Eventually, our retinue came to the conclusion that we could spend a very long time in Night's Reach if we wished, and so, satisfied with the evils we had vanquished, and in possession of the metal discs that society values so much as to exchange them for the tools and means for comfort and survival, we returned to Bornos.
Upon our return (and after a stop at the Blue Star Lore Seekers' Guild house), it became apparent that we needed to arrange our affairs for the trip - at long last - to the Domelands. We met the caravan's leader, a soldier named Alvin, who accidentally revealed a bit about Tamlin's past to us - a period of his life spent in the thrall of the creatures of the fey realm. We druids have developed a healthy caution for the fey, but fortunately, we are rarely the target of their mischief.
There was also the matter of updating Inspector Murphy about the Black Sticks' connection to the Night's Reach. Once the treacherous story had been laid out to him, he understood the sudden change in competency among his colleagues. And Osbert reported to his order and his master, Frederick, and we reacquainted ourselves with the Condor's children prior to the journey.
I am trying as mightily as I can to develop or at least feign an interest in the safety and well-being of these children, but it is difficult for me. We did not need this charge, but as we accepted it, I will perform my role dutifully. Fortunately, so far that has mostly meant driving the cart.
I attended a meeting of the cart drivers, and they seemed keen to stand together in case they felt mistreated or overlooked. However, I saw no evidence of mistreatment, but I paid my dues nonetheless.
More enjoyable have been my occasional outings in aviary form to scout the road ahead. In these first four weeks - admittedly, likely the safest stretch of the journey - there has not been much danger to speak of. On my last excursion to the skies, met a blue dragon, who tried to make lunch of me. Fortunately, I could fly faster than the creature. It is a pity that in my alternate form, I am unable to better communicate with them. I cannot be certain if they will be something we encounter later on. Perhaps I will be able to get an audience with Alvin later to find out more.
Entry concluded.
