Martin paused. That was it? He expected a little more resistance to the idea of a random stranger being allowed to talk directly to the queen. Still, it didn't matter, especially not in this storm approaching closer and closer. So Martin replied, "Excellent! Let us hurry, then." He hurriedly updated the line on the road map and followed the guards as they approached Crowhead, which was slowly becoming more and more visible.

Martin turned around and saw the trail he had left behind. His footprints were most definitely going to be wiped out in the incoming storm. Hopefully word of Martin's visit to Crowhead wouldn't reach Bisonskull until his business there was over. This storm, he realized, was actually a boon to him; his father would no doubt have him brought back to Bisonskull as soon as he was found, paying no mind to the future that such an action would prevent. Once Martin did what he'd come to do, his father would be forced to allow it.

Either that, or the city-states of Crowhead and Bisonskull would find themselves at war with each other.

Martin preferred not to think about that possibility.