Zarun plays with his new dagger, flicking it back and forth between his fingers. He grimaces at the map, thinking how hard the trip will be. The heat doesn't bother him, but just thinking about all the arid land makes him feel parched.

"I'm not so sure, it could take us weeks to reach Tathos. If the sword has travelled via the shadowgate, Tathos could have his hands on it already. Who knows what forces will flock to him if he holds it for too long. I say we take a chance on the quicker route." 

 Shamesh responds to Rolen's cry for with a smile and nod.  The Innkeeper and his family prepare a hearty meal of sliced meats, breads, cheeses, and fruits as well as the ale, waving away any offers of payment.  "You saved my family's lives.  A hearty meal to see you on your road is the least I can do."

The next day dawns, finding the group feeling the effects of last nights drinking to various levels, depending on their own inclinations.  They step outdoors to find a collection of the HallowGuard gathered around their dwelling, dropping off heavy packs filled with food, water, and sundry supplies. At their center, directing them stands Raiaan,  her snowy hair tied back from her face.  She wears her enchanted robes, newly mended and cleaned and holds a staff engraved with Winter symbols toped with a sapphire crystal.  As you appear she breaks off her conversation with one of the Guardsmen and steps lightly towards you, her movements showing the return of her old grace and strength, having begun her recovery from her capture and ordeal.  She embraces you each in turn, her eyes moist.  "Shamesh said you'd be leaving this morning after gathering supplies.  We figured the least we could do is to ready you for your journey.  I wish you could all stay.... but I understand why you cannot.  Go safely and may the Gods watch over you....." Her gaze focuses on Zarun as she finishes, "...and come back to me if you can."

Later......

The group gathers close around,  Elviar raises his arms and sings out a series of complex and arcane syllables, the darkness of the ShadowGate writhing as he does so.  A minute or two later, as the final note reverberates through the air the gate opens, a cloud of inky darkness spilling forth to envelope you all.  You feel as if a giant hand has reached out and yanked you half-way around the world  in an instant, your stomachs roiling with the unexpected sense of momentum.  A few moments later the darkness dissipates and you find yourselves standing in the Realm of Shadows, near the center of the cracked stone dais by the ShadowGate.  Through the Gate you can see the room you left behind, shining brightly compared to the darkness of this Plane.  Already you can feel the dark deadness of this place sapping away at your senses, dulling any feelings of sensation or happiness.  Several cracked and pitted stone paths lead away from the dais, winding out in eccentric and winding courses.  In the distance you can see other points of light, Witch Elviar knows to be other ShadowGates, allowing the light, colour, and life of our world to leak into this one.  From his research the nearest should lead to the spiraled fortress of Darkspire, though it is still quite a ways off.  The gnome spends a moment regarding the paths examining the faded runes etched into their beginnings before indicating the one that leads to their destination to the others. 

  Zarun makes sure to hold his embrace with Raiann as long as he can. As he breaks he says quietly, "I will return. I swear it."

Stepping gingerly into the portal, the young tiefling keeps a tight grip on his bow and dagger, glaring into the darkness.
"You can scout if you like, knight, but I'm staying where I can see all of you." 

 Rolen grabs his supplys " i thank you " giveing a quick nod and a smile he leaves her to Zarun so they could have thier private moment

 At the gate rolen walks in he see no point as to be careful if fate want him dead he would die simple as that once inside he get nervous and is constantly looking around

"somthing about this place i cant put my finger on it " he puases " let stick together and move quickly the less wer are here the less likeliky we will be noticed "

 As the group moves through the eternal gloom of the Shadowlands, the oppressive stillness begins to eat away at their nerves.  The land is unnaturally silent and not even a hint of wind disturbs the stagnant smelling air.  The constant leeching of your senses and emotions leaves you feeling drained and listless as you march onward towards your goal, the twisting stone pathway your only guide through this desolate land.

 After you have been traveling for a while (time being difficult to judge here), dark winged shapes speed out of the gloom-filled air, passing over the group before disappearing into the dark sky once more.  As they pass they lash down upon the group with their long, bladed tails.  Finceleb's armour deflects the strike aimed at him, but both Rolen and Zarun are cut deeply by the surprise attack.  Out in the darkness you can hear the creatures emit a loud, piercing shriek as they wheel in the air for another pass.  The group also sees three figures emerge from around a rise in the barren ground about 20 feet (4 squares) ahead of Finceleb (who is at the head of the group's line).  They are small, hunched figures about the size of a goblin, their cloaked forms concealing most of their features save for their eyes, which glow with madness and malevolence.  One of the figures responds to the winged creature's shriek with one of his own and the trio draw short, stabbing swords from their waists before turning to advance upon you......