The EARTH story - August 9, 1372
The next morning you set out. The day is partly cloudy and the temperature climbs into the high 40s. Even though in more southerly climes it is still midsummer, up here there is a definite taste of autumn in the air. Soon you will be trekking through the snowy passes of the Northern Flank Range, so you pack your winter gear.
You travel afoot, for horses do not fair well in this trackless wilderness. Ayazin's mule is piled high with supplies.
The strongholds of Leslie and Laurie are located on the north slopes of the Wakerley Peaks: a heavily glaciated range of mountains some 12,000' high. Their strongholds overlook the valley of the Basta River, a major tributary of the McKenzie, the largest river system on the continent. Beyond the Basta the lands eventually rise again into the peaks of the Northern Flank Range, then beyond that drop into the valley of the McKenzie. On the far side of that river is the land of Urguth, ruled by orcs and their humanoid ilk. Leslie and Jo-owrn's plan is to lead you over the Northern Flank Range. On the far side is a road which will take you west to Long Valley.
The rangers lead you down a faint, barely noticeable trail. Here and there is a blaze on a stunted tree, or a small cairn of piled stones to mark the way. You make slow progress all day, for the trail is treacherous. The hike is uneventful.
As dinnertime approaches you come to the Basta River. It is 6/10ths of a mile wide at this point, slow-flowing and deep.
Leslie unfolds one of her portable holes and motions for you to climb into. When you have done so, she folds it back up again. When she opens it again and you climb out, you find that you are on the north bank of the river, and the trail continues north.
You hike for a few more hours before coming to an intersection with another, slightly more defined, trail. This one runs roughly east - west, paralleling the Basta.
Leslie points west.
"That is the way to Yeti Pass," Jo-owrn comments. Leslie nods.
You pitch a camp at the intersection for the night.