Bormash, Gil and Kalram took Ryul out on a tour of the town.  Soren was nestled into a gentle valley, surrounded on three sides by forested hills that went into mountains.  The one open side on the west led to the only road into Soren, which connected to a major highway and trading route.  A river flowed down the middle of Soren and headed south after leaving the town.  A wooden wall was built on the west side with a gate flanking the road.  Near the entrance was Malkas' inn, and across from it was Emtardas' shop.

"Further in the back," Bormash said, gesturing east, "Is my father's ranch.  It's next to the river and we graze the animals on the hills.  Gil's father's shop is to the north, near the foot of the mountain, surrounded by forests, giving them easy access to their mine and lumber."  Gil nodded in confirmation.

[hr]
"What do you like about him?" Reas pestered.