The party are blown off course.

The storm was on them in a matter of seconds. As it closed, Marielle recognized it as the same demonic cloud that had engulfed her on Vangel. She knew what it was capable of, but was helpless to escape its grasp. She would have to try her best to get to shore before it's effects could go to her head. She yelled to Brynn to hold onto something as she tried to steer into the waves, the challenge of the storm too great for her to warn her of what was to come. The concerningly familiar warmth enveloped her, but the fear of drowning overcame any sense of pleasure derived from the storm. Adrenaline took precedence as she navigated the waters. Her instincts told her she needed to get out of the water, NOW. She drove the sloop to the nearest safe-looking shallow, practically grounding it into the sand as the boat lurched ashore.

As soon as the travelers touched solid ground, the storm mysteriously abated. They tried to take in their surroundings. They found themselves along woods off the coast. Marielle's experience as a traveler told her they were substantially north of where she had intended to land, but she was confident that she could navigate them back to the temple.

"We're not alone here!" Brynn called out from a short distance down the beach. Marielle drew her sword and ran to the call. She found the redhead near the ruins of another small boat. "My guess is they also got caught in the storm..."

"Which means they aren't far off." Marielle finished. "Come." They snuck into the wood, following the broken bushes and trampled grasses. Whomever had preceded them had not aimed to hide their travels. After a time, they came to a clearing.

They found a Kobold, dead, his neck broken, clear signs of a struggle. As they scanned the copse, they heard a small whimper. Following the sound, they came across a woman, naked and chained. Her ass shook invitingly as she tried to hide. Hearing footsteps, she turned. First in fright, then relief. Clearly the travelers were not who she was expecting.

"Please. You have to help me. I saw my opportunity and..... and.... got away from master. But if they find me they'll-"

Marielle placed a hand on her bare shoulder, calming the woman somewhat. "Slow down, we mean you no harm. Who was your master? Who is looking for you?"

She looked to the clearing. Her gaze providing answer enough to the first question. "They call themselves the servants of Asmodeus. All manner of monster. They raided my village. Killed the men and the old. The young women.... ended up like me. You have to break my chains." She motioned to the manacles around her wrists and ankles. "I know these woods. I can get to safety on my own. I was also a skilled herbalist in my village. I could repay you."

Marielle had no intention of leaving the woman to her fate. The question was, how to free her? And could they do so before the rest of the raiding party found them?