Teflar nodded to Aramil " Okay, then. We defend ourselves right here and your bird can signal any alert if these beasts return. We rest here and track them down at dawn. Our new objective for the time being will be to dig them out of their den and see what information we can gather. We can't plan anything further until we know if they are connected to this mission of ours or not."

With most in agreement, the fellowship settled down for a restless night. A gentle breeze blew up the canyon from the south, yet the leaves of the forest were strangely still.

MYCRAN 17 ~ 7 AM: The team ate a silent breakfast, gathered their gear, and then followed the ranger slowly north as he went about tracking the kobolds' prior escape movements along the small gorge. Along the way, Vrai avidly eyed the forestline looking for any threat source, but none was evident. Moran sailed lazily in the early morning rays and seemed to hunt for a fresh meal.

8 AM: Teflar halted the group with an outstretched hand even though they lagged three dozen paces behind. He stood at the edge of a sandy ledge and stared down into the ravine they were traveling along. " Most footprints start and end here." He knelt down and brushed the taupe grains in a circular fashion. " This place is a main fare for many other humanoids also. Some had collected for a longer period, but the time frames are mixed."

Oktavianus grunted " What?" and looked around like he was more out of his element than any time before.

The ranger rose slowly and explained " It looks like whatever went down this rickety staircase is in control of the area for now. Seems there are many bands of goblins, kobolds and such vying for territory the past few months." The ranger glanced down at the roughly-hewn stairs as they zig-zagged along the side of the ledge into darkness. " This is where we go if we are to continue our plans."

Erelis stepped next to the ranger and eyed the unsturdy steps with uncertainty. He looked to the others and then down at the guide hobbit. She stood nearby seemingly petrified of exploring outside the confines of the forest. In contrast, Nanith continued to rally the others by explaining that this course was the best one to take; a chance to have questions answered regarding the shard. The psion spoke in a low voice " This way makes me uneasy; moreso than the black fortress."
Without further word, Teflar and Oktavianus led the team in pairs down the casing and went moved slowly as to not upset the balance of the supporting wood. Vrai brought up the rear with Roslyn and studied the open canyon floor with piercing eyes.

8:30 AM: An arrow whizzed past the head of Oktavianus down into the canyon below!! The stunned party looked back to find Vrai with a determined glare staring back at them.

" You devil!" barked the dwarf noticeably disturbed " You're trying to kill us now that you got the jump on us!!" The group listened to his accusatory words obviously on edge above the stoney gorge. Any bad fall from the stairwell would surely kill them at this height.

" You blasted dwarf..." spat the elven archer with distain "...kindly proceed down the stairs and you'll have your next tasty meal waiting for you."

Confused eyes shone everywhere, but the fellowship continued down the wall until they came to a landing where an arching overhead rock shielded them from what little morning light they enjoyed. The landing floor of this 20'x20' area was strewn with tiny animal bones and holes burrowing deep into the clifface. Something moved under the overhang mere yards in front of them! Teflar quickly stretched out his arms as if to keep everyone behind him. " Hold still and be quiet!" he breathed.

Nanith, standing in the second row left of Meadows, looked deep in thought while he firmed his crossbow. " Do you think I should scout ahead? I could gather some valuable intelligence before we venture on."

Before any could respond, a big grey bulky thing trotted out of the darkness on all fours.
Zip!!! Vrai released another arrow that sank deep into the head of a humongous rat!