Off Again

The rains of the past week have finally eased and should stop tomorrow. Then we can continue our travels, south to Merquay and Roper’s Isle. Whilst waiting here, I’ve been talking to the locals in The Mystical Convention, and they’ve told me many a story and tale about life around here.

Bairre has been the most fluent storyteller, although I do have a doubt as to whether all his tales are true. He has warned us against travelling west from Astown, because of strange sightings close to the Gnarlbark forest, and insists that many travellers and traders have disappeared along the roads between Astown and the Dwarves home of Matarreg.

According to Bairre it is the work of “those little people”, although I find that hard to believe. After meeting and travelling with Dhirrac the Dwarf I can’t quite see that the Dwarves would be responsible.

Cuinn, the fish trader, has also spoke several times of the rise in price he is paying for fresh fish being delivered from Merquay because of a shortage of fish in the seas around the small fishing village.  Well, as we are heading to Merquay next, I will see first hand whether there really is a problem with the amount of fish being caught.

Tomepicker, after spending the last week sitting in front of the fire eating the leftover meats and cheeses, is reluctant to start travelling again. He has crooned at me in a disapproving way on several occasions whilst I pack to travel, before shuffling closer to the fire and turning away from me.

Sometimes I think he is spoilt to much, and how would he cope if I made him stay outside. If he carries on sulking I will let him find out.