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Better armed, you scan the forest for the largest tree and begin climbing up using the rough hewn branches. The bark scraping your skin as you slowly clamber upward, your feet seeking footholds, while your calloused fingers grasp the tree branches.

The climb is arduous and leaves you breathless, but eventually you heave a sigh of relief as you reach the top.

Dark clouds filled with moisture roll overhead, the trees sway in the breeze and brisk wind chills your skin.

Studying the layout of the forest, you soon realise where you are and feel your heart plummet in your chest as memories of the Captain's map float through your mind. This place could only be Gilgathan, land of a thousand mysteries, and home to hundreds of strange creatures that have lain hidden for a millennia. But most importantly it was the homeland to the giants, immense warriors that loved to pillage and raid. Known for their brutal ferocity, short temper and tiny brains they were one of the most feared races upon Coroleya and for good reason. Their strength, stamina and battle prowess was second to none. Facing a giant in your condition with no proper weapons or armor would be as good as tearing out your own heart.

But at least there was one thing you could be thankful for, and that is you are much closer to your goal than you had first feared. If you could reach the island to the north west, you could take a boat through the Dragon's Throat and land in Orkeylium. There you could resupply, and make your way through the Great Divide into Caldasher and begin your real quest.

"Good, I had feared you had forgotten all about me, my champion."

A touch annoyed that the distance had not weakened the voice, you grumble back, "Have no fear, I have not forgotten you demon."

You hear a deep throaty laugh in response. "Then hurry my warrior, the time of the Blood Storm draws nigh and you will not wish to face him then."

And while a part of you fears what would occur should the Blood Storm be completed, you can't help but feel a touch of curiosity. To see such magic in action would be a wonder to behold, even greater than that of Black Towers of Fogwater. Towers of pure magic that floated in the air, surrounded by a thick red mist that protected it from outsiders. Power such as that would be incredibly tempting to any mage, even to Lorna.

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And as your thoughts return to your former comrades, you ask quickly before the voice disapears, "Where is Gorrack and Lorna? Do they still live?"

You feel a tingle on energy cross your mind as though she is pondering your words, before she replies, "Why would you wish to know their fate?"

Even without seeing Sarsonel's expression, you can sense subtle intent behind her question as though your next words be would judged.

Feeling slightly dizzy, you hold tight to the tree, your head dipping downward and catch sight of the warrior from last night directly below you, his shoulders hunched over as though studying your foot imprints.

With only seconds to make a move before he realises you are up here.

5. If you are unsure this warrior is your enemy, do you try to speak with him?

Worried you might be attacking a harmless creature that meant you no harm, you call out to the warrior below.

Startled by your voice, the creature looks up at you for a moment, before pulling back it's hood to reveal a gorgeous creature with fiery red hair and a beautiful smile that dazzles you with its brilliance.

Enchanted by it's beauty, you climb down the tree and lurch towards it unthinkingly, not seeing the blades concealed within it's cloak.

With a smile so sweet, it could melt your heart, you reach out an arm, only then to realise your mistake as twin blades cut across your chest.

Roaring in agony, you reel away, when fireballs spurt out of it's fingertips towards you, forcing you to duck and spring forward to tackle the creature to the ground.

Wrapping your arms around it's delicate throat, you squeeze hard and snap the creature's neck, and to your horror you see the beautiful visage vanish before your very eyes to be replaced with a hideous creature covered in black pustules that ooze green pus, and a bloated belly ribbed with red veins.

You fall back in shock and shake your head trying to clear your thoughts, unable to believe how easily you had been duped by this monster.

When you at last you finally recover, you shake your head again at your close encounter with death and vow to be ever more cautious.

Battlefield Results

- 40 Health Points

Loot

You pick up the twin blades hidden with the folds of the creature and smile with satisfaction, when all of sudden the weapons crumble to dust in your fingers.

Furious you pound the ground and move to leave, when you notice the cloak covering the creature's body change shape and color.

Ignoring the blood that has dripped onto it, you tug it free and swing the cloak around your shoulders and to your surprise find that it fits you perfectly as though it were made for you.

You also feel a strange kind of energy fill your body and a voice whisper, "Welcome master, how shall I serve you?"(Quest Item Acquired Cloak of Daedalus: The Cloak of Daedalus is an enchanted item that allows you to cast spells. Add +15 Mana)