The Party makes its way from the town of Shamar to the Mountain of Al Arzum. Although the mine entrance is occasionally visible from the road, once they reach the plateau that is their goal, it is hidden by a shoulder of the mountain. On that plateau is a vast array of massive stones, some fallen, many still standing in patterns that, despite the tales of Jafar, were obviously set by an ancient intelligence.
Shadya determines that the horses should be sheltered in one of the smaller stone circles, as the conditions 'round the large one wherein they expect to find the entrance to the Well risk damage to these beloved steeds. The site she selects, however, shows evidence of swelling: piled brush, gnawed bone, and a crude roofing. As they examine the place, Nasir points to a bush some ways away atop which the large point of a spear is visible. Fiamma elects to provide distraction by sitting down and strumming her instrument. Orlando offers to scout ... and, too late, it is clear that his white garments make him more visible than his size would warrant. Shadya determines to sneak 'round about to provide backup for Orlando.
Suddenly there is a roar from the bush and Orlando comes running out - only to be crushed under a rock pitched therefrom. Shadya immediately rushes to avenge and takes an ogre by surprise. The ensuing battle is one-sided; the surprise attack is apparently more effective than usual. The ogre falls.
Meanwhile Fiamma has lifted the rock and found Orlando more pinned than crushed. Shadya comes and tries to use her bandages and dexterity to care for the small man's injuries. Not being able to do anything more, Shadya warns Orlando to be careful.
Fiamma searches the ogre's dwelling, noting that the bones are, many of them, human in origin. She finds some bits of jewelry - particularly a cloudy stone on a thong - as well as a map and a scroll case. Shadya sees that the map is Ashartic, showing a well and an "x" at a little distance from the well. Fiamma finds the scroll to be "Protection from Lightning."
Meanwhile, the only thing else Nasir has spotted is some large, apparently sleeping, owls on the standing stones of the Large Circle. The group decides that trying to reach the well now - as opposed to waiting for night - lessens the time they would have to stay in the dragon's vicinity and so, cautiously, they enter the Large Circle.
Nasir finds a small lizard and Shadya, recalling the Arzum's warning, kills it.
There is a well there. As this does not seem to match the monkey's description of being underground, the group elects to explore the pile of fallen rocks in another corner. Orlando determines that there is indeed a series of stair steps down under the pile, but that three of the massive fallen stones are placed such that someone as large as Shadya could not get to the stairs. Shadya considers what a lever might do and Fiamma recalls the ogre's spear. Shadya carefully goes to recover the spear. It proves to be an adequate lever. She is able to shift one of the stones enough to allow herself entrance.
Below, they find more massive construction, but, upon entering one of the buildings of the underground town, decide they must go back to the horses and arrange for light. There seems no other way to explore all this area elsewise.
Topside again, they decide to at least check the well. Lowered down, Orlando reports that it is completely dry and that there are passageways leading in and out of it. The party discusses the possibility of all descending and exploring via that venue.
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