Erelis stood, opened the eastern door and checked the mallway for anything perilous within the vicinity. With his cautious mind satisfied, he closed the door and turned to the others. " All is clear for now. We must decide in the morning which way we must go; continue to find this white dragon or do we abandon this citadel with the monster in tow?"

There was much debate on this latest plan. Supporting the cause for leaving was the rash of death and injuries amongst the band and an overwhelming sense that they were off the trail of the shard. The desires to continue rallied around opportunity to find more clues about this little known area of the country and uncover more secrets that may help the trees treat their own maladies {which in turn may provide them with future gains}. Nevertheless, the deciding factor was for the fellowship to seek safety within the nearest town without showing themselves as deserters from the Pinedroin army. The druidess assured that she would have them bypass this canyon and continue along the river until a human settlement was reached.

10 PM: Roslyn concentrated her efforts on the ranger and it was a joyous moment when the woodsman cracked open his eyes. The druidess's healing capabilities finally broke through the pall of death that threatened Teflar. The ranger slowly regained a bit of strength and sat upright with an old broken bench used nearby as support. The others gathered around the ranger and began to tell him of the latest arrangements to abandon the tree/dragon quest and start north for the nearest village.

" From there we decide which way to continue." spoke the mage solemnly " We must give time for the army to retreat back to the city so we can examine those orcken caves in the very least."

Teflar didn't say much but reacted very hard when learning of the dwarf's death. He was willing to do what it took to support StarPoint Raven; even if it meant fleeing the dank citadel and admit minor defeat.

MIDNIGHT: There was a clear sign that danger was once again upon the group when Erelis heard many humanoid voices down the columned hall. " They have returned." the psion reported " We must move now while we still have the chance!" The team gathered their belongings and tenderly made their way back to the prison where they found the other three kobolds missing.
The fellowship didn't seem too concerned about this since the kobolds had a right to free themselves at any chance they could now that the team decided they were no longer bargaining chips.
Returning to the previously rat-infested hallway, the troop found it eeriely abandoned and were momentarily thankful for this. They traveled all the way back to the dragon cage room unscathed and relaxed there, allowing Teflar to catch his breath. Everyone looked at Pomeer and saw him watching the team with wide eyes of uncertainty.

" It shall not come with us...especially being hurt like that." said the mage sternly.
Nanith agreed " Yes, we should leave him here in a state of loose bondage. He'll be able to untie himself in a matter of hours if his cries don't alert someone first." The rogue and gnome quickly secured the kobold to the mangled dragon cage that stood as it did before. Pomeer never resisted his treatment; he seemed accepting of his role with the group. Soon he was secured against the bars will hands bound behind his back while the rest waited impatiently. Every now and then Erelis and Gailwind listened into the hallways for enemy approach.

With the final piece of their escape plan accomplished, the fellowship raced out to the front of the broken citadel onto the cracked concrete. No rats, skeletons, goblins, or kobolds were in sight. Their reversed course in the wee hours of the black night was nearly complete.