The group rushes through the halls of the temple, runed walls and banners of the Morninglord blurring past them as they race to find a table to set Bryn down on. They come to a table and Brother Emon is already signaling for help and supplies.

  "I could only do the very basics of first aid on the way here. I'm assuming you have healers on standby?" Akmenos asks as he reaches for a cloth.

  "Yes, but this is not a job for just any healer. It seems whatever you ran into tried to poison her. See this black stuff?" Emon points to Bryn's cuts. The black ooze clung to the wound, cold and wrong, as if it resisted the light itself. "That's not your standard poison. What exactly did you all run into?"

  "We're not certain but I think it was a Wendigo."

  "I've heard stories, rumors of something like that in the forest nearby. You're lucky to be alive, her especially if the rumors are to be believed." Brother Emon studies the wound closer before pulling away and motioning for another cleric that had been standing by the door to the room. "This isn't a poison, it's a corruption, similar to that of a curse. It’s less potent but just as persistent. We need to be careful. It's curable but it'll take time. Do not worry, your friend here is in good hands. Make yourself at home. We will keep you updated on her condition."

  Akmenos gives a small nod and turns to the rest of the group before heading out to the rest of the temple.

  A few hours go by and Brother Emon comes out of the room Bryn has been resting in. "She's doing well, all things considered. By morning she should be in good enough condition to travel. Just don't push her too hard."

  Akmenos stands from the bench just outside the room as Brother Emon makes his way out and meets his gaze. "We won't. I'd like to avoid something like this in the future. I was hoping you'd be able to point us to someone well versed in magic or healing that could accompany us? We're currently trying to stop Thornblood and whatever fiends he's trying to summon. Perhaps you've heard of him?"

  Brother Emon studies the group for a long moment, his gaze lingering on the determination etched into Akmenos’ features. He then nods slowly, his grip tightening slightly on his staff. "You are not the first to come here seeking aid against darkness, though it has been many years since such a dire plea was made," he says, his tone grave. "If you seek someone skilled in magic or healing, I fear there are few left in these lands who can claim such mastery. Worry not, Lathander's light has not abandoned us entirely."

  He steps aside, motioning for the group to enter deeper into the temple. "Come. We can speak more of this Thornblood and the fiends you seek to stop. Perhaps the light will reveal a path forward."

  The interior of the temple is modest but serene, with stained glass windows casting soft, colorful beams of light across the stone floor. Brother Emon leads them down a hall, passing multiple doors and archways leading to various different types of rooms and areas until they come to a large, ornate door. Brother Emon places a hand on the door and with a faint glow, the door opens to a chamber. At the center of the chamber is an altar adorned with a golden sunburst symbol, faintly glowing with divine warmth.

  Brother Emon gestures for the group to sit near the altar. "Tell me more of this threat and why you seek such aid. Perhaps there is more I can offer than you think."

  Akmenos takes a seat near the altar, his companions settling around him. The faint warmth radiating from the altar provides a small measure of comfort in the heavy silence that follows. "Thornblood is a warlock, a man who's taken to summoning demons" Akmenos begins, his voice steady but firm. "He's not just amassing an army, he's looking for something. We don't know what it is yet, but whatever it is, it's powerful, and it's bad news for everyone."

  He glances at Garrek, who nods and picks up the thread. "His forces have already started showing up in small villages, testing the waters. They're organized, more than we'd expect from demons. We've seen tracks and signs. Ritual sites, burned-out homes. He's moving, and he's growing stronger."

  Akmenos continues, his tone hardening. "I've fought demons before, in Avernus. I know what they're capable of, and I know what happens when people don't act fast enough to stop them. That's why we're here. We need help. Someone who knows magic, someone who can heal, someone who can fight back against whatever dark power Thornblood has at his command."

  Brother Emon listens intently, his face growing more troubled with every word. When Akmenos finishes, he exhales slowly, gripping his staff as if drawing strength from it. "You speak of a grave threat," he says. "One that could spread beyond this region if left unchecked. I cannot leave the temple, for it is my sacred duty to protect this place and keep Lathander's light alive. But perhaps... there is something else I can do for you."

  He rises and walks to a small side chamber, returning with a satchel and a small crystal vial and handing the vial to Akmenos. "This is a healing draught, infused with Lathander's blessing. Use it wisely. It can bring someone back from the brink of death." He hands the satchel to Akmenos. "We already used one on your friend. If we hadn’t, she surely would have perished. It’ll be some time before it can work on her again so, please, be cautious.” He sets the satchel down on a table beside Akmenos. “Inside the satchel are holy wards and symbols that may repel fiends or weaken their hold on this plane. They are not weapons, but they may give you the edge you need in a dire moment."

