Jethrog the Hermit

The weather is better. The fog lifted yesterday and I was able to see my progress. It wasn't heartening, because I'd walked about half as far as I had imagined I had done. Tomepicker took the change in the weather as a sign to take off and soar across the ocean. He didn't sight anything and returned within an hour looking dejected. We moved on apace, now being able to see where we are heading.

Although I heard the sounds of the birds in the fog, I have been unable to hear them today, and yet this morning I could see them moving across the skies in a dark smudge from east to west. I predicted their course and it seems to be leading them straight into the Northern range of the Great Mountains. There is no food for them there, and it makes no sense to be flying there daily.

Following a midday meal and rest, Tomepicker took to the air again. After about ten minutes of flying around, he bugled to me and dived down towards the long grass further inland. I quickly headed towards his calls and soon came across a hermit's hut.
It took me a while to reassure the occupant that there was no need to worry, and that Tomepicker would not be eating him, before I was able to ask some questions.

This hermit, Jethrog, had been living here amongst nature for more years than he could remember. He had seen many strange sights during his time, including dragons in mating flights, giant figures walking by in the distance (this I found out was in fact Torfeld), strange boats sailing westwards on the open seas towards the moutains, and most recently armies of carrion flying westwards each morning, and then east in the evening regular as clockwork.

I sat with Jethrog for many hours, listening to his recounts and carefully noting down important information that seemed to relate to changes I too had noticed. With the sun setting, we watched as the sky darkened with the sight of thousands of birds heading east from the mountains.

Jethrog has offered me a bed on the floor of his hut for the night, out of the open air, for which I am grateful. Once I complete writing todays thought I will turn in for the night, ready for more travelling tomorrow.