Erinnia observed, “These plants have been dead for a long time. All life wilts here. I feel something leave me with every step upon this foul soil. I sense the pain these trees felt when their lives were taken. They suffered! Something more evil than Death…something evil lurks here.”
Nigel reported, “The entrance is not hidden. The door long since rotted away. There is no attempt to prevent entry. I have no suggestions.”
“I do,” Roscoe said. “Our approach has been noted. The guide’s mates ran away for a reason. The hooded crow, stoat, hare, and weasel- all were manifestations of the groaning spirit! The headless coachman was a powerful Spirit of Death. I don’t know of his lore. The groaning spirit has the name because her greatest attack is her wail. The wailing witch will slay most before they reach her. The sense of hearing will betray us first. We must guard our ears. Our eyes will fail us next. Her appearance will be so hideous as to produce fear in all weak minded who observe her wickedness. It is obvious smell will betray us. Everything on the surface stinks; you can imagine the foulness of the inner realms. We’ll taste fear and feel great pain in the battle. Protection from Magick and Protection from Evil should prevent the Fear Spell from affecting us. If we cast Silence upon ourselves we’ll lose the ability to communicate and cast spells. I don’t know if the Magick of Silence will protect us from the wail of the witch.”
“Good analysis. Thank you, Roscoe. Erinnia, let’s employ the ear plugs again. We’ll try to rob ourselves of the sense of hearing. Do you have enough ear plugs for everyone?” Knarra said.
Erinnia nodded. The elf insisted, “We must proceed. All living things that I carry grow weaker by the moment! I grow weaker! Do you not feel this?”
Cara said, “Yes, I do.”
Knarra said, “It’s urgent that we proceed! Erinnia, you should carry the Staff of Sagain.”
Erinnia felt better with her elfish blade or her bow in her hand. But the elf took the artifact from the Bag of Concealment as the priestess asked. She placed Mistletoe in her hair.
Dael said, “I really dislike the idea of putting these bugs in my ears!”
Erinnia looked offended and said, “They have saved you more than once. They can hear! They have feelings! They risk death! Show them respect!”
Dael stammered, “Yes…yes, ma’am…I…I didn’t mean…they are cute little fuzzy guys. Put them in my ears first!”
Erinnia distributed the ear plugs.
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