The morning after their major battle with the bullywugs, the party strove to find a solution to their problems. Though a battle had been won, the party was no closer to resolving the war. They discussed several possible alternatives, including a frontal assault on the bullywugs, an attempt to locate Wastri and slay him, trying to locate the missing Heart of Semuanya, and attempting to rally the lizardfolk to their banner.
Minos sought guidance from a divination, but the reply was more confusing than helpful. Torn by indecision, the party return to the ziggurat, hoping some sort of inspiration would strike them. Much to their surprise, they found an invigorated heart beating at the pyramid's apex. It pulsed much more powerfully than before, and more quickly as well. A residue of dried blood lined the basin below it. An aura of warmth bathed the area surrounding the ziggurat.
Now more confused than ever, the party sent West to speak with Szishinth, the druid-god of the lizardfolk. West flew to Szishinth's treestump home, and was met by several unusually large snakes and lizards. They formed a path to the stump's door, which West cautiously approached. Szishinth invited him in, and he sat.
West asked about the Heart, and Szishinth confirmed it had been restored. He also claimed that the lizardfolk had brought about its revitalization. With the heart in its current state, Szishinth assured West that the lizardfolk would be able to hold off the bullywugs indefinitely.
Although curious as to how the lizardfolk had recovered their artifact, West did not push for details. He thanked the druid, and notified him that they would be on their way. Before leaving, he asked Szishinth if it would be possible to leave an awakened creature in the swamp. West would then be able to monitor the situation, so that the party could return in case of trouble. Szishinth shrugged. Respectfully thanking him once more, West departed.
It was nightfall by the time West made it back to the party campsite. The next morning, he awakened a small bird and gave it instructions. He then stepped through a tree with Gronk and Tiger, emerging a mere mile from the city wall. As he was unable to bring the whole party on the hundred-plus mile journey in one stride, he returned to the swamp while Gronk entered the city.
The next morning, West brought the remainder of the party to just outside the city in moments. As usual, the guard used magical goggles to closely examine all the party members. One at a time, they were forced to remove any magical items from their person. Minos shifted nervously, but complied when required to remove all his items. As he removed his hat, his appearance shifted from that of an Oeridian to that of a Suel.
Much to Minos' surprise, the guard appeared unimpressed. They allowed him to re-equip and enter the city with the remainder of the party. As they entered, Minos explained that the Suel were not very popular in the region, and he did not want to attract undue attention. The party seemed to accept his explanation. They entered an inn, got rooms, then went downstairs for dinner, to be followed by a hot bath.
Partially through their meal, a guard entered. He wore Tebur's insignia. Triben snorted and rolled his eyes, while Ann started murmuring unintelligibly to herself. The guard approached the party, and said "Tebur would like to see you at your earliest convenience. Of course, you've had a long journey, so please finish your meal, enjoy a bath. When you are done, a runner will be waiting for you at the nearby guardhouse." Upon recieving a grudging assent, the guard left.
After emerging from their baths, the party made their way to the guardhouse, where a dwarf was indeed waiting for them. They followed him to a home, then through a secret door into a tunnel into the hillside. After several twists, turns, side passages and doors, they found themselves in a small office. Tebur sat behind the desk, flanked by two guards.
Tebur welcomed them back, then got immediately to the point. He claimed that he had two needs, one business and one personal. First, the personal. Shortly after the party left for the swamp, an attempt had been made on his life. The attacker was Vali, formerly Oakenshield. His motivation was unknown, but Tebur was quite displeased. He knew the party had relations with Vali, and demanded to know if they knew his location.
When Triben assured him they did not, Tebur mentioned that Vali was now being sought. He was to be brought in alive if possible, dead if necessary. Magical means had thus-far failed to find him, but perhaps the party wouldhave some insight, given the personal nature of their relationship. The group agreed that they would search for him, but were careful to avoid promising him to Tebur.
The business matter, Tebur said, was just as important. Magical weapons and armor of significant power were turning up in Brotherhood hands in the area around the city. All bore the same smithmark. From the handiwork, it was clear that the forger was a dwarf, possibly with several apprentices. None of the items yet were forged from the potent adamantine of the redoubt mine, but this was a significant concern. There were no significant leads, but any assistance the party could render would be well-receive. The party quickly assured him they would get on the case.
Tebur then dismissed the party, but kept Minos behind to speak with him privately. After a fast minute, Minos rejoined the party. He deflected gentle pressure regarding the nature of their conversation, and the party did not push him. The party returned to the inn, getting much-needed sleep.