Copper Compendium, Page three

I wanted to thank you again for making the trip to Freeport to assist me with my assignments here. Not only were you instumental in fulfilling my mission, it was also good to again travel with a dear and respected friend such as yourself. My only regret is that we were unable to travel to Faydark to finish my task of dispatching the foul orcs that infest that region. I had no idea that we would be reassigned to a reconnaissance mission in the area known as "Befallen".

I have since learned that the order to investigate the upper floors of Befallen came from one of the top commanders in the Hall of Truth. It seems they have a particular interest in the recent influx of undead activity in that area. I'm sure I would not have been able to complete the scouting mission had it not been for your able assistance. I'm certain we will both not soon forget the terrible sights we witnessed in that place. The eerie, blue glow that hangs within that wretched tomb still sends a shiver to my spine and the tormented howling from the tortured souls of the undead echoes through my dreams at night.

I issued a full report to my superiors about the many skeletons and zombies that we encountered there. I also brought back samples of their bones so that the clerics of the hall could study their properties and attempt to discover the origins of their summoning. I made a special note in my report about the numerous plagued rats that we left littering the ground. They were most pleased by the key that was discoverd on the body of the ShadowKnight that we defeated. I was surprised by the ease with which we dispatched the Knight. Perhaps he was only a guard for something much more sinister in the lower levels of that evil place. I included with the key, the map that you sketched out and I indicated on the map which door the key opened. I think your advice not to venture past that door was wise. I fear that if the terrible howls and screams were any indication, we would have been severly outmatched in that area. My captain said he would let me know if he requires me to investigate the lower levels of that place. Inwardly I hope I don't receive that assignment, but Mithaniel Marr's will is unquestioned and I will do what I must.

Currently, I am in the midst of a rather interesting task. I have been assigned as a liason to a rather fascinating visitor to Freeport. It seems that the Rivervale Militia has sent over one of its finest members to explore Freeport and its surrounding regions. I think it is some sort of exchange program where we have sent one of our Paladins to Rivervale in exchange for one of their militiamen. This Halfling Warrior (who goes by the name of Beleric) is an interesting character indeed. I have never seen so much energy in all my days. He rarely stops moving and that holds true for his feet and his tongue. He is constantly running around, jabbering about something. It took some getting used to at first. All this activity comes at a price, however. I have never seen anyone or anything eat as much as this little fellow. Cakes, pies, fish, bread, rations. . . if it isn't tied down it will find its way into the gullet of this vivacious Halfling. What he lacks in table manners, though, he surely makes up for in ability. He is a valiant combatant and I am learning much from him. I hope he gains as much from his experience with me.

I am still traveling with Elorebaen, Aryndel and Aphra (all of whom you met on your visit here). Together with the Halfling Beleric we have been exploring the outer regions of Freeport to give Beleric a feel for this great city. Just yesterday we happened upon an undiscovered outpost of orc centurians. It appears that the orcs are once again trying to gain another foothold in this region. Undoubtedly, we will spend the next few days here dislodging the orcs from this area.

The next correspondence you recieve from me will probably come from Rivervale as I plan to escort Beleric back to his home when his time is up here. Thank you again for your valuable assistance last week. I will look forward to my next visit to Halas where we can share a warm tankard of Barbarian Ale. Take care of yourself friend until we speak again.