The Journey North
(The story begins in a previous entry)
Bearson began telling Aegis and Thodora about the jeweled mountains across the North river. “all types of gemstones have been found in those mines according to a traveler at the pub,” Bearson said with excitement.
“I think that he is referring to the Triangle Mountains”, Thodora shakes her head,”the mines are empty. The dwarves closed them years ago.”
“that is what he said but he also said that there are creatures living there; guarding what remains. He showed me a clear, blue stone that came from there.”
Aegis listening to his two friends, pulls out the compass from his pocket and looks at it in the rising moonlight. He watches the prism of light, as he rotates it in his hand, brighten and fade. “where is the blue stone?”, He asks.
“he didn't give it to me,” Bearson scoffs.
Aegis nods in agreement, “ok. I have also heard that orcs, trolls or some other unsavory types took up residency in the mountains. The dwarves would have shut down the mining when profits dried up but that does not mean there is nothing there. So, it is not unreasonable to assume that there could be money to be made. The current residents could be hoarding what they find.”
“and with the river flooding a few times recently, this contributed to safety issues and why everyone left working there,”Thodora says.
“The compass will make for a good guide ”,still holding it in his hands, Aegis moves it in the moonlight,” I am in for the trip if you are, Thodora. I can leave in a few days. We can stay in Woodshire Village while we are there. I know one of the innkeepers at the Ram's head Inn, she will give us a good price.”
Thodora concedes, “ why not. I just need a few days also before we travel.”
Bearson is awed by the sight of the moving compass, “ it is a rainbow at night... maybe a moonbow, no,... a black rainbow”. The two friends look at him just when the sound of Bearson's stomach reminds them that they have not eaten dinner.
They all laugh and decide to head over to the pub for some Mushroom & leek stew with cornbread, poached goose eggs, greens with dates and a draught of ale to further discuss the plans.