Letter from Kethanis Whitebranch

Letter received Fharlon 24th, 1221 CA, at the Bronze Boot in Castleton, delivered via hawk.

This letter is written in a rough, slanting cursive.

Good day, adventurers; or perhaps good evening, if night has fallen by the time you receive this letter.

I hope this note finds you in good health and safety. The wolf you rescued has been faring very well, you may be happy to know. She is responding very well to training, and speaking with her has revealed that my thoughts on what had happened in Castleton were correct. She spoke of a fogginess that came over her mind shortly after she saw the Fallen, and when it cleared, she was being attacked by smaller wolves – I can only imagine that she meant the worgs that those goblins were riding. How are they, by the way? It only occurred to me after I had taken the wolf away that the larger of the two worgs had a significant injury on its foreleg. I can only hope that it doesn't cause lasting problems... Was it healed after my departure?

I am sure that you wish to hear good news about the Fallen, but unfortunately, information about her seems to be as scarce as oak leaves in winter. None of the local druids I conversed with seem to recall a fallen druid matching her physical description, although one that I spoke to did see her leaving Castleton while conversing with a fel-touched raven. Speaking with the wolf was somewhat more productive, as she could remember where she was when she first encountered the Fallen. It seems she had traveled for quite some distance before reaching Castleton; she spoke of a stream near a human village to the southeast, which by her description I can only assume is the town of Redtree half a day's travel away on foot. When I questioned my fellows about the area, some recalled hearing about troubles with streams and ponds drying up near the village; I have no doubt that if you seek the Fallen, you will find her base of operations in the forests near that village and stream.

I have enclosed a map marked with the probable location of the stream, along with a few small gifts that may aid you should you choose to pursue the Fallen. I believe I counted eight members of your group, not counting the worgs or goblins; these potions should be enough for everyone, though I may have misremembered how many people were present. The vials with oaken stoppers contain a useful, if short-lived, enchantment that should assist you should you encounter any other natural animals that the Fallen has tricked into serving her. After consuming it, you will be invisible and undetectable by any animals nearby for roughly ten minutes; however, it's important that you do not attack any creature while you are under the spell's influence. If you do, the spell will break, so please be careful. The spell contained in the vials tied together with grape vine is longer-lived, but still has limits. We folk of the wild know ways of traveling through natural areas without leaving a trail; if you imbibe those infusions, they will confer a similar ability onto you for an hour. While you are affected by the spell, you will be able to move without leaving either visible tracks or a scent trail, but keep in mind that the spell only lasts for one hour. Hopefully, that will be enough time for you to reach safety, or to find your quarry.

When you have finished reading this note and have removed the pouch with the vials from Koehel's back (and attached a reply to him if you wish), simply open the door or window and tell him to “go home.” He will be able to find me (and deliver your message, should you have one). Don't worry, he is very gentle as long as you don't try to harm him or me.

May the wind always be at your back!

Sincerely,

Kethanis Whitebranch

Warden of Kimoshalex's Basin