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he next day So Fooyan and Shakra learn that they are to journey to a small town, Perav, in protectorate Moruhan. They are warned that local sentiment is ambivalent to downright hostile as regards Qenaren. Also, Lirixa will be travelling with them: apparently (from the soldiers' gossip) Commandant Esse interviewed her extensively and is satisfied as to her intentions. However, Esse says privately to Shakra and So Fooyan, "I don't think she means us ill--but she *is* a foreigner, and she may mean other than what we plan. Keep a cautious eye on her, if you would. There are wraiths in Moruhan, so they'll probably show up if she tries any harmful magical tricks." The quartermaster, who doesn't seem to be familiar with So Fooyan's particular sect, offers him his choice of provisions, mainly barley hardtack, dried meat or fish, and rice. So Fooyan is also offered, if he is willing, money to cover expenses on the road, and the use of a riding horse. "Ah, yes. Money. Mmmm. It's lightweight, so it shouldn't hinder our travel...it will probably be worth carrying, in these circumstances." The primary characteristic So Fooyan will look for in a horse is unflappability-- he wants a horse who won't panic if it unexpectedly finds itself in a strange land, or with strange people, or doing odd things like riding a human. Of course, he's no horseman, so his choice may not be perfect. One of the soldiers, a scout, helps him pick out a stolid bay who looks like it wouldn't panic unless the hay ran out. "You have to keep alert while riding him, though," the scout says cheerfully. "Sometimes he's not so good about where he puts his feet, on a rocky road--but if you're not planning any midnight gallops, you ought to be fine." Since Shakra didn't bring her mule, she is asked if she'd like to stop by her place to pick up the mule, or borrow one of the fort's riding horses. She also receives half her bonus pay plus extra for expenses. Shakra chooses to stop for her mule. She knows it well, and it knows her ways, and likes her. Both Shakra and So Fooyan are given maps of the way to Perav. Shakra has heard of the town since a fair amount of leather trade goes from Qenar through Perav and to Avrezin proper. If they have any other requests or concerns, they can talk to the quartermaster or to the commandant herself. So Fooyan doesn't have any idea what else he could concern himself with. The night before they leave, they hear some disturbing news, brought to the fort via courier: a vast Western host, possibly the Red Hawk's, is apparently advancing on Rekke by the River--Avrezin's capital, ruled by the warlord, and one of the few Ezinen cities that might be friendly or neutral toward Avrezin. Civil war in a country bordering their own--a civil war that may bring death to Qenar. That night So Fooyan's dreams touch upon the man with the fiery hand, but the man's face is hidden.
Back: So Fooyan & Shakra's Prologue 10 Coin image courtesy of Diamondeve's Pagoda Inn.
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