The Protectors of the Pass continued their way up the mountains, headed for the town of Eresh. Traversing up man-made stairs for the tougher parts of the climb, the party found the next set destroyed. As they surveyed the damage, fire rained down upon them - a Ragesian ambush. The friends dove into combat, fighting uphill, until they eventually were victorious.
Questioning a captured orc, the Protectors learned from their prisoner that something strange was happening in Eresh. An aura within the town was causing everyone, Ragesians included, to lose all motivation and drive, dropping their weapons and sitting down due to some strange lethargy. According to the prisoner, Second General Signus, the leader of the invasion force, had retreated, seeking assistance with this odd occurrence that has robbed Signus of his men.
Unsure of what they'll find in the town ahead, the Protectors of the Pass continued their way toward the mountain town of Eresh.