Otho McNeal wandered off.
The party reassembled and launched the canoes into the river.
Both sides of the river were lined with greenery plush from the midsummer rains and long days. The foothills were a welcomed sight. So were the boat docks that began to appear on both sides of the river. As they traveled small but increasing expanses of land appeared on both sides of the river and separated the foothills. Trading posts became settlements. Nigel suggested they wait to stop in one of the first larger settlements. He reckoned the likelihood of security increased in a thriving community.
They stopped at a settlement that extended to both sides of the widening river. The eastern fork of the Luumic was fed by streams from the mountains. They anchored the canoes and went to the first tavern they saw. They received suspicious glances from the locals. These many strangers traveling together were unusual. In this area, no one asked another his business. Elves were common in the towns of the East particularly those south of the river as one neared the great swamp. Dwarves were uncommon, and most of the dwarves come came to the towns of the East were ornery Mountain dwarves and they usually were best left alone. Boomer looked pretty tough. He had scars from battles with birdmen, wailers, shape changers, goblins, hobgoblins, assassins, trolls, gnolls, wolves, bears, bartenders, gypsies, tramps, and thieves. You name it, and Boomer had fought it- at least to hear him tell it.
“What’s the name of this place?” Dael asked.
“What difference does it make? You are just here to get a meal and a little rest,” Cyttia said grumpily.
The long trek down the river had brought out their cantankerousness!
A trip to the tavern once again lightened their spirits. Knarra joined them. The tavern was the Jewel of the Luumic and the little town was called New Fairlawn. They separated into the usual groups. Eyerthrein, Kyrsstina, Dael, Cyttia, Vanni, Erinnia, and the young at heart Cade sat at one large wooden table.
Knarra, Cara, Eomore, Roscoe, Big Jon, Lyana, Nigel, and Boomer sat at another table.
The bartender was a woman named Jewel. She brought them ale and cured meat.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, why do we bring the King with us if our goal is to maintain his safety?” Lyana queried.
Knarra answered, “He can be no safer than with us. No wall can keep our opponent from reaching him. We offer his best chance.”
Cara and Eomore agreed.
“Why is this place called ‘New Fairlawn’?” Dael asked the barmaid.
“Shut up and drink your ale!” she growled.
“That’s not a way to get a nice tip!” Dael countered.
“Don’t work for tips! These blokes don’t tip! I work by the hour! I’m just making eight. Do you want anything else?” she asked gruffly.
benjamintowe 