CHAPTER 07
On the Merchant's Path, 20 miles outside Medenbury, Astraena
Late October
Having saved Vendrinor from the horrors of Reverend Simon and his mysterious master, the P.A.R.T.Y. has spend the better part of a week escorting the village's survivors to Medenbury Junction, a major crossroads that serves as the intersection point for traffic traveling between Tris (west), Ikuabai (east), Telsid'Fas (northwest), and Hae'driel (southeast).
The sun hangs brightly at the apex of its trek across the heavens as the caravan approaches the first major waypoint of its journey to the capital. Even now, 20 miles from Medenbury proper, there are signs of life. Traffic has increased dramatically, and other roads can be seen weaving back and forth over the surrounding hillside as they, too, approach the junction.
The light forests surrounding the area are dotted with cottages, farmhouses, fields, lumber yards, and other signs of industry. Though Medenbury is nothing compared to Ikuabai, Hae'driel, or Tris, it's much, much larger than Vendrinor -- tens of thousands of people live here, and while the day-over-day population fluxuates, it has been known to exceed 100,000 during busy traveling days. In addition to being a bustling trade city, Medenbury is also home to one of the largest Imperial prison complexes on the continent.
A signpost helpfully depicts the obvious as the caravan heads ever onward:
quote:
20 miles to Medenbury
155 miles to Ikuabai
At the current rate, the P.A.R.T.Y. will reach Medenbury by evening. There are likely plenty of inns, hostels, brothels, and other amenities, should you wish to pursue them. The caravan leaders have indicated that they will stop for the night in Medenbury, resupply, and continue onward toward Tris tomorrow.
[Crossroads]