While Sequarl forces complete the sack of Garstang, a reconnaisance in strength explores the Orc Mound in the Wood of Itaen. It had been strangely quiet ever since that Ship of the Dead had sailed up the River Nidd. However, divinations suggest that they might find the Witch of Sleat and her husband Offley the Werewolf there and Grettir was curious as to the fate of Oglog.
Grettir’s usual comrades are joined by old-stagers Nickar the Dangerous and Eggo of the Holy Brotherhood, along with a gnome called Filir bent on vengeance for his kin slain by the werewolf. Jason has returned from his apprenticeship in Vulcanheim. He is stronger, broader and even taller than before, with a darker complexion and a bristling black beard. The elf Eormanric and happy-go-lucky beach-bum Banthil the Broke also join the party.
As suspected, the Mound is found to be under new management. There are still orcs and a stone troll guarding the upper levels, led by an orcish shaman, but there is no sign of the organisation and discipline associated with Oglog, nor word of him. The maze in the centre of the Mound has become the haunt of undead, demons and other evil creatures. At its centre is the Ship of the Dead and a dreadful lich. However, between Eggo, Grettir and the blades of the warriors that accompany them the Mound is cleansed of the stench of Pyray and much treasure is taken. Banthil discovers and befriends a manacled woman called Keera who is apparently awaiting marriage to The Lord of Darkness.
The expedition is named for Nickar, who at one point summons an orc, but whose powers of command fail to bind the orc to his purposes. The party mock him mercilessly for this lack of authority and name him the Dork Lord. It is fortunate that he takes all the joshing in good part. He is not called The Dangerous for nothing.
At one point Banthil comes face-to-face with Offley, while scouting in the tunnels. They cross blades briefly and Banthil is lucky to escape with his life. Once more the werewolf flees at the approach of Grettir, Salrod, Wilf etc. He and his wife eventually take sanctuary in the Temple of Set in Chittagong, where Grettir cannot come at them without breaking the King’s Peace. He reluctantly agrees to pursue them no further in return for the restoration of Yog’s soul. Somewhat recovered but weakened in body and mind, Yog is given into the custody of his brother Kimo. They take ship for the North where Kimo believes there may be a witch who can return him to full health.
F-6
OE Date: Spring 692
Characters: Nickar, Grettir, Salrod, Paradoxides, Wilf, Jason, Banthil, Eggo, Eormanric, Filir NPCs: Hilda
Real World: 22nd August 1999 ; Where – Cambo House
See also Salrod’s Diaries