Gad glances at the cloak as he checks the barge for any useful salvage.
"It has got eagle feathers stitched in it? It could make you float in the air or something? Or Maybe grow eagle talons instead of hands? I've heard of such things, but never witnessed such myself."
Gad'larr doesn't find anything else salvageable on the barge, the only thing being untouched was the chest, and even that was damaged in an attempt to get it open.
"It's a cloak alright and magical. Got some swirly lines and some strange patterns to it. Kinda pretty but I don't know what it does."
"So...we're sailors again? We should get going then. I'm getting hungry and I'd rather try to whip up something on the barge than sitting in the woods."
Gad nods.
"Probably. I would think you should sense the magic starting to unravel. If you are worried, then give us at least full speed for...8 hours or so?... then find us a place to pull in and rest until it dissipates. I'll stay up front as lookout and try to warn you of any obstacles you may need to maneuver around. Just remember this magical boat is pretty fast, but it will not turn on a silver piece."
Vivian, with Gad's help, is able to get the swan boat up to speed and begin following the river downstream. After about 5 hours you've reached the mouth of the Tourondel River and Lake Encarthan proper. You still have some light left and can continue, the question is how far into the Lake you want to travel.
Another three hours pass as you turn south towards the capital once more. The magic feels strong and continues running through the boat after the eight hours of sailing Gad'larr suggested. Trying to make it as far as possible before it dissipates you decide to continue onwards pulling up to the shore in the moonlight as the magic starts to unravel. You have made much better time on that boat than you did on the Black Mist, Gad figuring you're about 13 miles outside of Tamran.
Gad smiles.
"That was worth it. We should get some rest then get up early in the morning so we can reach Tamlan before tomorrow's dusk. I've got the first 2 or 3 watches covered if Mother Dragon can cook for us tonight?"
He winks at Qina, and then starts gathering dry wood for a fire.
"I thought you'd never ask" she said as she rooted around for her pots and pans. She walked around looking for some small sticks and after some time was able to find enough debris to light on fire. She pulled a long pole, well, long for a Halfling, out of her magical pack and stabbed into the ground, hooking a pot on the top end as she summoned a tiny spark of her magic to set the fire. As the water boiled, she set about peeling a few potatoes, tossed in some vegetables, added some cheese and sliced up some sausage for the pot. She whispered a few quiet words to enhance the stew with her magic and before long started looking for her ladle.
The night passes without incident, allowing you to rest easy.
This far from a settlement, large or small, and just off the coast of the Lake there are no true roadways, though Vivian discovers, then quickly loses , a game trail leading to the shore.
Seeing the trail that Vivian found, Gad nods.
"A good trail and it goes the right way. This should aid us in where we need to go."
The trail leads inland, almost directly toward the Spiral of Bones, before following along the coast, but it does allow for some easier travel, especially for Vivian, coated as she is in metal.
With Gad ranging ahead and everyone taking a break every now and then on Domino the travels aren't too hard on you. You startle some animals from their hideaways, the most dangerous of which is a Giant Weasel, though that flees as well. It takes the majority of the day, but just as the sun falls to the horizon you see the pier and piling city of Tamran.
Gad will lead the group to the closest road, and keep the pace up so they can enter the city and find a Inn before noon if possible.
"I know you are tired. We can rest once we have made it all the way."
The air in the city is...calmer than it was when you were last here. With time passed and memories of the cult of Razmir fading the citizens moving to and fro throughout appear to be at peace.
Being in Tamran this time was almost like being in a different city, or at least a city with different people. People they passed seemed to walk with more pride, and smiles, and they were cleaner.
"It'll be nice to sit and rest in an inn, and try some of their food. Maybe I can get a new recipe. I should probably reprovision while we're here. You never can have too many ingredients really. I mean you can in one dish, but not in your satchel. Unless it gets too heavy. I guess that would be too many." Qina shrugged.
"My uncle Lan once made a dish with too many ingredients. I didn't think it was possible, until I tasted it. Let's just say it wasn't good. It was really quite bad. It tasted like rocks. Probably because he actually put rocks in it, I think." She shook her head.
"It really wasn't good."
The sun shines brightly down on the large stone wall surrounding the much larger city of Kassen. The northern docks see much bustle and hubbub from the sailors and merchants moving cargo and barges to and fro on the Tourondel River, seemingly artificially expanded to allow better passage around the city. From the western side of the city the sound of mock combat, grunts, moans, and dull weapons hitting padded armor rings out. A small cadre of troops trains here, the sword and tree of Nirmathas proudly emblazoned on their breast, underneath of which is a stylized K.
The city itself has grown larger, people hearing of great heroes that made their start and wanting the protection of solid walls in times of turmoil. Many folk move around the streets and the city square is livelier than ever. In the middle of it, a large statue of Kassen looks kindly down on the passerby. And next to him, a battered and worn iron sign, proclaiming for all to see:
Allister Sunscale
Belathorian Twice Born
Brezik Ironstone
Gad'larr Fireblood
Qina Coldfire
Vivian Ferris
Sitting before the board is a wrinkled and haggard looking man. A bit of a wild glint is in his eyes, and every so often they twitch to observe the shadows cast by the buildings all around. In front of him is a small group of children. They giggle and look at the man with wonder, eventually a small voice calling out, "Storykeeper Dusan! Tell us another story about the Keepers!"
The man, Dusan, smiles at the children, the wild light leaving his eyes. "Of course young ones. Now...Have any of you heard the tale of the time the Keepers infiltrated a cult of Razmir?" When he hears the chorus of 'Nooooo' from the children his grin grows larger. "Well...our story begins after the Keepers return from their successful journey to the Crypt of the Everflame..."