-----Arliss calmly meets Thalog's gaze as he offers his views, thoughtfully chewing on his lower lip as he does so. When his stoic companion has finished, Arliss responds, "Thalog, Thalog, I am afraid that I must disagree. Precious time escapes us, and I fear that there may be dire results if we take the time to journey all the way back to Hearthorn at this time. I feel strongly that we must follow the tracks which Raven has discovered, for I am confident that they will lead us to the source of all this trouble, be it Krondor's keep or
elsewhere. Indeed, even if Sir Krondor is not present, it may be one of his underlings who is behind this madness...and if there is any taint of evil in that otherwise bright stronghold of defense, believe me, Thalog, I shall know it...and then, the swift hammer of Joren's justice will fall upon the perpetrator!" By this time, Arliss' voice has risen to a louder pitch and his blue eyes flash with passion...but then, he seems to remember himself, and he relaxes once more. "Still, I feel that we must hear also from Rand on this matter. We must have a majority opinion, at least, if we cannot reach a consensus. What of it, Rand? Hearthorn, or Krondor's keep?"
-----Rand sits a moment; a distant look in his eyes before replying, "As you have said, Arliss, the perpetrator must be found and it seems to me that the perpetrator in question is most likely Sir Krondor and therefore as much as I dislike to disagree with you, I must. It seems to me that Thalog is right. Sir Krondor is in Hearthorn and thus it stands to reason that we should travel there". Rand looks around the group looking into each man's eyes. "It seems that we have reached an impasse, two favor following the tracks and two favor traveling to Hearthorn". Rand stares off into the sky as if wishing for a sign from Solarius of what he should do, though no sign appears forthcoming. As he again turns to look upon the group, an uncertain look is on his face.
-----Raven to the group, "What harm is there following the tracks of who buried the black gem I showed you? I feel the tracks will lead us closer to finding this evil."
-----Raven bids the men to follow him. The riders urge their steeds into a canter. They ride to the north. About a half-mile ahead, they see a wooded hill. The sun shines on the evergreens and the budding flowering trees. To the east, the trees climb down the hill to join the small woods that make up the foliage cover of WilderHaven.
-----The riders skirt the hill around the western side. The sound of birds makes it hard to believe anything had been amiss the night before. Ahead along the bottom of the hill is a section of tall grass lying flattened on the ground; perhaps not yet recovered from the winter season. Raven signals to begin slowing the horses. He dismounts and quickly moves to examine the grassy area. The others await what he sees.
-----Raven looks closely and still sees the trace of the horses' hooves he spotted the day before. Again, the tracks seem to come from the southwest (which is the direction from Krondor's Keep) and lead to the northeast (which is the direction of the Wesgol Forest where Raven saw the rock cairn structure. The tracks had lead past the cairn.)
-----Arliss looks on curiously as Raven examines the flattened grass. "What is it Raven? What do you see?"
-----Raven looks up from the grass, "These tracks came from the southwest, the same direction as Krondor's keep. The tracks lead to the northeast toward Wesgol Forest." Raven gets to his feet, "I think we should
follow these tracks to where they came from and find out what is going on. Maybe these riders do not have a part in the curse, but it is our only lead." Raven gets on his horse and moves his horse to face the southwest.
-----Arliss agrees with Raven, saying, "Yes, this new information only strengthens my resolve to head towards Sir Krondor's Keep. I feel strongly that it is there where we will uncover the truth in this matter. Still, if both of you, Thalog and Rand, are yet opposed to this action, we must find a fair way to resolve our impasse. Perhaps we might flip a coin, and let the gods themselves thus offer an answer."
-----As Raven investigates the land, Thalog takes this moment to take two things out of his pocket. His right is clenched and his left is rubbing whatever is in his hand. He whispers "Uoy dnuora cigam evresbo." Then he glances down into his left hand then he slips each thing back into his robes carefully. He looks over at the flattened grass and at each companion. First Raven, then Rand and Arliss. Now he returns his gaze to Raven's investigation.
-----Raven looks up from the patch of earth he is looking at and notices Thalog's actions.
Raven looks at Thalog and says, "What did you just do?" Raven's face is serious and does not look happy.