-----Finally at the end of their second hour of travel, they come upon the beginnings of a small settlement built among the trees. In the distance beyond the village, it looks as though the trees thin out exposing wide-open plains.
-----Romney speaks up and says, "We have long since now passed into Redmarsh. We are now coming into the village of Navlot."
-----"Those thieves would be drawn to the gold in that city like flies to honey." Sarah says scornfully. She had given her reins over to Sol, who was sitting behind her in the saddle, although Marlexana almost always picked her own way through the forest stopping only when the path split. Sarah had spent the ride reading more about her new spells, leaning against Sol for comfort. "Let's see if we can find them in there. If they have any brains in their heads they'll have sold or traded our horses, so we could be in trouble here."
-----"Although perhaps not," Sarah thinks, as she glances at Raven. The ranger had skill in the forest she could not begin to comprehend, if anyone could find the tracks it would be him.
-----"I agree." Sol says evenly. Quite comfortable with the mage resting against him, the warrior surmises, "If they stick t'th' pirates original plan, they'd leave th' mounts here and continue on foot. If they've done that and have already left town, then they should be easier t'catch up with. If they believe us t'be dogging their trail they may attempt t'continue, however, on horseback or if maybe try an' hide till we pass. I guess we'll learn more in Navlot." He nudges Marlexana to follow Raven's horse, when the ranger decides to push on.
-----Raven nods and says, "I hope you're right about them selling the horses. Well, let's see if they did." Raven heads towards the town. Raven is keeping a look out for any trouble.
-----As everyone rides into the village they pass a large section of land that has been cleared of trees. Away from the trail road there appears to be a large house and barn. This appears to be the home of a farmer of some wealth. The farm is surrounded by a fence made of split logs.
-----Passing the farm, they approach more small buildings. One home has a large work building beside it and the sign over the door identifies it as an armorer's shop. Across from it, a smaller home has a wooden sign with a lute instrument painted on it.
-----Finally beside the armorer's shop, they see a small but comfortable looking tavern. The building is made of a light colored wood and over the door is a sign featuring a drinking mug with foam rising over it.
-----Around the scattered homes, people are seen but none seem to pay much attention to the new visitors to their village.
-----Sol looks slowly around the village in order to get a feel for the place. He looks at his companions and suggests, "We should split up an' try an' find out what our quarry has been up to. I'm going t'head back t'th' farm t'see if they've tried t'sell th' horses there. It may be th' only place around here able t'afford th' lot, an' have use fer them. Th' rest o' ye, feel free t'choose a place and begin asking around." The Gorian warrior then carefully dismounts and offers a hand to Sarah if she also wishes to dismount.
-----Before heading off, Sol adds, "Th' main thing we need t'know is what direction they left, so that Raven doesn't have t'waste time circling th' whole village t'find their tracks. If anyone causes any of ye any hassles, direct them t'me, fer I still have th' writ tucked away here. Last thing, keep yer ear open fer any word on what lies down th' immediate road. Maybe there are some other travelers here who are willing to speak." Sol then nods to Sarah and heads back down the track towards the wealthy looking farmhouse.
-----Raven looks towards the center of town, "The rest of us should go into town and see how many shops and such there here. We can then split up and start asking questions. Let's say we'll meet in the center town in around two hours. Sound okay?"
-----Sarah gratefully accepts Sol's hand and dismounts. "I think that is a good idea, Raven. Let's do it." The mage says.
-----Sol about faces and begins to walk backwards as he speaks, "A village this size? I expect t'be out o'here in half an hour. We'll settle with everyone going t'th' village center when ye've finished questioning. If anyone seems t'be taking longer than thought, trace them down." The Gorian then pivots on his heel and continues to walk to the farm.
-----Raven nods and then starts towards town. Everyone else follows the ranger as Sol moves in the opposite direction. Soon it is apparent that they have reached the middle of the village.
-----Smoke curls out of the chimney from the large work building of the armorer. Shadowed movements are detected in the home of the house with the lute sign over the door. Just beyond the tavern, another building, which appears to be a trading post, stands. A few feet from the trading post building is a small well.
-----As everyone stands outside the buildings, a strange sensation comes over them. From off in the woods there is an intense feeling of being watched.