-From the journal of Sylvas.
After the chaos with the wolves, I was bone-tired and needed a break, but rest only goes so far. I found myself back on the river’s edge, trying to shake off a growing unease. The current rushed past with a force that dared anyone foolish enough to underestimate it. Somewhere downriver, a half-day away, the lizardfolk were waiting for us. I spotted a few fishermen casting nets, oblivious to the dangers around them. I envied them. I hadn’t felt safe in days.
It happened fast. One moment, I was lost in my thoughts; the next, javelins were slicing through the air. The first hit sliced my arm—a small cut, but it snapped me into focus. I scrambled, moving toward Deacon for cover. I heard Jane’s voice barking orders, and within seconds, she and Deacon took down one of the lizardmen. I readied my sling, heart pounding, and released a stone that struck true. Another lizardman staggered back, wounded.
Lucas, in his usual overeager fashion, hurled a javelin but missed. His failed attempt only seemed to draw the lizardmen’s attention. They turned their eyes—and their weapons—on him. A volley of javelins followed, and one struck him in the foot. He let out a yell of pain, but somehow, he stayed on his feet.
Jane didn’t hesitate. With a fluid motion, she dispatched another one of the lizardmen. Deacon was close behind, and together, they whittled down our enemies one by one. I sent another stone from my sling, feeling a small surge of satisfaction as it struck another target. Lucas, however, was struggling. He swung his sword, but his injury threw him off balance, and he missed completely.
The last lizardman, desperate and wounded, lunged at Lucas but missed. Then, just as it turned to flee, it was cut down before it could take another step.
With the area cleared, we roped ourselves together and crossed the river. The lizardmen had clearly been active here. But before we had a moment to catch our breath, we found ourselves under attack again—this time by giant leeches. They clung to us, feeding with an unholy thirst.
I could see Jane struggling as one latched onto her. Her face was paling fast. I tried to pry the one attached to me loose, but it only sank deeper. Lucas, always trying to play the hero, struck the leech on me, but it wasn’t enough. With a final surge of focus, I cast a magic missile, blasting the creature off me.
The relief was short-lived. Jane looked terrible, drained and barely holding on. Desperate to help Lucas, I tried to cast at the leech on him, but my aim faltered, and I accidentally cut myself. Darkness crept in at the edges of my vision, and before I knew it, I was on the ground, my strength slipping away.
When I came to, Jane had finished off the last of the leeches with a well-placed shot. We gathered ourselves and found an old, fragile raft. It wasn’t much, but it would get us downriver. Or so I thought. The raft barely held together as we drifted, and just as it seemed we’d make it, giant dragonflies descended upon us.
I threw out a magic missile, feeling the energy leave my fingertips as it struck one of the creatures. Deacon fired an arrow, and Jane landed a shot of her own, bringing one of the dragonflies down with ease. In the end, we survived, but I was beginning to feel that the river itself was cursed.
It was then that we found the elf. He lay motionless, his face turned toward the sky, his body a sad testament to the dangers of this land. I searched his belongings, discovering a cloak and a wand—small treasures in an otherwise grim find. Exhausted, we decided to head back to the keep.
Returning to the Bailiff’s Tower, we met Mira Goodwater, a clerk who noted our report. Borin Claypot arrived soon after, and we handed over the maps in exchange for our reward. The coin felt good in my hands, but all I really wanted was a stiff drink and a warm bed.
At the tavern, we finally relaxed. For a while, anyway. When a group of drunks started getting loud and reckless, I cast a quick sleep spell, and they slumped over, one by one. It was a simple fix, and I’ll admit, a bit satisfying. Our rogue took the opportunity to relieve them of their spare coins. I pretended not to notice.
With my reward secured and a drink in hand, I let my guard down just enough to feel the weight of the day lift, if only for a moment. But I knew better than to get comfortable. This life doesn’t let you rest for long.