Tomb of Annihilation: 14
Dearest Skye,
I find myself writing to you again, the hush of the night in the Port Nyanzaru as my only companion. We continue to traverse the labyrinth of our adventure and each new corner reveals another mystery, another challenge, another wave of yearning for you.
We began by debating over the scrolls Wakanga had given us, with Delores reluctantly accepting the plan to sell some. The Old City, our destination, was a place of despair where the poorest were reduced to shadows of existence. Angle led us into its depths and there we met Toraji, an odd yet affable old man. His willingness to purchase the scrolls was met with relief and our collective purse was greatly enriched by 54,000 gold pieces.
In the midst of this newfound wealth, we turned our attention to the market. The bustle and clamour were a stark contrast to the forlorn Old City, a poignant reminder of the world’s inequality. We bought everything from provisions to pets; Seki adopted a triceratops, naming her Chickpea, while De’leon took in a flying monkey and called him Mischief. Orladhall found himself a flying snake he named Nimbus. All our new companions were dressed in protective armour. Angle even acquired chain mail for Pegasus.
We also had the pleasure of visiting the home of Ekene-Afa, a retired gladiator and now a merchant prince. Her arsenal of enchanted weapons held us in awe, especially the yklwa, a spear unique to Chult. Most of us decided to purchase one, along with various magical shields and ammunition. Ekene-Afa mentioned our upcoming fight in the coliseum with a gleam in her eyes, but offered no insights about our opponents.
As dusk fell, we found ourselves in the imposing coliseum, amid a roaring crowd and a strong guard presence. The rules were explained to us: three mystery opponents, one-minute breaks, and a grand prize waiting at the end. Seki and Delores chose not to participate, leaving Angle, De’leon, Orhadhall, and me to represent the Shiny Happy People. As we prepared, I noticed Orladhall wincing with discomfort, his hand constantly going to his shoulder, but he reassured us he was ready.
The first battle was upon us. The ring of Ekene-Afa’s gong echoed in the air as seven ferocious tigers were released. As I squared off against the beasts, the echoes of your encouraging words rang in my ears.
I wish you were here, my love, to witness this wild dance of life and death. But I find comfort in the certainty that you watch over me, guiding my every move. I long to see you again, Skye. Until then, I fight and live in your memory.
Yours forever,
Mugen
