At the interior gates of Galant...


As the sun rose and the hours ticked by, the idea that something had gone wrong would solidify for Kolrim.  There was no sign of hide nor hair of his companions-to-be.  The prime time for departure for a two day trip came and went.

"Uh, Kolrim," came a voice behind him.  It was the runner who had given him details of his task.  "Good sir, what are you still doing here?"

In short order, the confusion would be cleared up.  Considering Kolrim didn't have the benefit of the group's purse, the runner gave him what money he could for supplies and went to make good on reimbursement.  Kolrim was given directions to the most likely area where his companions would be bedding down for the night and, with luck, sent on his way.

Kolrim's road conditions were similarly poor to the group that went before him.  However, he made decent time since the weather was also just as lovely.  By the time he made it to the area where Eomer, Ezlan and Nemeia were looking for lodging the sun would already be dipping a toe over the horizon.


Poor Man's road, half way to its intersection with the Swamp Road...


In short, the group's attempt to seek out the Traveler's Protection during the night did not go over well.  The tiefling, even with her hood up, didn't manage to pass a closer inspection at the gates.  Of the few properly protected areas within walking distance, two offered room for everybody but Nemia and one threatened to run them off with force.  Considering that these places tended to be wealthy enough to hire at least a small mercenary group each, the adventurers would be outnumbered if they attempted to force their way.

It was up to them if they wanted to camp together outside the walls or leave Nemeia to her own devices and accept the rooms open to rest of them.  They found themselves back on the road during the failing hours of the day, having spent the last of their light visiting the farms.  It was at this point that they would see a short, stocky figure making his way diligently down the road.

Kolrim had, at long last, caught up with the group.