The adventurers who fled from the Dragon's Lair hear voices approaching and take cover as a dozen Crossbowmen stalk through the forest towards them. They hear the leader tell his men their orders are that nothing is to leave the woods alive, and whether the Dragon or Adventurers survived their encounter they would put an end to the survivors.
In the ensuing battle crossbow bolts fly and magic spells crackle through the trees. Popshot, Quinn, and Joe are all taken out of the fight with an injured Ling Yao barely standing on his feet. Laura, Neko, Kieth, and Keora are left to face the remaining 5 soldiers.
Birch and Night Slasher stayed in the Dragon's Lair trying to haul a sack of treasure up out of the bog while their friends were busy fighting with the Mayor's guardsmen in the woods. They were so focused on the gold they didn't hear Cycorax the Dragon sneaking up behind them...
Birch took massive damage and died instantly. Night Slasher made his saving throw and only took 15 points of damage but that was still enough to drop him to zero hit points.
