Shandon was in a great mood. They were moving again, and towards something concrete rather than just wandering. Sure he didn't know what it was ahead that was causing the smoke, but that didn't matter. The fact was they were moving somewhere.

The map hadn't been any use. After over an hour staring at it, tracing possible routes to the north east, he was none the wiser. They all led to the same place. A big empty spot on the canvas. 'At least it might provide a little excitement for Doli', Shandon mused. Short of some great army of undead, he would put up with just about any sort of distraction to keep the dwarf occupied.

The sound of trotting hooves rose up above the gentle creaking of his wagon, and a few moments later the face of Trufus, the chief of guards, appeared. He reined in to pace the wagon.

"Aah, Trufus. Impecible timing as always. I was just going to send for you."

"It would be my duty to enquire where it is were heading?"

Shandon gestured toward the rising columns of smoke, much more visible now the morning sun had risen higher into the sky.

"We're heading to get directions."

Trufus eyed the smoke skeptically. "You know that isn't chimney smoke. It's far to wide. We could be heading into some kind of battlefield!"

Shandon winced, although quickly schooled his expression back to his typical smile. "I trust your observation, Trufus, but without directions we'll have our own battlefield right here in a few days."

The grizzled fighter nodded and looked ahead again. "I would have suggested sending some scouts out.."

"That sounds like a sensible suggestion."

"I hadn't finished, Sir. I would have suggested that, but we've been seen already."

"Seen! By whom?"

"One of my men saw someone, something, break from behind a tree and start running toward the smoke as soon as we started moving. With the sun low he only saw it for a second, and didn't see any details, but it stands to reason that whoever is out there now knows we're coming."

Shandon thought for a moment. "I don't want to appear hostile, but if they are a threat then we need to be ready to defend ourselves."

Trufus nodded. "I would suggest Sir, that we shift your mercs to rear guard. Those large axes are rather intimidating, but effective in a fight. At the back they will be out of sight if it comes to diplomacy, but only a few moments away if there's trouble."

"Good thinking. I'll leave the arrangements to you."

"Yes Sir."

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"The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the Devil's own satanic herd."