The heroes wasted no time, swiftly dispatching the monks in their path with ease. Their exploration led them to a disturbing sight—a group of cultists bound to posts, their bodies reduced to little more than skin and bones. Offering to release them, the heroes were met with refusal, the captives insisting they must learn to survive on nothing but air.
Continuing deeper into the complex, agonized screams filled the corridors. Rushing toward the source, they entered a zigzag hallway, only to be met with a volley of arrows fired from hidden slits in the walls. Reacting swiftly, Valerian teleported through one of the openings, finding himself face-to-face with a group of kenku, who wasted no time attacking. Eeyore arrived from another entrance, joining the fray as the rest of the party navigated their way out of the deadly corridor.
Pushing forward, the heroes burst into another chamber, where they found musicians playing under the watchful eye of Windharrow, their apparent conductor. Disgusted by his performers’ lackluster abilities, Windharrow called out to the newcomers, challenging them to prove their own musical prowess. One by one, they stepped up, impressing him with their talents—except for Zonga, who opted to bop him on the head instead. Undeterred, Windharrow welcomed them into the Howling Hatred, sending his previous musicians to fetch robes for their newest recruits.
Granted leave from the temple, the group returned to Feathergale Spire to report back to Thurl and Savra, detailing their progress and requesting mounts for their next journey. With permission granted, they prepared to set off once more, this time bringing Savra along.
As they rested for the night and awoke in the morning, an unsettling sight awaited them—Eeyore was covered in barnacles. Concerned that he might be cursed or possessed, the heroes turned their suspicions toward his dining fork, convinced that it held some dark influence. They urged him to part with the weapon, suggesting he pass it to Isaac. Eeyore, hesitant to simply give it away, agreed to the exchange—but only if Isaac surrendered his amulet in return.
The trade was made, leaving the party with more questions than answers. Whatever had afflicted Eeyore, they knew it wouldn’t be their last mystery to unravel.