Nomen Infernale XLIV: Like Chaff That the Wind Blows Away
General Summary
The party returned to their tent for the night after their discussion of the witch Kirke and the uncanniness of their generous host. The wind continued to howl around them and they prepared for fitful sleep, but the wind increased in power and speed and Kegho attempted to hold the tent down. The rough wind caused the center poleof the tent to snap as the La Compagnia combined their strength to saved the tent in the storm. Alex pictured himself sailing off with the tent and added to the effort holding Kegho's leg instead.
A final strong gust ripped the tent from their hands and it becomed snarled in one of the date trees. In the night they heard wailing and saw a figure appear out of the swirling sands. They worried it was an enemy, but realize that it is Satre screaming that the only place they will find safety is the ancient city of Onurus. Alex acknowledged that their options are limited, but that it is important she not hide her intentions from them. She seemed puzzled by the comment and urged them on to the city that had been cursed by the gods. She told them that she has never been but it was once where humans learned the ways of the Ar from the Rusati. The party found an arch-like crevice in the wall of the cliff and make their way into it. The sand swirled around them like a blizzard and their visibility frequently becomed so low they can barely see their nearest companions. Riven and Kegho led the group through the storm by dead reckoning and intuition. Taking a length of rope, the party traveled two-by-two into the pathway and discovered a valley with a cyclopean pathway. As sand swirled around them, they caught glimpses of hawk-headed statues and outlines of spires silhouetted in the hazy orange sky. As they felt their way around a papyriform column, Theo located stairs descending into the ground. The cleric and Kegho descend the stairs over Satre's objections. They found a lone figure, desiccated, sitting in what Teleptyon identifies as a protective circle. That he is dead inside the circle,and it undisturbed led to the conclusion that something evil kept him there to the point of starvation. Theo stormed out as Asbjørn and Alex discussed how to retrieve the body without crossing into the protective circle. Alex called for Satre and asked if she recognizes the corpse. She replied that his clothes seem familiar but so many adventuers have passed through the valley. She was aghast that they are not rushing to the city as the storm had might be calming temporarily.
Asbjørn lassoed the poor adventurer's corpse and pulled him out of the circle. As the body was dragged through its outer edge, the protective enchantment is broken and air rushes through the room. The party froze in anticipation but their fears were unfounded. Alex donned his gloves and searched the man, finding coin and a scarab carved from bone. He noted that the scarab had been inscribed in ancient Khemian spell-writing and he cannot decipher. He took the coin out of the corpse;s purse and stored the scarab without touching it with his bare flesh.
The party left the chamber and headed toward where they believe the main city lies. They spy structures in the distance and pass into another ravine. They are stopped by Riven who detects the movement of something large and four-legged. Satre whispered: "Dragon!"
