Chapter 39 - Back in Moonstairs

The heroes return in Moonstairs, where they find the Red Priest alive once again. She thanks them for recovering her soul, although she understands that her time will soon come to an end.
Waylander comes back from the Shadowfell into Zakonik's lair, and outside of the caves he finds a Shadar-kai legion, another gift from the Raven Queen. Waylader brings them to Moonstairs, and reunites with the others.

Our heroes decide to tavel to the Temple of the Sublime Way. Helped by powerful rituals, they make the long trip in a short time. Once there, they notice that new disciples are training at the Temple, under the vigilant eye of the Master.

Our heroes learn that the Temple is almost ready to bring its attack to the Emperor, though something is still missing. For once, Sunwrath, one of the Nine Swords, is still lost, and our heroes reveal that probably the sword is still in the Abyss, where Druss (an old companion) took it away. The last sword's location is known. It is the sword of Aramus, Lord Raven, and of course recover it will be the task of our heroes. Regarding Nightbringer, aka Umbral Awn, the Master informs them that Tharod has already recovered it. Surprised, Zakonik shows him his sword, and the worst happens.

Nightbringer possesses the barbarian, changing him into a black beast with steel claws, and attack the Master. After a deadly fight, Waylander manages to subdue the beast, and free Zakonik from its influence. While the false Nightbringer is still dormant, Waylander takes it, to deliver it to the Raven Queen, as he was instructed long ago.

Before leaving, Rudd is invested as an Adamantine Soldier, the Legendary Warrior that will bring honor and renown to the Sublime Way. The Master also shows the party the location of Unfettered, the Stone Dragon's sword, giving them a clear indication of where Lord Raven is. Unfortunately, it seems that his undead army is quickly approaching Moonstairs.

In the meanwhile, Ruby travels to Von Denn lands, to visit Count Von Denn, her patron. There, she reports about her recent findings, and aquire a few useful informations from him. Soon the Great Nations will meet in council to decide on a combined war effort, and Count Von Denn hopes to further his own goals with the help of Ruby and her powerful friends. Ruby, who also follows a private agenda, returns to Moonstairs to prepare her own plans.

The heroes meet in Moonstairs, and start preparing the defences of the town. Daedrie raises defenses with powerful rituals, Waylander prepares his Shadar-kai, Rudd readies his army, and Zakonik, having recently aquired leadership of the Grey Wolf barbarian tribe, who venerate hims as "the Punisher of the Gods", slowly recovers fro the loss of Nightbringer. Ruby, trying to get the support of the common people, travels from inn to inn to spread news of the Heroes arrival. In one of those inns, The Well of Worlds, she has a weird encounter.

Sitting at a gaming table, she sees a weary traveller in soft leather clothes, and a dark-skinned noble, probably hailing from the Southern Deserts. They invite her to a game of cards. She accepts, and learns too late that the playing cards are actually a Deck of Dragons, normally used for divination, and that the stakes are higher then she thought! The Traveler's stake are two stone dice, the Nobleman's stake is an old scroll, while Ruby's stake is her immortal soul!

As the game goes on, Ruby feels her life leaving her, but by carefully applying her guile to cheat (!), she manages to win the game. The Traveler tells her that the dice can become "anything she wants", while the Nobleman informs her to use the scroll "only when everything else fails". Then they both leave.

Daedrie receives a visit from Fennimar of the Circle, who informs her that the World Tree requires her presence. She decides to pay the ancient spirit a visit after the troubles in Moonstairs are over.