Editing Journal - The Hunt for Kellerot (section)

==Rest and Recuperation==

Despite our efforts to get Custor's attention there was still no sign of any rescue, and we did not know of any means to get back on our own. We wandered back to the beach, discovering that the doorway that had led into the lizard's lair was not there any more, just solid rock where we knew it had once stood. It took most of the day before we were fortunate and a fishing boat took pity on us, tacking closer to see why we were waving at every boat that passed. They were surprised to find that we were stranded, wondering what had happened to our boat, and a bit incredulous when we said that we had walked there! Thankfully they were happy to convey Father Arad wherever he wished, which was first to Custor's island. Arad blessed them and the journey before we set out by way of a simple reward for their assistance.

We found Custor's island teeming with activity. The Red Skull clan was erecting fortifications all around with ballistae and defensive positions clearly preparing for any kind of assault, and we were to later see that there was similar activity on Gilrad's island. Falcor would stay with Custor for training, while I sought out a shaman to talk to about my experience with Karmana, and Arad paid with some of the metal that had been delivered by the Elvradhil for training sessions with a weapon master. Both Arad and I made the journey to the temple first, and Arad talked to Gilrad about the state of the people there. I left Birt's head in his care to make sure that his soul would find its way to the Creator, and I gifted my share of the metal to the village to trade with the Saloroc.

I then traveled into the woods to the north, spending time with one of the Saloroc who did not affiliate with any particular clan but instead had a close connection with nature, and therefore Karmana (or Korman as they know her). I learned much about the natural world, although it was perhaps too much to take in all in one go, so I would have to return again when we had the chance. I also learned more about channeling the power of nature when it was needed, although there was always a cost of doing so. I improved my ability to converse in the Saloroc tongue to the point where I could at least hold normal conversations, and a few with a bit more detail - especially involving nature. I also started some basic swimming lessons, as well as trying to get the hang of using a morning star instead of a sword in combat. I had a long way to go with those skills, though!

I was glad to discover that the Elvradhil had reoccupied their halls in the north of the island, and what's more they were willing to trade with us - especially gems but we got the impression that they were just glad to be back and involved with other races on the surface of Karmana.

When we had all finished what training we could, traded for what we thought we might need, and benefited from Falcor's ability to identify some of the magical items we had gathered, we met to discuss our next steps at Custor's tower. He had informed us that Kellerot was on the small island just to the south of where we were, but warned that the island was an intersection between the Land of the Dead and Karmana, so anything that died there would be trapped in a limbo between worlds. Souls trapped there could not escape, and bodies would continue to exist with a semblance of life in some way. We also discussed what I had learned about the orc clans, the lizards, and their intent when I had showed the note we had found to my mentor.

The Red Skull Clan were willing to sail us to Kellerot's island, and also to fortify a beach position whilst waiting for us... although for no longer than a week. I doubt that after a week we would be returning alive... unless we get mixed up in a time shift by stepping between worlds (really hope that's not prophetic). At any rate, we had a purpose and a means to reach it, so we were ready.