The sorcerer announced " Well, that is gratifying for we all need immediate rest. I am not camping amid these foul bodies and stenches. Moonshade will act as sentry on the southside while I find a nearby slope to respite upon. If we remain here tonight, there I welcome any company. If we leave early, let that be stated now." He twisted his quarterstaff into the dirt as his owl fluffed its' feathery wings.

Salimen agreed and stared into the darkness with a leary eye " Let's get away from that fire; we make wonderful targets here. What about double guards this night?"
Torynth turned to Gailwind " Any estimates on how long it would take to get to Tolx from here?" The sage brought out another book and leafed through its' pages while Gulius adjusted the logs that jutted despondently from the pyre. The dwarf grabbed the cooling ends and restacked them horizontally across the rogue's body.
" Why don't you all get some rest. I will take guard tonight, I have many things to do and ponder." He then fell into silent sorrow while the final timber was chewed away by the fire.

Gailwind stood with the vade mecum outstretched in his left palm and disclosed to the party " It will take almost two days without any hindrance to reach Tolx. By the time we cross there, the caravan may already be safely out of reach on the high road." He closed the book with a one-handed snap of the covers and tucked it neatly into his backpack.

Nerendil and Vaedamir agreed to accompany the fighter dwarf for the first watch. Splendor led the walk out of the firelight with a beaming sunrod. Onto a gentle slope 150 feet down the lawn went the group and they rested hastily upon the matted verdure. Deep night sang a heavy sound of silence all the while the fellowship slept.

6 AM: The ranger relieved the sleepy guards when dawn broke upon the swarthy Downs. Teflar found Gulius scattering the blackened pit ashes with a charred stick while the morning mists swirled like white wraiths from the dewy grasses. He spotted a solitary watch and the rest of the warrior trio caught some sleep.

9 AM: The fellowship gathered together after a brief breakfast and gave a solemn farewell to the deleterious camp leaving the remnants of their first, and hopefully last, battle behind them. Teflar led the way around the southeastern corner of the bogs and prowled the softened mud for evidence of the enemy.
" I see now that these blasphemous orcs have resided in this area for three days. They criss-cross as if preparing to set a hideout." He nosed the damp earth further " And a cart has left tracks out of the north, but there is no sign of departure." " Woodfuel no doubt." cited the cleric rather grumpily.
The group quickened their pace away from the gloomy fens and headed north for signs of their designated thoroughfare.

3 PM: A light lunch was eaten upon strolling legs as StarPoint Raven pressed ahead without hesitation. The late winter winds of the southern country cooled their brows and seemed to keep the pungent stench of the bogs at bay off their left shoulder. The sun shone direct upon the land only dancing behind a few wisps of clouds when fancy arose.

Gailwind mentioned a brief account of the southern isles from across the Violet Sea to break the laconic journey.
" Lucky we all are to delight in the light touch of sun upon our faces in Lavenrae. In the southern landmasses of Talvenara, a second firestar burns much fiercer for three continuum months starting in Vobarias. Blistering rays burn the backs of the wilder countries and the lands are baked to an unhealthy crust." A few of the companions marveled at the lorists' education while he related many myths outside the realm of their homeland few knew anything about.

6 PM: The group came upon the Zastian Spice Trail and the sun, once again, bid farewell to the party beyond the Grizzledane Range.
" We have made it!" delighted the mage spying the large paved road. It extended solidly across from them leading east to west.
The group stepped onto the compacted flatrock and felt the first solid footing since they departed the Bethlun outer courtyards the prior morning. The road ran out of the east through the adumbrate hummocks and jutted straight away into the heart of the Morgesic Fens 900 feet away. An ominous mood fell upon the group because they realized a darker path led them forward into the unforseen.