  He hesitates, then adds, "If you seek one skilled in magic, there is a hermit in the Whispering Pines, Kaelen. He is reclusive but said to possess great knowledge of the arcane. He may be able to assist you, if you can gain his trust."

  "We just came from speaking with him. Are you sure nobody here can accompany us?"

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  Brother Emon furrows his brow, his concern deepening. "You've already met Kaelen? Then you've made some progress. He is a valuable ally if you have his support. But I am afraid there is no one here who can accompany you. The priests and acolytes of this temple are caretakers of Lathander's light, not warriors or mages. Our strengths lie in maintaining this sanctuary, offering guidance, and preserving hope."

  He pauses, his gaze softening. "Even if I wished to join your cause, my duties here bind me. I cannot abandon this place. It serves as a refuge for those fleeing the darkness Thornblood spreads. However..." He seems to contemplate something for a moment before continuing. "If you truly need another companion, there is one more possibility. In a village to the north, beyond the Whispering Pines, lives a healer named Amara. She was once an adventurer and a cleric of Lathander, but she retired years ago. She may still have the strength to aid you, though convincing her will not be easy."

  Akmenos nods firmly. "If she's our best lead, we'll go. Tell me more about Amara and where we can find her."

  Brother Emon gestures toward the northern wall of the temple, where a tapestry depicts a winding road through a dense forest. "Amara lives in the village of Hearthglen, a day's travel north of here. It's a small place, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Pines. The people there know her as their healer, but she is far more than that. In her younger years, she was a cleric of great renown, wielding Lathander's light against the darkness. She fought in battles that would have broken lesser souls."

  He pauses, his expression heavy. "But tragedy struck. Her companions fell to a great evil, and she blamed herself. She laid down her weapons and chose a life of solitude, tending to the sick and wounded. She is kind, but the wounds of her past run deep. If you approach her, do so with respect and understanding. It will take more than words to draw her out of retirement."

  Garrek crosses his arms. "Sounds like she's been through hell. Do you think she'll even consider helping us?"

  Brother Emon meets his gaze. "If you can show her that your cause is just, and that her light is still needed, she may find the strength to fight again."

  He looks back to Akmenos. "The road to Hearthglen is mostly safe, but Thornblood's influence is spreading. Be cautious. And if you reach Amara, tell her Brother Emon sent you."

  Brother Emon smiles faintly despite the gravity of his words. "You seem capable. Chances are, Thornblood has remnants of his rituals nearby. Stay vigilant, and you will make it through. And remember, Lathander's light can pierce even the deepest shadows. If you are ever in doubt, call upon his name."

  “Noted,” Akmenos says, sitting back down. Faith isn’t something I’m willing to gamble on.

  Garrek frowns. "So, we destroy these circles, and Thornblood loses part of his hold, right? That’s how rituals work?"

  Brother Emon nods. "Yes, but only if you can do so safely. If the circle is active, if there's glowing runes or it's pulsating with energy, approach with great caution. That indicates a connection is already formed, and something may be waiting."

  Lyle adjusts his bow nervously. "Anything else we should look for?"

  Brother Emon's voice softens. "The air around a ritual site often feels heavy, and you may hear faint whispers or notice unnatural stillness. Trust your instincts. And above all, do not linger. Disrupt the ritual if you can, but if it seems beyond your ability, leave and return better prepared."

  Akmenos turns to the group, his gaze steady. "You two heard him. Rituals are dangerous. How do you feel about handling them if we come across one?"

  Garrek runs a hand over the hilt of his sword, his brow furrowed. "I've seen magic circles before, but I've never had to deal with one. If it comes down to a fight, I'll protect whoever's placing the ward, but this kind of thing... it's outside my expertise."

  Lyle fidgets with one of his arrows, avoiding eye contact. "Not gonna lie, the idea of walking into something that might already have a fiend waiting doesn't sit right with me. But if we've got no other choice, I'll cover you from a distance. Just don't ask me to touch any of that creepy magic stuff. I've dealt with traps but nothing demonic."

