Midnight RPG - Chapter 10.89

At some point during the eight-hour rest break that fell in between the descent into the hole and the beginning of the trek down the root, Durgaz will approach Eranon.

Durgaz/ Andrew

Durgaz: "Eranon. You said that you could not tell us how we got from our starting point to the middle of the swamp, or what happened during the five hour we spent unconscious. You told us you had a good reason for keeping this information secret, and I know this is true. I also know who you spoke with, and how you bargained for our lives, and the promise you made. I understand that you cannot relay any of this information to me, and that is not a problem, because I already know it. So do not feel as though you need to tell me anything that would violate your oath. (Durgaz motions to Eranon's scar.)

"Here is what I am worried about. You have promised to do all that you can to rid this marsh of the Vile's influence. I don't know how you intend to do that. If you intend to try and destroy the Vile all by yourself, I am certain it will lead to you dying a painful and ultimately meaningless death. I don't know what our companions hope to find in the Spire, but I get the impression that they intend to attempt parlay with Vrolk. This is not an interest that I share; but then, unlike Kyuad or the Sarcosan or yourself, I had not planned to deliberately seek out contact with the Spire's master. My interest lies elsewhere.

"But I do not want to see you die. And if you did attempt to slay Vrolk, and failed, it would probably mean the lives of the rest of us as well. So we need to try and think of an alternate way that you can try to break the curse on this marsh, as you promised, that will not result in our deaths."

Eranon

"I am not sure that anyone cares about my promise, but you are right. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about any curses that Vrolk may have caused. You may be right, I may not be able to follow through on that, as much as I may wish. I am cursed, you must be able to see that now. I cannot have much more time to do any good for Aryth, but I would not see all of you die along with me. Additionally, now that you mention it, failure is failure, whether I live or die. I would like to break his curse, if possible. It seems a waste with this opportunity right in front of us. The potential to do good is so great."

"My guess is that the curse on the forest stems from the Spire itself, planting itself in this great tree. The answer may lie inside. And Vrolk's death may not even help."

"You said something troubling. I certainly don't like the idea of trying to parley with Vrolk, I am certain nothing good can come of it. There are only a handful of reasons that Vrolk would have Walden, and I guarantee you Vrolk knows who Walden is. He wouldn't be willing to give him up for anything we can provide, and if Zal'Kazir has anything to trade, that worries me even more."

"It's possible that Vrolk has captured Walden specificially to draw us to the tower, and if that is the case, the implications are even more terrifying."

"I'm sorry, I have wandered. Do you have any ideas about Vrolk's tower? What to do? How to break his curse?"