Cyrdic stepped over the last gnarled root of the forest, and found himself out of the Ostland treeline and within the crags of the Middle Mountains. The peaks loomed above him, and the boulders and lesser mounts that jutted out of the earth stood like watchful sentinels in the afternoon sun. He decided he should enjoy its warmth while it lasted. The clouds rolling in from the east threatened a storm. 

The rugged youth turned around and held out a hand to help up his new companion, lifting her up easily if she took his offer. He was still unsure of his company. He'd never traveled, or barely even spoken to a beautiful courtesan before. He'd met this one once or twice in the courts of Wurzen. Despite his initial mistrust of her, he honestly didn't think she had anything to do with the count's death, just as he didn't. He was old fashioned, but even he wasn't going to shirk an adventure partner who knew how to duel simply because she was a woman. And how could he leave her behind to die? 

They'd been lucky not to run into more than three Forest Goblins eating their dinner. Dispatching them quickly, the past two days had been quietly sneaking through the forest with the utmost care to keep away from roving herds of Beastman, and giant spiders. 

"With luck, we'll get through the mountain passes in a day or two and end up on the Talabec," he breathed. 
[@Penny]