Turn 25 -- Leaving the Goblins

After Ras rounds up all of the companions everyone meets back in the central cavern where the goblins are assembled along with Dain and Talimar stands Grundlegek and Burukkleyet, the goblin shaman. After a brief discussion with Ortho, Talimar takes the magical shield from the dwarven priest and hands it to Burukkleyet. "In appreciation of your hospitality," says Talimar to the assembled goblins, "We will offer this fine shield to your goblin shaman to appease your god." Talimar returns the slight bow from Burukkleyet after giving him the shield. After this little ceremony is complete Grundlegek bids the group farewell and good luck in solving the mystery.

As the group makes their way out of the caves Ortho speaks to Talimar, "What the bloody hell is going on here elf. You'd better have a damn good reason for me giving up that shield."

"Not now," says Talimar in reply, "When we get outside and away from here I'll explain it to all."

"Hmmph!" says Ortho as he falls back in line.

The group then makes their way out of the goblin caves to step out into late afternoon sunshine. After talking to Talimar, Kersath takes off leading the group north along the Patchwork Hills back towards Milbourne. Three hours of marching along the hills leads the group out of the Mire and towards dusk. Kersath finally halts the group within the Patchwork Hills to camp for the evening. Preparations are made for the evening and soon everyone is settling down to enjoy the evening meal (once again expertly prepared by Dain).

"Ortho, in explanation to your question, Dain and I came to the conclusion that the New Mire was being caused by the goblin shaman's magical ring that he had. He was also somewhat aware of this fact although he doesn't know what is happening," says Talimar to the group as he finishes his meal.

"That's right," continues Dain, "We wanted the ring and the only way that he would give it up was if we gave him something else magical. Since your shield was the only thing we had, naturally it was the item we gave him. We also promised to have another ring identical to this one made for him so that he will still have the standing within his tribe that he currently has. They still believe it was a gift from their god after all."

"Do any of you have the knowledge to craft such a ring?" asks Talimar. "If not, we will have to have a jeweller make one for us. Either way, we promised Burukkleyet he would have another ring. In the meantime, the mystery of the Mire has been solved, even though we don't know precisely what the ring was doing to cause the Mire."