Cyne turned wide eyes to Horton. "This seems to be a confession of some sort  - listen," she spoke softly as she began translating the text,

“I never meant for them to actually use those texts. They were just experimental. Brother Amir had me working on his theory of realms.”

“Realms?” Horton blinked.

“The earth I give to the sons of men,” Cyne said. “The scribe was obsessed with that passage. He wondered if the gods had given us this world, but they could still touch it, if we might be able to touch theirs. He wanted to truly know the gods, to see them face to face.”

Horton was not sure what that was supposed to mean. Fortunately, Cyne did, “He was seeking a way to walk between the Veils. Or the study of them, anyway. There are several passages where it mentions people traveling between this world and… others.”

Father Aelar spoke up with a choked whisper. “Humans… we belong to this world… or at least our bodies do. Unless the gods grant it, we can not travel between worlds. But unless we grant it, nothing can travel into ours, either.”

“So, somehow, these texts taught how to summon gods?” Horton said with a slight edge to his voice.

“Gods?” Father Aelar coughed. “No, not gods - though that may have been the original intent. I fear they summoned the darkness - if not The Darkness, instead."

Cyne nodded slowly. "That fits with this later passage.”

... I regret ever showing them that early research or the compendium of sources. I did not realize what they were attempting until it was too late. I fear my soul is cursed for what I allowed them to unleash.

Horton shook his head slowly. "Well, that seems to be the origin of the Darkness. I wonder if it was called up but is stuck to this area for some reason. Perhaps that thing about balance and sacrifices. It is tied to the place it was raised? I never encountered any of this in my training. Father Aelar, is this part of your training or teachings?"

Father Aelar, visibly shaken by the revelations in the texts and the implications they carry, takes a moment to gather his thoughts before responding to Horton. "No, Horton," he begins, his voice steady but filled with concern. "This...this is not part of any teachings I am aware of. The notion of summoning beings from other realms, let alone the gods themselves, is heretical and dangerous. The concept of a 'God Pact' and the limitations placed on deities' interactions with the mortal realm—it's not something the church openly discusses, if it knows of it at all."

He pauses, looking around at the gathered scholars and villagers, all absorbed in their research, oblivious to the gravity of the conversation between Horton and himself. "This theory of realms, and the ability to walk between them, is deeply troubling. It suggests knowledge and practices far beyond what is permitted by our faith or any conventional understanding of the divine."

Father Aelar leans closer, lowering his voice further. "We must tread carefully, Horton. This information, if true, could upend much of what we believe about our world and the divine. The implications of summoning The Darkness, whether intentionally or not, are dire. If it is indeed tied to this place due to a failure to maintain some sort of cosmic balance or an improperly conducted ritual, we may be dealing with a threat that cannot simply be prayed away or banished with holy symbols."

A grim realization dawns on both Horton and Father Aelar. The disappearances, the encroaching darkness, and the strange occurrences in Dunwich might all be linked to this ancient, forbidden knowledge. "We need to consider our next steps very carefully," Father Aelar continues. "If the Darkness was summoned here and is bound to this place, there might be a way to reverse the process or at least contain it. But we will need expertise beyond what we have here—scholars of the arcane, perhaps, or those versed in ancient and forbidden lore."

Horton nods in agreement, the weight of their discovery settling heavily upon him. "I will reach out to Brightwater Chapel again, pressing the urgency of our situation. And perhaps it's time to seek allies beyond the church—anyone who might have knowledge of these realms, the God Pact, or the principle of sacrifice as it relates to maintaining balance."

Father Aelar places a hand on Horton's shoulder, offering a silent show of support. "I will assist in any way I can. And I will pray for guidance—for both of us. We stand on the brink of uncovering truths that have long been hidden. Be cautious, Horton. The path you walk now is fraught with dangers, both seen and unseen."

As Horton prepares to leave, his mind races with the enormity of the task ahead. The discoveries made in the archives not only provide clues to the nature of the Darkness but also challenge the foundational beliefs of his faith. With a mixture of determination and trepidation, Horton sets out to confront the darkness, armed with newfound knowledge and a resolve to protect Dunwich and its people at all costs.

Horton's mind was full of questions after the day of 'revelations' found in the old church library.  Nothing gave direct answers; only more trails to explore.  Walking across the town, Horton decided to consult with Captain Hart.  