  Akmenos shoulders his pack. "I can handle placing a ward if needed, assuming it doesn't bite back. But if we're splitting roles, leave the muscle work to Garrek and I and the lookout to Lyle until Bryn is in better shape." Akmenos straps the satchel Brother Emon gave him to his belt, his voice calm but firm. "I'll take the lead with the wards. I've dealt with worse in Avernus, and I won't ask you to face something you're not ready for. If it gets bad, we retreat, no heroics. Our goal is to make it back to Hearthglen, not die playing with Thornblood's traps."

  Garrek gives a short nod of approval. "Fair enough. You've got the experience. Just say the word if you need backup."

  Lyle glances at Akmenos, his expression uncertain but trusting. "Alright. Just... be careful, yeah? Fiends don't exactly play fair."

  Akmenos turns back to Brother Emon, his tone steady. "What if we come across an active ritual? Something already connected to a fiend? Is there anything specific we should do besides running?"

  Brother Emon exhales slowly, his expression grim. "If the ritual is active, disrupting it will almost certainly draw the fiend through, if it's not already there. In such a case, you have two options: contain it or destroy it. Containment is risky but possible. If you place a ward near the edge of the circle and it holds, it can sever the fiend's connection to this plane, forcing it back. However, this only works if the fiend hasn't fully manifested." He pauses, his gaze locking onto Akmenos’. "If the fiend is already present, then your only choice is to destroy it. Fiends summoned by rituals are often bound to the summoner's will, but their strength depends on the ritual's power and the summoner's skill. Use holy water, silvered weapons, or spells that target the fiend's weaknesses if you have them." He glances at the group. "If you must fight, do so as a unit. Fiends are cunning and will try to divide you or exploit your weaknesses. Stay together, and do not let fear take hold. And remember, fleeing is not failure. Sometimes survival is the wiser path."

  Garrek nods grimly. "Good to know. I don't like the sound of this 'containment' business, but at least we've got options."

  Lyle shifts uneasily. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm all for avoiding these things entirely."

  Brother Emon places a hand on Akmenos’ shoulder. "You carry the weight of great responsibility. Trust in your instincts, and may Lathander's light guide your path come morning. Now, I think it's time I show you to your rooms. You must be exhausted."

  The group follows Brother Emon back down the hall to a set of rooms near the room where Bryn is resting. "These will be your quarters until tomorrow. Rest well. You may need it. If Thornblood is moving this boldly, you are already closer to him than you think.”

  Brother Emon nods his head in farewell and sets off to check in on Bryn.

  Akmenos and the others settle in for the night and soon enough, the morning sun seeps into their rooms signaling the start of a new day and a new adventure. By the time the group makes their way out of their rooms, Bryn is already up and walking, perhaps sooner than she ought to be judging by the way she seems to be sneaking around.

  “Bryn,” Akmenos says, “Why are you sneaking around the temple?”

  “Oh, you know, just out for a stroll.”

  “You’re out of bed before they gave you the all clear.”

  “Yeah.”

  After a few hours of the group waking up and gathering their gear, Akmenos gathers the group outside the temple, taking a moment to go over what Brother Emon said. "Alright, before we head out, let's make sure we're all clear on how we're handling this. If we come across an active ritual, Containment is the name of the game if we catch it early. If it’s already here, we end it fast. Together. No heroics.”

  Garrek nods, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Understood. I'll keep the fiend's attention if it comes to a fight. You focus on the ritual or the ward."

  Lyle looks uneasy but determined. "I'll stay back and provide cover. If anything gets too close, I'll make sure it regrets it."

  Bryn shrugs, their expression as casual as ever. "I'll watch for traps and handle anything sneaky. Just don't expect me to throw myself at a demon, yeah?"

  Akmenos looks at each of them in turn, his voice firm. "Good. Remember, we stick together. No one fights alone, and if it looks like we're outmatched, we fall back. The goal is to make it back to Hearthglen, not die in the forest. Everybody ready?"

  The group seems more confident, though the tension is still palpable. Garrek tightens the strap on his sword and gives a firm nod. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get moving."

  Lyle adjusts his quiver, a determined look on his face. "I'm good to go. Let's hope the road isn't too dangerous."

  Bryn flashes a confident grin, her hand resting lightly on a dagger. "Always ready. Lead the way, fearless leader."

  The group stands poised, prepared for whatever lies ahead.

  "Alright, let's head out."

  With everyone ready, Bryn and Lyle take the lead, the group falling into a loose formation. Akmenos watched Bryn walk ahead, already moving faster than she should. He didn’t say anything. Not yet.