Page 120

You sigh, for a warm meal and a soft bed are the most welcome thought you can imagine at the moment. But you recognize that Merlyn is probably right. Maybe later I'll thank her for her work ethic, you think. Much later.

"That's a very generous offer," you tell the innkeeper, "but we're fit enough to continue, and we need every day we can get."

The innkeeper nods, and a few of the villagers escort you down the road past their town. Again, you're thankful that your ordeal came in a populated area. If people like these villagers exist in the world, you think optimistically, then Vulkaro has plenty still to live for. Hope is certainly not lost yet.

When you reach the northern border of the village, you thank the kind villagers again for all their help, and continue on your journey.

Turn to page 123.