"Captain, can you show me on a map where our patrols have been to date?   I keep thinking we are missing some spots that needs a closer examination," asked Horton - with an eye toward locating the Darkness beside aimlessly walking in circles in the woods.

Before heading off for a meal and a nap for the next night patrol, Horton will pen a long letter to his mentor at Brightwater Chapel.  Explaining the pieces they uncovered and the potential for chaos the knowledge might create.  He wil also ask questions about 'realms, walking between planes, and balance' in the hopes of clarification and his concerns about the arcane aspect to these writings and concepts.   Whether there was someone known to Brightwater Chapel that might be of assistance in this mystery.

Horton was less than pleased with the current situation.  None of his messages or inquiries had returned to Dunwich yet.  He was still working in the dark - literally.   

The nightly patrols were still ongoing but had yet to encounter anything of note; no kidnappers, smugglers or odd, unexplained happenings.   Horton himself had continued accompanying the patrols and taking himself further and further away from the main body to explore the woods and those spots Captain Hart had pointed out.   So far, nothing of note. 

And, Captain Hart had not yet heard back from those trackers and scouts sent out to the outlying farms.   Horton felt like time was running out on those who vanished.

In the map room with Captain Hart, Horton pores over the detailed maps of Dunwich and its surroundings. The Captain, with practiced hands, points out the areas their patrols have covered, highlighting the regular routes and the spots known for unusual activities. Together, they identify potential areas that have been overlooked or merit a closer investigation, particularly those that might align with the historical occurrences and the recent unsettling discoveries in the church's archives.

As they examine the map, Horton's intuition guides him to focus on areas where the natural environment might conceal entrances to other realms or places of power that could serve as focal points for the Darkness. These could be ancient ruins, natural springs rumored to have mystical properties, or dense, old-growth sections of the forest where the veil between worlds is rumored to be thin.

Next Steps: With a better understanding of the patrol routes and potential areas of interest, Horton plans a more targeted approach for the upcoming nights. He thanks Captain Hart for her assistance and leaves with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Letter to His Mentor: Back in the quiet of his room, Horton settles down to write a comprehensive letter to his mentor at Brightwater Chapel. He details the findings from the church archives, the troubling implications of a pact among the gods, and the possibility that the Darkness engulfing Dunwich might be tied to ancient practices of traversing realms or violating cosmic balances. Horton expresses his concerns about the arcane elements of these revelations and their potential to disrupt the natural order.

He asks for guidance on dealing with matters that seem to straddle the line between divine and arcane, emphasizing the need for someone with a deep understanding of other realms, the concept of balance, and the potential to walk between planes. Horton highlights the urgency of the situation and his hope that Brightwater Chapel might have, or know of, scholars, mages, or clerics with the expertise necessary to confront the Darkness.

Sending the Letter: Once the letter is sealed, Horton arranges for its swift delivery to Brightwater Chapel, trusting in his mentor's wisdom and the broader network of the church to provide the assistance Dunwich so desperately needs.

With the letter sent and his plans for the night patrols taking shape, Horton takes a moment for himself. A meal and a brief rest are his immediate priorities, allowing him to gather his strength for the challenges ahead. As he prepares for another night in the shadows, Horton's resolve is unshaken. The journey is daunting, but the need to protect Dunwich and unravel the mystery of the Darkness propels him forward, guided by faith, intellect, and the bonds of community.

----------

After careful consideration of the situation in Dunwich and the revelations from the church archives, a significant lead emerges that might help Horton unravel the mystery of the Darkness and the disappearances. The old Aelwyn Ruins, deep within the forest northeast of Dunwich, stand out as a place of interest. Local legends suggest these ruins sit atop a ley line, a location where the boundaries between realms could be thin, potentially aligning with the arcane themes uncovered in Horton's research.

The Aelwyn Ruins: These ancient ruins are known to few and explored by even fewer, making them a prime location for Horton to investigate further. The ruins could hold clues to the Darkness and offer insight into ancient practices that might have invited it into this realm.

Suggested Approach:

• Gather Information: Before venturing to the ruins, it might be beneficial to collect any available lore or historical records about the site, possibly from Father Aelar, the Dunwich archives, or local storytellers.
• Notify Allies: Informing Captain Hart or other trusted individuals of the intent to explore the ruins could be wise, ensuring someone knows where Horton is headed.
• Investigation Focus: Once at the Aelwyn Ruins, the primary goal could be to look for any signs of arcane activity, remnants of rituals, or anomalies that suggest a connection to the issues facing Dunwich.

