| 260 "Sir, please wait!" The boy is running towards you, waving his hands wildly above his head. "What is it you want boy? I'm in a hurry." There is something not quite right about the child. He is there before you but his image is not quite solid. As if she senses your thoughts Pallenten half rears backwards as the boy approaches. "Please sir, is your name Halokim Vesh?" Stunned by the boys words you hesitate and then answer, "Yes, but how do you know this?" "I have been sent by my master the Maturi Len to ask that you experience the hospitality of his house prior to continuing on your journey south." The boy hesitates for a moment as if listening to some other murmured conversation. "He says it will be to your benefit to do so." For a moment you consider whether you should accept the strange invitation. The name of the Maturi Len seems familiar, but you are hesitant to engage in anything that may waste your time. All thoughts of the boy and the Maturi disappear however, as you glance ahead of you and survey the armed camps surrounding Baellum. In the distance you can see that a number of the Kalborean Army units are beginning to make their way up the road in your direction. The situation must be beginning to deteriorate to the north for all this men and equipment to be on the move so soon. Taking your leave of the boy you urge Pallenten forward. It is not long before you meet the first scouts of the advancing army. As it may not be in your best interest at this time to confront a large force of armed soldiery, you leave the exposed roadway and attempt instead to skirt the village, keeping to the forest that lies to the west of the town. This proves to be a wise course. Large numbers of soldiers are now beginning to clog the road, many of them struggling under heavy equipment as they move ponderously towards Maenum. Even if they did not challenge you, their sheer numbers would delay you unduly. Moving carefully between thickly wooded copses and the available undergrowth, you and Pallenten pick your way around the edges of the forest. With great care you keep out of sight of the army units and circle the town, but keeping to the forest is hard going. It is not long before you know you will need to rest. Finding a good secluded spot you camp in a small clearing amongst the trees. After removing Pallenten's saddle you allow her to graze at the edge of the clearing while you relax, propped up against a large moss-covered tree. From the distant roadway you can hear the monotonous tramp of marching boots and the endless squeak and grind of carts and wagons under heavy load. After a half hour you re-saddle Pallenten and continue on your way. It is two hours before you finally pass the town and rejoin the road. Once on the road you make quicker progress south.
| Turn to section 251.
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