After a hard trek of several days, the landscape changes. Vast bogs stretch between the trees where the wetlands meet the woods. In the morning mist, large seeds float trough the air, like achenes found on dandelions, only a lot bigger. A watery sun tries to pierce the mists and gives the area a magical feel. However, that night, during one of the watches, the travelers notice a strange, dark bird watching their every move. The magicians try to take it down but before that happens it disappears in a thick, black cloud of smoke. It also has an effective magical defense, causing damaging spells to reflect back on the caster.
The Chain Gang
The camp is suddenly surrounded by Treemen, Dryads and Elves with bows. The crew is taken into captivity, blindfolded and taken to the Elf Court.
Off with their beards!
After these accusations, the adventurers have a chance to defend themselves.
Everyone does their best to dissuade the Elves of their bad intent and explain their plight to find the last Anathema. Especially Abel and Solar make eloquent speeches. But in the end, it is Gotrak who amazes all. He denounces any dark power and ostentatiously cuts off his own beard! (He reasons he has no honour left anyway).
This finally convinces the Queen and they are set free. On two conditions. First, they must kill the witch and secondly, they must get rid of the village Udo.
They agree and a big feast erupts, celebrating life in a way that only Woodelves can do. More of an orgy really.
The lair of the Swamp Hag
This proves to be the most formidable beast the heroes have ever fought but they manage to defeat it. With that, the crew has gained entry into the Witches Lair.