Before the heroes could venture out into the void, they required the aid of a skilled captain.

After some searching, Glimwick introduced the party to Aelios, an elf captain in search of a ship. Although he was as aloof and abrasive as any elf, his experience in the void was far to useful to ignore. The fact that he had a map leading to an ancient library didn't hurt his chances.

So, despite Elyas' misgivings, the crew agreed to contract Aelion for one voyage at 3 shares of whatever salvage is recovered. Aelion had his wildlings clean and prepare the Chance for departure.

Meanwhile, the party gathered supplies and Khala sought out Joseth Truthbearer. Anyone asked laughed off the request mocking the so-called priest as possibly glowmad due to his worship of Vecna as a goddess of love. Khala left a message for Truthbearer with the courier's guild and made his way back to the ship.

Shortly out of harbor, it became apparent that a stowaway was onboard. A human female named Miri had slipped aboard and requested passage to... wherever they were going. Although they were suspicious of her, she proved to be more than capable on a skiff and more than earned her bunk.

Their destination was Brideways. Aelion's map detailed a hidden monastery within one of the underisles. Unfortunately for the party, Aelion only had half of the map. His half depicted the location, but nothing more. The other half was stolen by his former partner, an elf named Caerok. If they could reach the monastery before Caerok's men, they might be able to stake a claim.

The journey was a long one; nearly five weeks in the void is no easy task. The party fought off boredom the best way they could: Khala focused on learning everything there was to know about sailing; Glimwick poured himself into his studies; Areothotis spent time learning about his new companions; Meanwhile, Elyas kept his sword-skills honed... even sparring with Aelion, in what was as much a show of character as skill.

Finally arriving in Bridgeways, they saw that Caerok's ship, the Windswept Willow was already docked. After a hurried rush through the city and a daring repell down the side of an isle, the party entered the caverns.

Reaching the monastery, Glimwick's magical light stole from them any chance of surprise; not that it would have helped, as Caerok was already exiting the small temple. "Do not let them follow me." was all he said, making a quick exit down another cavern.

Areothotis and the guild-wizard, Ghena, sought a diplomatic resolution, though no one else in the cavern wasted time with words. The skirmish was over quickly and, despite Areothotis' pleas to not kill, Khala thrust Caerok's first mate down a chasm to his death.

Ghena wisely surrendered, but warned them of their actions. She was officially contracted to this job, making their interference illegal. Glimwick shrugged, siting the age old adage, "In for a cog, in for some gears" before examining the temple.

It was much too small to house an ancient library, consisting of only one room with a small pedestal with a small amount of dust coating it. Glimwick quickly deduced that this room housed the earth used to locate the monastery. He quickly gathered up what was left, though it was not enough to use a waysphere.

Upon exiting, Miri--who had been on lookout--pointed to the Windswept Willow getting away. Before they could reach the Chance, however, they ran into a group of Trade Council soldiers; one of which recognized Miri and ordered her capture...along with her crew!