In the morning, Rage teleports Hlarn, Malvis, Carburator and Dor to Megadungeon II.
When they return, Occa teleports Darian, Hlarn, Malvis, Carburator, Sian, Rage, Kadlian, Niko and Kailar back to Sandas; while Dor, Logan, Wizbang, Edelle, Kadlian's creatures, Umboth, Melissa, Nuanna, Callie, Birch, Vanadil, Vastelle and Windul make the final preparations for their departure for points east.
After everyone has teleported out, Callie turns to those of you who remain.
"The cat's away, and now the mice can play," she says. "Which way do we go? The safe route, the not so safe route, or the interesting route?"
"I'm sure danger will find us no matter which route we take," Dor grins back.
"I like the way you think, honey!" Logan says with a smile. "I vote for the interesting way, life is too short to take the safe route!" he replies.
You gather up your goods and chattels and depart the Angry Goose. The party consists of: Dor, Logan, Wizbang (a mage), Edelle (fighter/magic user), Barker (treant), Acorn (treant), Grover (treant), Green (treant), Bigroot (treant), Wagger (blink dog), Nipper (blink dog), Fleetwing (hippogriff), Umboth (cleric), Melissa (cleric), Nuanna (cleric), Callie (ranger), Vastelle (warrfior), Windul (warrior), Birch (druid) and Vanadil (warrior).
Taking your mounts from the stables, you set out north through Strabath. It is a cold, snowy day here in the Mountains of Nlad. The temperature is just below freezing and a strong wind blows up the valley.
Through the north gate of Strabath you ride on your horses. The Southern Road here is in good condition. The snow is falling heavier as you approach Lord Morg's Keep, which overlooks the top of the pass, and the wind is getting stronger.
Spanning the highest point of the pass is a great fortified wall. There is a large gate where the Road passes through it. The guards do not even come out to see you through, preferring to stay in the gate house by the fire.
You pass out of the Kingdom of Nlad and into the northern lands. The snow begins to taper off.
Before you, the Southern Road winds down a narrow valley, losing altitude as it goes. Through the dwindling snow you see the pastoral land of Milkland opening up before you.
Finally, as darkness falls, you make a camp in the trees at the side of the road. It looks as if someone has camped here before, for you find the remains of a fire.