[the handwriting seems shakier than usual]

Ye lot... are in such trouble... She got ta some 'o ye and fer that, I 'pologize fer yer loss. But there be hope yet, by the very fact she hain't gotten all 'o ye. Her powers be weak still. Though if she does what I believe she intends ta do, we're all up to our necks in snail shit. I hain't goin' ta tell ye what it might be. No use scarin' ya until I know fer sure and there be plenty more to worry about aside from that.

As fer those taken, don't try an' talk 'em down or hope they'll get better. They won't. Not until ye kill her. And until ye kill her, and I don't mean th' golem which is in Empieza-- they'll be out fer yer blood. Anyway they can get it. Anyhow. Do not underestimate 'em. If ye know or even think she be havin' her claws in yer mates, put 'em out 'o their misery for both 'o yer own goods.

As fer the witch herself. Her true form is in the black fortress. Not that which lies in Empieza. Don't talk to it. Don't go near it. It hain't her but a piece 'o her and will only spell trouble. Her fortress right now it has a barrier 'round it. Nothin' can penetrate it. Yet.

I need ye ta look fer pieces 'o black coral. They be can be found floatin' in th' sea or on shores sometimes. Get as much as ye can and when I say, and not afore, come ta the black fortress where my apprentice, Meeps, will be waitin' fer ye.

I'll answer questions about her now but not much and not fer long. The old Dog has to go to battle herself. If we win it I'll see ye all on th' other side 'o the month.

If not...

It 'twas nice ta know ye.

OhgoshIhopeshe'snotgoingtofollowme..!

[He swallows, taking a moment to catch his breath.]

...phew!

Okay, so I think I just ran into that creepy woman by the fountain that I was supposed to find but...not supposed to go to? Dumb magic book, you could've said something sooner about that!

...also I think I'm hearing voices because I coulda sworn something was coming out of this thing earlier...

It has come to my attention that your crews are having difficulty with members that have been possessed by an outside influence and that you are hesitant to kill them. It is the most effective solution to the problem and you are causing unnecessary complications.

If you can't do what must be done, I offer my services.

Kill, don't be killed.