The party trudged along the path toward the abbey, the cold wind biting at their faces. Along the way, they came across a run-down store, its faded sign barely legible. Hoping to acquire more resources, they decided to step inside. The store was bleak and nearly barren, with shelves that once held goods now covered in dust. On the counter, however, sat a single perfect crystalline red rose, its vibrant color a stark contrast to the dreary surroundings. “How much for the rose?” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] asked, leaning on the counter. The store owner, a pale, hollow-eyed man, shook his head. “Not for sale. It’s my only bit of color. I’d sooner give up my life than part with it.” The party exchanged glances. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]], [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]], and [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] huddled together, whispering about a plan. [[Ellette|Ellette]], frowning, stepped away. “I want no part in this,” she said sharply, leaving the store. The remaining party members executed their plan. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] cast _Minor Illusion_ to create a copy of the rose on the counter while [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] distracted the owner, asking him to check the back room for health potions. As soon as the man disappeared, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] grabbed the real rose and a couple of health potions, leaving behind what little change he had. They slipped out of the store, the illusory rose in place. Outside, [[Ellette|Ellette]] glared at them. “We’re better than this,” she said. “We’ll need it,” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] replied firmly. “You’ll see.” The party continued toward the abbey, eventually reaching a set of worn stone steps. As they ascended, the surroundings changed, revealing a small graveyard. Some graves were freshly dug, while others had been desecrated, the soil turned and the headstones broken. A pristine fountain stood in the centre, its water shimmering unnaturally in the dim light. “This doesn’t feel right,” [[Ellette|Ellette]] said, eyeing the fountain warily. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]], however, pushed past her, his curiosity piqued. He filled a flask with the water and, without hesitation, drank directly from the fountain. The change was immediate. His reflection disappeared from the water, and his golden scales turned a dull, lifeless gray. “[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] shouted, grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the fountain. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] helped, carefully avoiding the water. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] blinked slowly, as if waking from a deep slumber. His expression twisted into a smug grin. “Interesting,” he said, his voice colder than before. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Are you all right?” In response, [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] raised his hand and unleashed an _Eldritch Blast_ at [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], barely missing him. The party froze in shock. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] had never known that spell. “What have you done?” [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] asked, her voice trembling. [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped between [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] and the rest of the group, her blade drawn. “Who are you? What are you?” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] laughed, a hollow, menacing sound. “Weak. All of you. But don’t worry—I’ll make use of you until you’re no longer necessary.” The party argued fiercely, debating what to do. “We can’t let him loose,” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] said. “But if there’s a chance to save him, we have to try.” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] nodded, his voice firm. “We keep him close. Watch him. And we find a way to get his soul back.” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] smirked, leaning casually against a gravestone. “Do what you will. I’m still here—for now.” The party pressed on, tension thick in the air. The steps wound higher, leading them to the abbey’s entrance. As they approached, they saw an imposing figure standing outside the gates, flanked by four hooded individuals. The figure’s white robes gleamed in the pale light, and his presence exuded an unnatural calm. “That must be the Abbot,” [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] whispered. The party tightened their grips on their weapons, unsure of what awaited them within the abbey’s walls. [[Chapter 64. The Abbott's request]]