Malbar presses you on up this new road, which leads you north-northwest. The land becomes more hilly, and Mt Godsland looms ahead. After awhile the road curves back to the northeast, and after a time you come to Borderland Keep, an outpost of civilisation in this wild land. On a ridge some miles behind it looms the bulk of the Black Keep, a vast ruined castle.
You stop for lunch at Borderland Keep. The guards at the gate recognise Drandar and Zanax and welcome them. Porkus, the innkeeper, gives them bear hugs and you all eat and drink for free.
As you are about to leave the Castellan himself enters to pay his respects. Drandar is surprised to discover that it is none other than his old adventuring buddy, Gnarsh the half orc. Orlon, Darian, Gonzo, Gilstrock, Occa and Robert also know him, thanks to several visits they paid to Kadlian's party last year.
"What a #$%%^#$%%^&^&!!! surprise!" Gnarsh exclaims, and bellows for more beer as he settles in for a chin wag.
You spend the afternoon drinking with Gnarsh and then he puts you up for the night in his keep.
"My thanks, Gnarsh, for your hospitality," Lo says with a smile.
"Urp," says Gnarsh, and passes out cold.
"Occa, if possible, I have acquired a few magical items that need identifying, could you do so before we go to Oerth?" he asks.
"Mm, seems this world does good for me, I feel like I have the body of a much younger man," he says as the pools seemed to have had quite a profound effect on his body and mind.