" It is to the inner courtyard where we tie up our loose end." directed the cleric; a strip of jerky dangling from his raucous lips. " Gather your best efforts together. If you are not prepared, this may end badly."

The gang momentarily forfeited their own breakfast and tended to the ranger's meal.
Loten studied the options ahead of them. " Why don�t we enter from there?" He pointed to the northern entrance of the courtyard.

Oktavianus nodded " Seems about as good as any, I suppose."
Overhead, the peregrine falcon swooped and gave a curt squawk.

Roslyn, resigned to her special assignment, levied " I would feel safer if I had a long-ranged weapon on hand. Would anyone have a spare crossbow or sling that I may use at least until you all return?"

Nanith nodded in admiration of his fellow hobbit. " You are indeed brave and good-hearted." He took his crossbow and seven bolts from his belt. " Here you go. I'll be fine without it for now." Looking up at Loten, he smiled. " Besides, I have him to hide behind."

The crew of seven parted ways with the druid and sauntered back up towards the black tower. The woods seemed strangely silent when the group came before the dividing wall.

" Good luck, Rosyln." spoke Erelis bringing up the rear " Shoot at whatever moves...but please not us."
They then filed carefully into the inner courtyard leaving a wary halfling to defend the honor of a depleted Raven.

8 AM: The seven heroes entered the inner eastern heart of the fortress and noticed an abundance of burnt wooden structures in an arena exactly the size of the previous courtyard. Directly ahead bordering the northern wall, a small, obsidian building stood stark under the overcast sky. Thirty yards to the southeast in the center of the smooth rock flooring, a masoned well protruded from the ground. Across the court at the eastern entrance to the keep, a portcullis was closed to outside visitors.
Gailwind moved carefully through the debris pondering this new situation. Aramil stood back and gave a wary monitor " It is the same decor as the rest of this place; half-ruined with obsidian foundations. We should go over to that wonderously-carved, black building and see what it holds."
The rest agreed; they should first start out exploring something that reflected great importance.
The crew picked their way among the scattered wood and came before an elegant archway that beheld exquisite double doors.

" Don't mistake this place for anything but mixed opportunity, my friends." spoke the cleric with hesitant appropriation " This is no sacred church we look upon. It is the worshipping den of St. Cuthbert...god of vengeance!"

Suddenly, movement was heard among the rocks along the eastern wall! Turning quickly, the fellowship saw a nasty creature appear around some boulders. Twin claws, leading a pale orange flat, horizontal body, snapped at the air. An arched tail rode high dripping precious venom in anticipation of its future kill!!