idea she was still alive, let alone pregnant with his child, Carly. He wept as he took them in his arms. Euwyn met with Relania who told him the time to take aggressive macho action was past. She counselled that if he still wanted to do something, he should leave no fingerprints.

The council was pleased to hear that the gnoll threat was ended, though some voices seemed dubious. They asked that Marshall Connoly should make a patrol through the area to ensure that the conversion held and to see what wonders the chasm might hold. Marty agreed, but more to the point of exploring than any true concern over the gnoll’s faith.