So near, yet so far ...

The tactics developed by the Order for use on the climb worked perfectly. Even the strongest foes who tried to stop us were dealt with, their torn bodies plummeting from the wall to crash down to the ground far below. Strike, and again, pause when necessary, and another would take up the fight. And my beloved Ellyana took advantage of lulls in the action to heal and bless. Our wild enterprise could never have paid off without her knowledge and cool appraisal of everyone's health. She, at least as much as any of the protectors who led the party, was responsible for the success of our mission.

It's a dark, terrible, twisted place. For now at least I'd rather not dwell on what I and others saw and heard. Suffice it to say we were surrounded and beset by horror and nightmare as we fought our way through. There were many false starts as we came upon dead ends amongst those twisted passages. Parties were sent to rescue the lost or trapped, searches were made. At last I found Ellyana in one of the cells, its door smashed open, and saw her cradling BoBo. She held his hand, and he was able to give her hand the slightest squeeze in return. Just enough to show that there was still life in that little body, and enough to bring tears of joy to Ellyana's eyes on realising that one of those taken so long ago could be saved. And then there was news of Tyral, and Scooter too. They were taken to a rally-point where they could be looked after, and we plunged back into darkness.
We got lost - it was inevitable - but fought on as we found a path, and eventually linked up with others who'd made their own way to our target. And then a long hard fight as we climbed stairs that seemed never-ending. Combat was brutal and bloody, many at one time or another falling and fighting their way back. By the time we reached the top I was exhausted, and a final plunge to a monument left me lying insensible as affairs were concluded, and for many marcs afterward.

Since then, I've been questioning some of the others who were there, those with more fortitude who were able to see things through to their end. And while I did that I roamed those passages, now more quiet but still not totally safe, as I slowly made my way back out into the Zone. More surprises awaited me there, but I've learned too little of those to be able to assess the situation as yet. There'll be time once strength and energy return, but not until I know that Ellyana is rested and well. I have some sketchy details of what transpired, and when there's opportunity we can discuss all that occurred, and what's been happening since. And try to figure out what the future may hold.

For myself - well, there's been much to think about. So near, as I said - though barely able to walk or think clearly I did at least reach the top of that tower along with many others. But so far away, as weakness finally held me at that monument while others saw the task through. And the deepest regret of all is the inability on my part to fulfil a pledge made.