Return to the Temple of Howling Hatred
The group fought valiantly but the flame cultists were much too powerful for the party to take down. Akraliph arose first surrounded by flame cult guards and the priest close by. She begged to be allowed to try and save them. Surprisingly the fire cult members allowed this and she was able to bandage Og and save his life. Yarabon recovered on her own, her barbarian body weak but stable. Surprisingly the priest whose body is wreathed in flames walked over to Taten and began tending to his wounds. When Akraliph got to him his pulse was faint but he still yet lived
The surviving members have their heads covered with hoods then they are knocked unconcious and are taken away by the cultists. They awaken to an unbearably hot room and see This room has a wide alcove in the east wall. A raised dais with an altar fills the alcove. Flanking the dais are two smoking braziers and two flickering torches in sconces. Rich tapestries decorate the walls. The tapestry behind the dais is adorned with a stylized cauldron symbol.
In front of the Dais is a female tiefling worshipping with a wicked flint dagger in her hand. The blade is uncommonly sharp and sparks cascade off its edge as she strikes something solid on the altar. With the strike you also see the now blood covered blade starting to smolder and fills the already smokey room with a strong burnt smell.
Flanking the tiefling woman are two of the flame wreathed priests the party has seen before and in braziers in front of them are fire elementals moving and flowing to the movements and prayers of these creatures.
The woman turns towards the party sheathing the blood covered dagger. "You all are finally awake... My name is Vanifer and welcome to the cult of the one true power...the almighty flame! The loyal servants who fought you told me you fought well, and could be of value to us, so you have a choice. Follow my proposal...or die.
Seeing they had no other options and being surprised they were still alive the party all shook their heads in unison to accept the proposal.
The tiefling woman smiles a large evil grin. "Good, I need you to kill Gar Shatterkeel. Do this for me and you may live. Harness the rage that you have, let the fire flow through you and embrace the gift that is coming. Do this for me and repent and mayhaps mercy may be given by the element of true purity upon your tainted mortal souls."
The party nods in agreement and when they do Vanifer shows the party how to get to Riverguard Keep and that it is a front for the temple that Gar resides in. Then the group has their heads covered again and they are knocked unconscious and dragged out into the hills. When they awake they find a letter pinned to Og's chest with the direction and miles to reach Riverguard keep from their current location. They find all of their gear is intact and spend the evening resting before heading out on foot to Riverguard. With their mounts gone and a serious overwhelming threat watching over them it seems like suicide to do anything else.