9. Perseverance is a Teacher to the Young and the Torturer of the Old

The Sentinel's placed by the roadside among the towns and trails of Arcadia often offered counsel and knowledge to those diligent in the lifelong pursuit of learning. Within my time I had recollected one piece of wayward knowledge find pertinence. The perils of fighting within sewers, reverberated within my psyche. For beings such as Otteugs, Zooguls and Basilisks find refugee within the foundations of great civilisations, and reign dystopia from the very bowls of the cities cesspits. Upon our approach to the beast within , it was very much a beast, a kind of which as the sentinel had summarised. Three legs, Three tentacles adorning it's back, a calcified protrusion mimicking a head. This torn and wretched form pulsating with vile venom and toxin. An Otteug. Hannah shot the beast. Missing her mark, although sufficiently taunting the beast to charge recklessly towards her, allowing for me to land critical damage to the beast. Despite my smouldering onslaught the beast only galvanised in its lust to reach Hannah. Grabbing her with one of it's tentacles, Hannah fought back with unyielding resolve, although the beasts grasp waned her might just so. Amongst the flailing limbs and whirling metal, a shadowed figure emerged from the sluiceway. Within moments my immediate plan of how to protect myself and Hannah from potentially two foes was interrupted by the figures dextrous aptitude and martial ability, cutting the beast I could only trust him that in this moment his goal aligned with ours. Slay the beast. Any other conflict can wait. Thus the beast was slain, not without the infection of toxin to both Hannah and I as well as inflicting serious injury to Hannah. As the air of conflict drew to a calm, although the aura of tension still stood, The stranger removed his hood and revealed the dark face of a human man. He stood with a solemn and resolute poise. He introduced himself as Derkidd Shadowsworn. He was seeking our party as "good people". Tall tales spun out of jest no doubt. Although his request was as resolute as it was serenely genuine . At this time Hannah left the sewer. I sensed the anxiety, shame or even guilt draping from her as if she bore a curse. A lesson all who dare to call themselves great must conquest. For I feel her to fall to anguish and lose her tenacious flame would be a shame not bearing to worry about. For only within this reflection have I gained clarity, for I too must persevere in the face of darkness, even though no greatness will await me, I shall seek no quarter. Derkidd arrived with me to the meadhouse where an awaiting Revion and solemn Hannah greeted us. Revion jested with us all alas he did not find much purchase from either Hannah or Derkidd. I must say I was as mused by his words as I usually was. Derkidd treated my poison with an untraditional method, "poison the poison". Revion was justly cautious, after all, those who meddle in the knowledge of death often have hallowed stories. Thankfully the cure worked. The next morning Derkidd pleaded us to assist him in investigating anumber of killings within the snickets he feared, due to the unsettling nature of the bodies found, to be bestial in nature, or worse. The guards of the Empire often leave such due diligence to the passing mercenaries, vagabonds and wayfarers it would seem. Derkidd believed the beast in question to be a vampire. A beast of which I was unfortunately not too familiar off. We split into groups too find the source of the killings. Revion and Hannah ventured to the city guard where as Derkidd and I went to pay Frighthand a visit. Although he had "banished" me from his view, I dare say in such circumstances I could warrant an "audience". Initially he did not take kindly although Derkidd and I, though he seemed to sense our strength. Barbaric in a sense but simple. At least that is something I have indulged little with since my time in Chorest. Frighthand informed Derkidd and I of two possible locations for a would be assailant or beast, an abandoned temple of Auron and a watchtower on the edge of the Snickets. After meeting with the other two at the harbour, we made our way to the temple. For now we will see if in the presence of desecration in these once hallowed halls, for which withered wretch will the shadow show it's favour. The Vampire...Or Me?