The battle for Rivergard Keep is over and the Cult of the Crushing Wave has fled. While we are victorious, the losses suffered by my companions are heavy, thanks in no small part to the emergence of Nidhogrym in the waning moments of the encounter. Our ranks were already running thin due to the ever-steady rain of frost arrows coming from the keep. So much so, that the appearance of the white dragon and his Cold Breath had many of us fearing that our mission would end in failure. Many of our gathering were temporarily taken out of the fight, Frozen in their tracks. So Vicious was Nidhogrym that his attacks continually kept us off balance, many times forgetting our bountiful training.

Our arrival at Rivergard Keep has unearthed a grave development. The scouts have returned with word that the keep is secretly inhabited by the Cult of the Crushing Wave and they have troops in place to prevent anyone from meddling in their unseemly machinations. Aeryn Crestin seems to be leading the motley crew of mercenaries which have been assembled to protect the keep. Astride a Giant Toad, he keeps watch over the force, his steed ready to Swallow Whole anyone disobeying its master’s wishes.

After a well-deserved rest following our adventure to the Primordial Graveyard, I find myself on another quest and am actually glad for the interruption to my lackadaisical days. I am joining Ulfgar Ironfist and his company for a mission to the Rivergard Keep. The shield dwarf fighter has long been an ally of the Order of the Gauntlet and is rumored to be highly proficient with his Arrow-catching Shield, which has saved him from many attacks if the rumors are to be believed. His enchanted Ring of the Ram has helped him in many combats by forcing his opponent to stand toe to toe with him rather than attack from the skies. Always ready with a Potion of Heroism to increase his combat abilities, it’s no wonder he’s been at this line of work for so many decades.

After a hard fought battle at the feet of Luminos the Mighty, we have been transported to our ultimate destination, the Primordial Graveyard. Here, I have witnessed an act unimaginable. Balagos has been slain; a victim of his own greed. In his place stands Maurghoros, whose spirit has emerged from a phylactery and taken possession of Balagos’ corpse as if it were his own body. As the battle begins, his fire breath engulfs several of my compatriots and I have to stay on the move in order to keep the flames from searing me. It is obvious that this evil foe is as much of a destroyer in death as he likely was in life. Maurghoros’ paralyzing touch has made several of our force easy targets for the rest of the Cult of the Dragon. My heart beats faster as I watch them stand stock still, unable to fend off their impending destruction, destined to see their fate sealed while they are powerless to defend themselves.

Ah, the exuberance of youth. While the massive adamantine doors in the courtyard of Luminos the Mighty seem barred by some mystical force, we have discovered a secret passage that seems to be leading us into the ancient hall of the cloud giant. We are joined by Eyruaad, the young offspring of Quelindritar. The young bronze dragon has enlightened us to all of the many tricks he has in his repertoire that will help in the upcoming skirmish. Like all bronze dragons, he has told us of the far-reaching effects of his lightning breath as well as his repulsion breath, which can severely hamper the combat effectiveness of opponents nearby him.

With all three mechanisms now activated, Pacatus has dispatched us to the courtyard of Luminos the Mighty where we are supposed to meet up with an ally he has sent ahead of us. As we race into the courtyard, I can hardly believe my eyes: Drizzt Do’Urden. He stands prepared for combat with his twin scimitars, Twinkle and Icingdeath, at the ready. Guenhwyvar, a huge and powerful-looking black panther, comes into view from behind one of the beautiful statues and I feel elated at the chance of seeing the duo perform in the upcoming battle. Though this chamber seems to be penned in by some invisible barrier overhead, I still hope for the opportunity to watch Drizzt wield the beautifully crafted Taulmaril in combat.