The party spends a cautious morning recovering at Flynn’s tower before beginning their ascent in search of Bob. The climb proves harsh and dangerous, culminating in a deadly battle with giant spiders lurking beneath a precarious stone bridge. Signs of Bob grow stranger as the group pushes higher, and as sunset nears, they reach a blood-soaked spire that promises both answers and danger.

The party wakes beneath Flynn’s tower and is greeted by the smell of tea and fresh muffins. Flynn emerges cheerfully, followed soon by Lisa. The group is eager to observe the pair’s Talents, hoping to confirm that neither shows signs of corruption.

Flynn gestures proudly toward the muffins he baked, while Lisa explains that her Talent is calligraphy. Although her right arm remains injured, she makes a workable attempt with her left hand. The party is reassured, though among themselves they note that corruption is not the only reason a person might hide the truth.

After breakfast, the group begins the long climb up the mountain toward the suspected wyvern nest and, hopefully, Bob’s trail. The weather is crisp and mostly clear, though sharp gusts test their footing. The terrain grows steeper by the hour, defined by cliff bands, narrow shelves, and switchback ledges.

Signs of Bob’s passing are rare on the rocky ground, but occasional muddy patches show boot prints leading upward. There seem to be few alternate paths, so the party feels confident they are following the same route Bob took.

High overhead, they spot a lone eagle. Debate follows on whether it is ordinary or giant. When it circles close enough, they confirm it is a giant eagle and take cover among the stones until it drifts past.

With greater height, their view of the ruins below sharpens. They note that the outer structures remain relatively intact compared to the deep box canyon beneath them, where shattered walls and broken towers mark the most devastated part of Ravenfall. Further in still, beneath the mountain’s overhang, they glimpse an additional set of ruins hidden in shadow.

Climbing higher, the group reaches a massive chasm that blocks the rest of the ascent. Only a narrow stone finger, jutting across a seventy-five foot gap, allows passage.

They plan carefully. Using Fhino’s flight, ropes, and nearby rocks, they secure a handline along the narrow bridge. Even with the support line, the winds make the crossing precarious. Several members slip or stumble, but steady themselves before disaster strikes.

Bram is the last to cross. Midway across, his foot slides on loose stone and sends a shower of rock into the void below. He catches himself with a gasp of relief, but a moment later something wet splatters across his face. Confused, he glances upward, then downward.

From below the stone finger, several large spiders clamber upward.

Peering down, the party sees nearly invisible strands of web stretched across the chasm, catching the fallen debris. More spiders emerge from beneath the overhanging edges and begin to swarm the crossing.

The battle is brutal. The spiders’ venom sickens several members, and the constant threat of falling adds tension to every step. Larger spiders emerge as the fight drags on, ending with a massive, venom-spitting queen. With fire, determination, and Winston's sticky tongue, the group manages to burn the webs, drive back the swarm, and get Bram to safety.

Catching their breath among the rocks on the far side, they find a chalk marking on the nearby stone. The symbol is from the Aegis Archive, but warped and incorrect. Bob passed this way, and he does not seem well.

They also notice the spiders’ reddish markings and eight eyes, mirroring the idol Bob stole. The chasm they crossed lies directly above the most damaged region of the ruins far below.

After tending their wounds and resting briefly, the group continues the ascent. At last they reach the highest accessible peak. The terrain ahead rises into a jagged rock spire stained with gore. It is clearly a perch for something large, though the exact creature remains uncertain. Beneath the spire they notice the mouth of a small cave, but they would need to get closer to know what lives within.

They also note with concern that Bob’s trail did not clearly diverge from the main ascent. If he came this way, where is he? Did he become a meal, or is he somewhere nearby?

As the sun dips toward the mountain ridges, the group considers their next move.

The party has followed Bob’s path into increasingly perilous terrain. With night approaching and a blood-soaked spire ahead, the group prepares for whatever lives within the cave and whatever fate has befallen Bob.