The battle began with chaos as the hobgoblins, one of which had just taken an arrow to the face, readied themselves for combat. Moving cautiously, they advanced, using the pillars for cover. The tension in the air was shattered by a thunderous crash—a human rider atop a massive bulette burst onto the scene, the beast’s gaping maw as large as its body.
Mitsui, hoping to turn the tide, unleashed her signature darkness, plunging the area into shadow. However, the rider and his mount fought undeterred, forcing Mitsui to dispel the darkness to regain clarity in the fight. The battle raged on as Isaac and Zonga fell under the relentless attacks. Thankfully, Xeiros was quick to act, healing both and getting them back into the fray.
As the tide shifted, the hobgoblins began to fall. The rider and his bulette attempted to retreat, but Mitsui gave chase. She managed to strike down the rider, unwittingly inciting the fury of the bulette. Mitsui attempted to calm the enraged creature, but her efforts were in vain. Meanwhile, the rest of the heroes finished off the remaining hobgoblins, leaving Mitsui alone to face the rampaging bulette.
With Isaac’s healing providing some support, Mitsui courageously held the creature at bay. Realizing how undamaged the bulette remained and the dire condition of her companions, she made a selfless decision. Speaking in common for the first time, she urged her friends to run. Xeiros and Yurian heeded her call, retreating swiftly, but Zonga and Isaac hesitated, casting spells that momentarily slowed their escape. Despite the odds, Mitsui stood her ground, watching over her companions’ retreat. In her final moments, the bulette delivered a devastating bite, ending her life as she died protecting her friends.
Grieving their loss, the remaining heroes made their way back to Red Larch. Though heavy with sadness, they pieced together new intelligence. They learned that pirates had been spotted on the Dessarin River and discovered two potential leads: one near the temple they had just left and another involving suspicious activities in Womford.