At long last all of you are finished training, as Kelar rejoins you today.
"Let's get the hell out of here," says McTavish, fidgeting.
"Did anyone here from Bel?" asks Kelar.
Illyana nods. "Let's get going."
Raz nods and gathers up his supplies...preparing to travel.
"Lets get moving. McTavish here says we may find a pool that will make us stronger and tougher. I think that is well worth stopping to see. But first things first. Lets get on the road. Everyone should have plenty of rations. If you don't, buy some before we leave."
Farad himself ups his rations from 1 weeks worth to 2 in iron rations. He'll mount the extra week on his horse. He makes sure he has water for a week also for himself.
You spend the next few hours purchasing any last-minute supplies that you need, then you set off.
It is a hot summer day, even in this mountain city.
You move slowly at first through the crowded streets of Strabath, but at last you pass through the gates that mark the northern boundary of the city. The Southern Road climbs steeply up into the mountain pass, zig-zagging as it does. It is a busy road, though, and you pass military patrols, peasants and merchants.
It is early afternoon when you reach the top of the pass. To the left and right tower snow-capped peaks, and in the lee of the western peak is Morg's Keep, the stronghold of the Duke. From it runs a stone wall, clear across the top of the pass to the sheer eastern face: the northern border of the Kingdom of Nlad. A gate, flanked by two tall towers, is in the centre of this wall, and the road leads you to it.
The gate is open, and the guards stationed there pay you little heed, as you ride through it and out of the Kingdom. Before you, the road twists and turns its way steeply down a narrow valley, descending quickly.
You move forward.
By late afternoon you have descended over a thousand feet, and now the road runs beside a swift flowing mountain stream. You ride into the long summer evening before stopping to camp beside what has now become a river. The valley has broadened and leveled out, now, though you are still in a thick coniferous forest.
That night you sleep poorly. It is your first time sleeping outside of a bed for several weeks at least...a thunderstorm blows down out of the mountains and soaks you...and the mosquitoes are a constant torment.
"McTavish you said something to Farad about a magic pool. What does it do exactly and what is the cost. Our last encounter with something like that we had some problems with. Before I try it out I would like to know if there is a penalty for using it." says Kelar.
McTavish shrugs and swats at a mosquito.
"You take a swig and it makes you stronger and tougher," he says. "There's no charge for using it."
Raz, who has been listening to the conversation, says, "sounds like something we all could use a drink of." Raz then goes and makes sure that all of his supplies are in order.
Humphrey smiles as the group,
"That sounds like a pool for me, let's go."
"I guess that sounds like a good place to go. How far away is it?" asks Kelar.
"Hmmm...a week...maybe two."