"Rose, You could make a greasy ol" ettin taste good," I praised her as I patted my too full stomach. "Glad ye liked the ettin," she replied. "Took all my skill to cook im'."Alesha and I burst out laughing.. "Love to camp out under the heavenly blanket, and having the Master Chef here with us is even the better," "Aye, Sarreffe. She certainly makes the wilds very tasteful," Alesha remarked. We spent a few moments securing the camp and helpin' Rose clean her pots. 'ell, *Yawning*, we best be settlin' in for some shut eye, Mornin' will come quickly as we be needin' to make an early start for home," I commented. "Indeed we should," replied Alesha. "You two hit the hay. I will take first watch. "I will wake ye at compline, Alesha." "Aye," she replied. The two Lasses curled up in their bedrolls and were soon asleep. The adventurous day had taken all their energies. I picked me out an ol" log to sit on that was close by. Sitting down, I pulled out my carving knife and began to whittle on a fine piece of wood. It would make a great walking stick once finished. The time passed quietly and I woke Alesha for her watch. "Anything about?" she asked. "Naw, the Master of Time has seen to a quiet night for us." The mornin' did come quickly. Seemed like I just got off to sleep when the greater light started showing her bright face. C'mon, Lass. Get up," I said as I gently shook Rose. "Day's half spent." Half Spent," she replied sleepily. "It is still dark." "I say the day is half spent. Git a move on."Alesha just chuckled. "Let's move out," she replied. "We make for the Realm." "Aye," I said swinging into the saddle. "Here, eat this," I continued as aI threw each one a small pouch. "Dried orc," I laughingly quipped. Alesha and Rose gave me a sideways glance and mounted up I did not see them eat anything the whole ride back home. We made good time to the Crypt Gate. Nothing, no one was about at this early hour. We jumped into the portal and down to Britain Gate swiftly riding the short distance to the Eternal Realm. "Perhaps Hans has found out more also," Alesha commented as we rode up to the Tower. 'Aye," I said as we entered and ran up the steps to the third floor. Hans and Aki were in the Alchemist's Chamber looking over a book at the small table. Hail," Hans yelled out as we rounded the corner of the steps. "Hail yeself," I replied Find any other clues?" "Aye. And you/" "Indeed we did," broke in Alesha. "Whatcha find rascaiy rogue?" I asked. "Found this here ol' book in Xander's stuff. It is about changers. Seems they have been around from the beginning." "Beginning... Beginning of what?' I asked. "Oh! since the beginning of time. This is called the Book of the Ancients," he said as he picked up the book and held it aloft. "It speaks of many things."He flipped open the book. "Like this page:Wickedness shall proceed from the wicked." "Aye, but not forever," I retorted. "Some day the wicked will be cut off, destroyed. And I think we should begin with those that have struck Lady Oni with this terrible malady. The sooner the better." "Agreed," replied Hans. "What did you find out in Yew?' "Found this here rock on the changer's body. Tis marked for the Temple Island." "Changer's body?" "Aye! He tried to make Alesha a little shorter, and she showed him the color of his insides." "Temple Island is mentioned here in the book also." Hans flipped some pages and began to read again: 'And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple.' Seems an ancient Hero had trouble with changers." He looked at the book again and read on: "Thus he cleansed the Temple and opened the portal to the Vale of Rephaim." "Vale of Rephaim?" questioned Rose. Valley of Giants, Lass," I translated for her. "Oh, dear. That sounds like an awful place," she replied. "Aye, that it does. But it could be the place to find the answers we need to help Oni," I concluded. "Then it is settled," Alesha broke in. "We head for the Temple and the cleansing of it." "For a surety, but I want to go see Oni first. Then we ride." A few short steps and I reached the library. I opened the door and walked in. Oni was sitting at a table . She looked up and smiled, weakly. "How ya feelin?" "About the same. Hanging in there. Aki is working feverishly trying to come up with a cure or at least a potion to make the symptoms less severe. But nothing has helped so far. What have you found?" she said, changing the subject. i chuckled. Oni never likes to dwell on her problems. The solution can always be found is her motto. "Here, M'Lady. I have writ it all in a book for ye." I stepped forward and handed her the book and clasped her hand. "Hang in there. We are making progress." "I know your are,' she mouthed. "We are headed to Temple Island momentarily." "Be careful." Ya know me. Always car'ful." "Oh! Sure! Silver serpent stalker."I chuckled again. "See ya soon," I remarked. "Okay. Here take this. You will need it I released her hand and walked to the door. "All aboard for the Temple transport," I yelled out as I opened the door. "Now boarding in the Tower commons." I could hear Oni laughing behind me. I turned and gave her a quick wink and walked out and down the steps of the Tower. Alesha and Rose joined me on the walk down. "Do you think the stone is safe to use?" asked Alesha. "Not sure," I stated. "We could sail from the Hold. We have a boat there." She replied. "Aye, that we could. Tis not that far from the Temple, and we could approach unawares.," I concluded. "Providence is shining on us," Rose said. "Indeed he is, Lass." "Can you make a portal for the Hold?" Alesha asked. "Yep. Oni just gave me a rune for there." We all paused and smiled at one another. "Even in her discomfort, she still has great clarity and foresight," I mused. "That she does," replied the High Paladin. We walked out of the Tower and mounted up. I said the words and a portal stood before us. We stepped in, and instantly stepped out into the Serpents Hold. The ride to the docks was not far, and soon we were all aboard. Among her many other talents, Alesha is a very fine navigator. The trip to Temple Island was quick. We landed close by the Temple and marched overland. We ran into all manner of swamp creature. Alesha and Rose fought valiantly, and we slew all before us. The Temple was infested with many creatures, and we set about cleansing it. Having finished the task, a single stone appeared in the center of the Temple. It was inscribed: 'Vale of Rephaim'. "The Book was right!" exclaimed Rose. Here, Father," she said as she handed me the rune. "It seems we are closing in. Let us try it," interrupted Alesha. "Let's," I replied. Once again, I spoke the words, we stepped in....
