The group stood at the edge of the misty valley, their bruised bodies now healed.
The guardian of the Spring of Eternal Night lay defeated, its massive dragon form slowly dissolving into the mist. Blake carefully secured the vial of precious water he had asked Reggie to get in a padded compartment of his pack, his hands trembling slightly from the weight of their quest.
Blake was now silent, his mind clearly elsewhere. The others exchanged concerned glances but continued their discussion.
Randal sighed heavily, "We can't even approach Gladys for this. She's made it clear she doesn't care about... her own daughter." He caught himself before mentioning Rose's name, mindful of the ears that always seemed to be listening in this cursed valley.
Dumphries stroked his singed beard thoughtfully. "We'll have to head back to the vampire city. It's our best chance of finding an elder willing to help... or at least one we might be able to... persuade."
