The wind and snow still raged over the Great Swamp.
Across the vast expanse of white, nothing could be heard but the wind rattling dead trees and broken branches, and the faint sound of snow settling on the ground. This place was always so desolate, so lonely. Even the most vicious Hobgoblins and Gnolls had gone into hiding.
Light flashed, and Aaron and the others dropped into the swamp.
Still in his Keeper of Secrets Transformation, Aaron caught the young Sorcerer lady in a perfect bridal carry, while the Ascetic Kong drifted gently to the ground using the Monk ability Slow Fall.
Only Reynard received no protection. The Paladin plummeted from the sky and slammed into the ice covering the marsh. Snow flew up with the heavy impact. The handsome Senior nearly landed on his face, leaving him thoroughly battered and dizzy.
"Ow!" Reynard groaned repeatedly. It took the Paladin several seconds to roll over and face the sky. Watching the snow drifting down, he lay spread-eagled on his back and complained, "Couldn't one of you have caught me?"
Before Aaron or the others could answer, Reynard could no longer hold back his laughter. "Hahahahaha!"
"Hahahahahahahahaha!"
"Junior, Master Kong, did you hear that? That Dracolich was absolutely furious."
"Haha, I never imagined it! We came here to investigate Junior's situation, and ended up raiding the Cult of the Dragon's lair. And we all got out in one piece!"
"Just thinking about how the Cult of the Dragon probably still has no idea what happened makes me laugh. Hahahaha!"
The Paladin laughed heartily and without reserve, his laughter wonderfully infectious.
His sunny warmth spread to the others. The young lady was the first to break into unrestrained giggles, burying her head in Aaron's chest. Aaron joined in with loud laughter. This