Part IV - The Journey Begins

The two friends walked together down an uncrowded street. For some reason, the streets near the Temple of the Dead are rarely crowded. The pair did not speak during the walk to the temple, and Jason barely spoke to the priest who took the body. They walked off, the picture of dignified mourning...until they were out of sight.

"Jason, I agree that we should get out of town. Being here is only going to lead to difficult questions. Our presence is likely to encourage someone to do something rash." Kendra said.

"Yes, I hate when people do rash things. Especially when they do them to me." Jason said wryly. "Besides, we've been handed a mystery. What is this ring, where did it come from, and how did Prince What-his-name get his hands on it?"

"Right, getting out of town ahead of the investigators is only part of our reason for running like scalded dogs."

"Ahem, I don' t think I would put it that way. Not that it isn't true, just that I wouldn't say it." Jason said.

They stopped briefly and bought a pair of sausages from a street vendor. They carefully avoided any speculation on the kind of meat in the sausage.

The two old campaigners knew how to pack quickly and lightly. Collecting horses and gear took less than an hour. Jason offered the thought that people heading out on a journey usually left much earlier in the day. Kendra reminded him of the fact that the investigators were likely to be very happy with two of them as guests of honor at the (short) trial. With good humor the two set off. They couldn't help but be memorable to the gate guards. There is little traffic by this time of day. So they simply rode out of the Northern Gate without explanation.

Of course, after they got out of sight of the city they veered and headed overland to catch the trade rode East. Hopefully, that would throw any investigators off the track.

Kendra asked "If they bring dogs to track us, they won't be fooled a minute."

"Not to worry, I dropped little black pepper about a mile or so back. When the dogs get that up their noses, they won't be able to smell anything else.", Jason said.

After a few hours they crossed the eastern trade road and followed it east. As the traveled they discussed the little they knew of the mystery so far. After two days of travel, the only thing their discussion had produced was the idea that the Collage of Wizards might have some information on the ring they were holding, and that Jason was 'getting too old for this kind of trip.'

Near the end of the third day of travel, they found themselves nearing the Meerkir River. There was plenty of barge traffic moving goods up, down and across the river. The Meerkir is too wide to bridge here, being nearly a mile across, so a ferry had been put in place. The collection of inns and warehouses had grown up around each end of the ferry's path.

"Well, Kendra, would you rather spend another night in the saddle? Or shall we see if any of these inns brew decent ale?" Jason said.

"Let's see if we can make it across the river tonight, and sleep on the other side. Then even if we are being followed, we'll have the river to slow 'em down" Kendra said.

"Sounds good to me."

The river crossing was routine. It was also a bit monotonous. Once or twice Jason stirred himself either to ask Kendra to pray for a little speed or to drop some herb on the rope to hurry things along himself. But he was too canny a campaigner to leave behind such evidence. He waited, with as much patience as he could muster.

Kendra spoke, "You know, the worst problem with a sitting a long time after a long day's ride? You stiffen up. I'll have to have a bed tonight." Jason nodded his agreement when the ferryman suggested an Inn named "The Busted Oar." They were known for a fine, big tub you can soak in.

With those words, the evening's plans were made: dinner and a bath at "The Busted Oar"