| 1 The morning comes quickly enough. An hour before dawn the thick timbers of the door to your room shudder from the hammering of a large mailed fist. "It's time Vesh. 10 minutes is all you've got." You don't recognise the voice, but after getting dressed and placing your few meagre possessions in a small pack, you are hustled unceremoniously by two guards down to the cavalry yards that adjoin the fortress's southern gates. Standing in the centre of the cavalry yard is Tak Lovar. He is holding the reins of a magnificent Kalborean Courser. It is easily the largest horse you have ever seen. Behind him, half obscured by shadow stands a Dwarvendim armourer. He holds a long sword in one hand and a scabbard and belt in the other. "I hope you slept well", Tak Lovar does not look as though he has. "To get you quickly to the Krodestaag Mountains the High Prefect has allowed the temporary use of one of his finest Coursers. Her name is Pallenten and she will take you as far as the foothills. From there you must go on foot. Upon finishing her task Pallenten will return here to her rightful master." The Historian then motions to the armourer who presents you with the sword and scabbard. As you buckle the weapon to your side the Historian also gives you a small envelope. "The sword is to afford greater protection on your journey. As you are aware the possession of weapons by Dwarvendim is strictly forbidden except here on the frontier. This pass should prevent any difficulties as you travel south to Stoneholme. The sword is also a gift from the Kalborean people. If you survive your quest you may keep it as a token of the appreciation some of us feel for what you are about to do." Abruptly Tak Lovar extends his hand in farewell, shakes yours and quickly turns away. You climb upon the back of the great horse and as the Historian disappears into the gloom of the early morning you urge Pallenten forward. The clatter of her hooves are the only sounds you hear as you ride through the south gates of Maenum and out into the wild open lands of northern Kalborea.
| Turn to section 245
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