15th December 356 AC
We have completed one third of our journey, having set Palanthas to our backs yesterday at dawn. To this point our first day and night had been uneventful.
This morning Brother Ithariel prepared a hearty meal to set us on our way.
Some distance along the road we heard screams in the trees to our flank. Not wanting to blunder needlessly, the more stealthy ladies of the party drifted noiselessly into the undergrowth. Before they had crept far they discovered a clearing in which sat a covered cart surrounded by seven or eight dead warriors. Atop the cart were two brave souls mounting a final defence against their five remaining foes. Starsong came back into our sight to signal the situation before melting back into the trees.
Sir Dominic seemed somewhat unsure of the procedure for a cavalry charge in a wooded situation and hesitated to act. Whether or not I had pledged my sword to his cause, I was unwilling to see innocents slaughtered while we debated the best course of action. Without a moment's hesitation I donned my helmet, kicked my steed into a charge and couched a lance, following the broad swathe through which the wagon had been dragged and silently saluting my enemy as I rode. Brother Ithariel was on my horses heels and, sensing action, Sir Dominic was not far behind.
Upon hearing the pounding of our horses' hooves and bearing witness to the foes who were to fall upon them, the cowardly attackers threw themselves behind the cart while two hidden crossbowmen sprang from the long grass. Sir Dominic and myself obtained trophies in the form of heavy crossbow bolts, but our charge continued uninterrupted. Sadly, as we neared our enemy they threw themselves to their comrades behind the cart causing me to discard my now target-less lance and draw my favoured broadsword.
On facing a superior, mounted foe the gutless cowards began to attack our horses, injuring my mount and bringing Brother Ithariel's down on top of him. Perhaps, though, I was the more cowardly in failing to match my enemy on foot? I shall meditate on this.
Eventually I was forced to dismount as I was unwilling to see my steed fall to a brigand's blade. Sir Dominic followed suit and we proceeded to vanquish the unworthy foe.
Unworthy they may have been, but they were not unprepared or under armed. Upon first glance the attackers appeared to be attired in woodsmen's garb, but when our steel failed to meet flesh it became apparent that the rogues had in fact disguised breastplate and pauldron, another black mark. No level of armour, however, could defend against the attack of Nedlog the kender (who up to this point had been flinging stones with a marksman's skill). Skipping gleefully into the melee brandishing a small vial she smashed the unknown substance on the ground, enveloping herself, the enemy and ourselves in a vile cloud of noxious properties. The most hardy among us began instantly to gag with nausea, but the constitution of the two remaining robbers failed as they wretched uncontrollably. Braving the pestilent fumes for a short time longer myself and Brother Ithariel 'subdued' the two enemies who still stood (albeit barely).
As this action played out Lady Azshauna was attacked at the edge of the clearing by a hidden draconian, who bit her ferociously and fouled her breath. With the fortune of the blessed, Starsong witnessed the attack and was able to bring her bow to bear, wounding the abomination. With a hiss the creature vanished into a dark portal of its own creation.
We were given a few moments respite while we attended our wounds. Sir Dominic inquired of the health of the wagon's defenders, finding a man and women nicked & bruised and defending a young girl. Our elven sorceress put us all on guard before he could inquire further as she explained that she recognised the portal used by the draconian. Apparently it is called a 'dimension door' and it only allows travel of a hundred yards or so. As we all scoured the edge of the tree line for signs of movement Sir Dominic was hit in the back by an unseen bolt of lightning...
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