The Patrol That Did Not Return

Remy also warns that murlocs along the eastern waterways are attacking travelers. Dughan has gnolls and bandits competing for his attention, but sends a recruit to Guard Thomas for a clearer report. Thomas has already dispatched Rolf and Malakai on patrol. Neither has returned.

The search follows the river and signs of murloc activity toward Stone Cairn Lake. The recovered medallions bring the answer Thomas feared: both guards are dead. His report to Dughan describes a threat his available soldiers cannot contain. The army’s bounty and Dughan’s reward of armor are part of a defense increasingly dependent on outside help.

Eastvale’s workers face their own interruption. Wolves and bears have driven them from their work, leaving lumber behind while a delivery deadline approaches. The eastern frontier is not one battle with a decisive ending. It is a chain of exposed roads, missing people and unfinished work.