It was violent work, but they made an end of it. Ted wiped his brow. Thank goodness these were weak to swords, else Ted might've been at it for some time. Apparently, these creatures could dish it out, but not take it. He went forward, a small spring in his step. He smiled and tipped his head towards his partner, letting her know it's time to go.

The only way out was up, so Ted climbed out of the hallway into another large area. The most striking thing about it was how, amongst the bubbling brews littered around, there was a familiar rising of steam. Tea, by the looks of it. Ted approached. "Hmm, I wonder if Luke might make something of this?" He got out a thermos from his satchel to take back as a sample later. "Unless you'd like to taste test it? Wouldn't want any evil tea to darken his doorstep."

Another scan, another pathway above. "It can't be much farther now..." A jump, a climb, and they got into yet another hallway, one doorway to the east.

But before that, a statue guarded the entrance. As soon as they entered, it would begin to move. It was leonine in form, likely a few hundred pounds. It looked old, crumbling and ready to fall apart at any moment. It bore small wings, and a mane like a man's beard: The Gashida. Ted knew better than to tango with something that large up close. Ted's mind raced as it lumbered towards them. "I've got it!" He rummaged again, produced a bag of catnip, and pitched it at the beast.

It was not impressed.

"Worth a try." If only the shop had sold concentration of acid rain. How do you kill a statue?