When I awoke this morning the air seemed colder than when I slept, though the fire was already lit and others had risen. We did not tarry long at the camp, just enough to finish off the steaks from the giant aurochs and check over our equipment before heading further up into the mountains.
The path we followed was a narrow and windy one with sheer walls of rock to one side and a sheer drop to the other, we had to advance in single file most of the way. After a short, steep ascent we the ground leveled and we arrived at an old, wide, grey stone bridge. Fiontann suggested we cross one at a time so as not to strain the ancient span, he went first. I followed third, just after Luc though when most of us had crossed and Fiontann had gone to scout ahead we found ourselves waiting on the Rogue and the Grey Warden. Fiontann had returned from his scouting and still we waited. Eventually he crossed back over the span and brought the two rangers over, the Rogue came first and was in a foul rage. We decided to ignore the quarrel and keep moving.
The mountains now towered on either side of us and the wind blew cold and fast through the pass from behind us. At the end of the pass we came to an ancient dwarven outpost. It was here that we had to leave the horses. I said my farewell to Faranere and took the climbing gear from her saddle. I informed the dwarves of a couple of warg haunches I had packed into one of the bags hoping they would take good care of Faranere in exchange for them, food is scarce up here.
We attached ropes to large trees and began our descents, I went first. The climb started well until a patch of ice caused me to loose my footing and slide uncontrollably down the steep slope. Just as I thought I may regain my composure my shoulder hit a rock bruising it badly. It was then I noticed I had run out of rope and was sliding down the mountain on my stomach so I dug my hands and feet into the deep snow hard and came to a stop at the bottom of the slope. Some of my companions faired better but none were seriously injured.
Fiontann informed us that we were close to our destination and marched us North and East across the valley. As we marched the snow began to fall and we reached a small crop of trees. It was here that the goblins ambushed us, there was the growling of wargs and flashes of red in the fading light. A foul stench rose from the tree line and we formed into a circle to fight for our lives. The goblins were repulsed easily enough but regrouped after fleeing into the trees. Fiontann, Brammy, Valindal and the Grey Warden formed a defensive screen for Luc, the Rogue, Taala and myself to fire safely upon whatever emerged. Though non of us could have suspected what did emerge, a huge goblin. It was so immense and fat I was surprised it could walk.
Our front line was decimated and sent sprawling in all directions with one mighty swing of its club. the other archers and myself sent a flurry of arrows at the monstrosity but still it came back for another attack. This time it swung for us, I avoided the attack but lost my footing whereas the Rogue was sent backwards into a large boulder. Our front line regained their footing and pressed the attack once more bringing the beast to its knees. Luc then finished the hideous creature with an arrow and the other goblins fled back into the mountains.
It took too long to bring the Rogue back around after the encounter and a blizzard closed in on us, we were forced to find shelter in an outcrop of large boulders. Lighting a fire was difficult but necessary if we were to survive. Fiontann and the Grey Warden marched ahead to find shelter in a small dwarven home further east and we were permitted to stay there and wait out the storm.
What madness caused Fiontann to decide to go out and search for the relic we seek during the blizzard I may never know but he took Luc and Brammy with him. I took the opportunity to sleep but was awoken when they rushed back in with tidings of Brammy's capture by a group of warg riders. We shall have to find him quickly else we will be bringing nothing but the memory of him home with us.
