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-----Finally, Raven is able to distinguish prints that lead from Heiros’s position. He then follows them where Rand’s brother had apparently mounted a horse and rode down the south side of the hill. Raven follows them down the hill but the tracks get lost among the trees and the undergrowth at the bottom.
-----The look in the Lord Wizard’s eyes tells that he is not surprised that the hoof prints seem to vanish. Raven climbs into his saddle and finally so does Rand with a very disappointed look on his face.
-----The party then turns toward the north and descends the hill. A little over an hour later, they emerge from the forest into the open plains. Here, Zepharon stops them and gives them time to eat some rations. The sky remains cloudy overhead but the temperature continues to climb where it feels comfortable.
-----After their quick lunch, the riders turn toward the north and make for the town of Hearthorn. They mostly cover flat plains and pass a small home situated on the bank of a large lake. An hour later, they carefully ride around the edge of a good-sized swamp area. Riding around the southern side of a hill, they see the mighty Altor River ahead of them.
-----Turning to the northwest, they ride along the bank of the river for about two and a half miles. Finally they cross the first of two bridges. In the distance, they can see the massive walls of the town. Travelling a mile more, the party sees off to their right an old ruined Gorian tower. They then cross the second river bridge that leads into the town proper.
-----They arrive at the town gate in the late afternoon. The Lord Wizard simply points at one of the gatemen and coins appear in the man’s palm. Saluting, the guards offer no opposition to the wizard and those following him.
-----Inside the gate, the party sees the beginning of the huge market area that dominates the center of the town. Many people are on the streets although the thoroughfares appear not to be overly crowded. The Lord Wizard then leads the procession down a street lined with market stalls on one side and small shops on the other. Down at least the length of four town blocks, everyone can see the massive walls and gate of Crystal Keep Castle.
-----As they ride along toward the castle, the party can see many merchants working the stalls although not that many people are buying goods. More than one merchant looks frustrated as the customers glance momentarily at the wares before moving on.
-----Finally, the riders arrive before the gates of the castle and the guards loudly announce, "Lord Wizard Zepharon and his party approach!" Without delay, the riders are admitted through the gate. Inside the inner courtyard, guards and groomsmen rush to take care of the horses as the riders dismount.
-----A bronze-skinned man of noble bearing who identifies himself as Lord Chamberlain Sarius exits the main keep. He politely introduces himself and ushers the Lord Wizard and the adventurers inside.
-----Sarah’s jaw drops as she enters the keep. "Wow," is all she says, being overwhelmed by the splendor of the place.
-----Everyone enters into the main hall of the keep and its walls are magnificently decorated with coats-of-arms and banners. As the party stares about at the high room, the Lord Chamberlain calls for servants to assist the visitors.
-----Turning toward the adventurers, the Lord Chamberlain addresses them, "You are important guests of Lord Lambert and his court. You are to be his guests of honor tonight. Our servants will show you to your quarters where healers from the House of the Healing Light are available. After that, you may bathe and rest. We shall also provide you with comfortable clothing. Dinner will be served two hours after sundown. Feel free to call on any of the servants if you require anything."
-----Zepharon turns to the heroes and says, "My daughter and I will take our leave of you now, my friends. Tonight after dinner, I shall reveal the answers to your questions. Take heart in knowing that the people of Hearthorn are safe from the evil that plagued it. Rest now!"
-----With that, the Lord Wizard takes Sarah’s hand and bows deeply. Both the Lord Wizard and his daughter vanish in a light blue cloud of smoke and sparkling motes. The five heroes are then escorted to their quarters.
-----Sol had been in Hearthorn before, but never anywhere near the keep itself. Ever since entering, Sol had had a slightly wild look to his eyes. Sarah and her father leaving only made him more uncomfortable. Just as he's being led away to the quarters, he gives Raven a panicked look, then turns and catches up to the servant.
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