Next Steps for the Player: Decide if Horton will seek out additional information about the Aelwyn Ruins before departing, how he plans to approach the investigation of the ruins, and if he takes any specific preparations or precautions based on the potential dangers and the arcane nature of his quest.

Horton felt he must investigate the many remote spots Captain Hart indicated on the maps. The one of particular interest was the old Aelwyn Ruins, deep within the forest northeast of Dunwich. If the information garnered from the old church records were correct, such a place might be the 'nest' of activity for the Darkness.

Horton spoke of the ruins with Captain Hart to gain any insight. Especially if any disappearances were linked to that particular stretch of woods. Once the captain had filled Horton in, he decided to ask Father Aelar questions about the ruins -- and get the 'research team' to think back over all they had seen -- if those ruins were mentioned in the old records.

Captain Hart had mentioned something about local legends. Horton hoped Aelar or someone the good Father knew in Dunwich might know more about 'the old tales'. Sometimes 'old stories' had real origins.

+ + +

Once Horton had gathered any and all information about the Aelwyn Ruins, he will speak again with Captain Hart -- informing Captain Hart of the intent to explore the ruins. He hoped to bring at least two to three of the Captain's men along as added support and in case of trouble. However, Horton did not wish to take away from the night patrol forces, if possible.

The 'mission' once at the Aelwyn Ruins was to look for any signs of arcane activity, remnants of rituals, or anomalies that suggest a connection to the issues facing Dunwich. To scour the area for old or new footprints that might indicate recent visits by others.

Horton checked with Father Aelar about the availability of Holy Water in case Horton felt a ceremony at the ruins might be appropriate. The local merchant for salt and the blacksmithy for iron filings. A combination used for warding an area. Horton did not think normal traps or snares would be of use, so he would be forced to fall back on his wits and clerical upbringing to keep himself and any others alive in this exploration.

He hoped he might glean some bit of knowledge by walking the ruins while activating Detect Evil and Good  as he paced the area.   This would quickly let him know if nefarious activities were  ongoing in the ruins.  And, alert him to the necessitiy of purging and blessing the area... to be on the safe side.

Horton's plan to investigate the Aelwyn Ruins is set into motion with a comprehensive approach that combines practical preparation with spiritual readiness. His decision to gather as much information as possible from both Captain Hart and Father Aelar ensures he's well-informed about the potential dangers and historical significance of the ruins.

Gathering Information: Horton's inquiry into any disappearances linked to the area surrounding the ruins, as well as his interest in local legends and the old records, highlights his thoroughness in preparing for the expedition. Captain Hart and Father Aelar, with their respective knowledge and resources, provide valuable insights into the legends surrounding the Aelwyn Ruins and any mention of them in the church's records.

Recruiting Support: Convincing Captain Hart to allow a few militia members to join him underscores Horton's understanding of the potential risks involved in exploring such a place. The Captain, recognizing the importance of Horton's mission, agrees to spare a few of her best men who can provide support without compromising the village's safety.

Spiritual and Practical Preparations: Horton's request for Holy Water, salt, and iron filings from Father Aelar and local merchants demonstrates his intent to be prepared for any spiritual or supernatural threats. These items, known for their protective and purifying properties, could prove crucial in the ruins.

Investigation Strategy at the Ruins: Upon arriving at the Aelwyn Ruins, Horton and his small team conduct a thorough investigation, looking for signs of recent activity, arcane remnants, or any anomalies. Horton's use of Detect Evil and Good is a strategic move to immediately identify any presence of malevolent forces. This proactive measure could quickly alert him to the necessity of a more significant cleansing or protective ritual.

Potential Discoveries: The investigation of the Aelwyn Ruins holds the potential for significant discoveries related to the Darkness plaguing Dunwich. Signs of rituals, hidden artifacts, or even portals to other realms could provide the answers Horton seeks, offering clues on how to combat the Darkness or even hints at its origin.

Outcomes and Next Steps: Depending on what Horton and his team uncover at the ruins, their next actions may vary. Discoveries could range from tangible evidence of the Darkness's influence, requiring immediate countermeasures, to more subtle signs that demand further research or divine intervention.

As Horton leads the expedition into the heart of the ancient ruins, his preparation, both spiritual and practical, prepares him for whatever mysteries the Aelwyn Ruins may hold. The journey into the unknown is fraught with danger, but Horton's faith and determination shine as beacons of hope for Dunwich and its people.