“Welcome, Nigel. We’re discussing tomorrow- travel to be specific,” Knarra said.
Nigel replied, “I’ve been studying that. Although Fort Luumic and the dwarves’ lands are secure, the most direct route to the realm of the Dark Elves and presumably the lair of the Banshee΄ is through Rancide in the East. We could hop on the barges that are leaving for Three Forks and the Fort tomorrow. At Three Forks, we can travel by boat on the eastern branch of the Luumic through the Southern Mountains to Rancide. This is a little risky. The eastern branch of the Luumic is still roamed by brigands. Commerce has not spread to the East. The river gets a little rough at places in the gap where it runs through the mountains, but it is navigable in all areas. I’ve traveled it…in my younger days. Rancide is still rough. The barons of the East broke up the assassin’s guild long ago. However the East remains a territorial place. There is not an organized central government as there is here in Donothor and there is nothing like the Rangers. There is the odd river monster also, but we are going to run into that problem everywhere we go once we leave Donothor. If this bunch went through the Misty Forest two or three more times there would be a shortage of monsters there. We won’t have to care for steeds also. Just a steed’s rear if Boomer goes with us.”
“Blast you, Louffette! Only you could ruin the peace of a late afternoon smoke. I’m half a mind to take you outside and spank your britches!” Boomer growled gnawing on the stem of his briar pipe.
“Don’t strain yourself Boomer! You barely have half a mind!” Nigel retorted and chuckled.
“All right, that’s it! Me and you right now!” the dwarf fumed.
Nigel laughed.
The moment of levity was shared in the fading light of the warm afternoon. Boomer laughed as well when he realized that Nigel was teasing him.
“Let me have some of that leaf,” Nigel requested.
Boomer passed him the pouch and he filled his pipe. The old friends stared across the tranquil lands surrounding the Fane.
benjamintowe 