As Fawnlum met travelers and caravans on the road, the news was always grim.  She pushed her friends faster to their destination.

Even motivated Sienna admitted to fatigue, when they trudged up to the northwestern edge of Henbrace, many days later.

“I thought it would be bigger,” Fawnlum said.

“It’s more quality than quantity,” Lucas told her.  “Ships come up and down the river, load up goods and people, and carry them north into Humboldt Bruit.  The wizards here leave for their seasonal work to defend the ships.  It’s all centered around business.”

“Are those workers on that ship?” Halrick asked, as he pointed to the river south of their vantage point.

“Those are bounty hunters, going upriver to sell their services.”

“We’ve got competition,” Sienna said, challengingly.

“This way to the inn,” Lucas told them, quickly taking the lead and guiding them into the city.

“You’ve been here before?” Fawnlum asked, as she looked at the streets teeming with people.

“A couple times on a fishing boat.”

“There’s no shortage of public houses,” Halrick observed.

“And the decorative homes and seats of power are more toward the city’s center,” Lucas said.

“Every inn is bustling,” Sienna said.  “Are we even going to find a place?  And why are there so many women and children on these streets, as night is falling?”

Lucas told her, “They’re probably refugees from the south.”

“How can they breathe in this crowded place?” Caitlyn asked.

Lucas did not answer.

From beside him, Fawnlum saw he was not ignoring them.  He was just enjoying the comfort of having the city around him.

“There are many sell-swords in this city already,” she said, observing the mix of people.

“Why do they stare?” Sienna asked.

“No other women are as tall and muscular as you and Fawnlum,” Lucas answered.  “And few weapons are as big as your sabers.”

“Well-armed city troops keep a watch on every corner,” Fawnlum added.

“The city is wealthy,” Lucas replied.  “They need to keep order so they can keep up the profit.  Don’t cause any trouble.  And if anyone troubles you, walk away.”

Lucas eventually pointed out the Bay Keel Inn.

“Looks expensive,” Sienna said matter-of-factly.

<*>                                                          <*>                                                      <*>

Fawnlum rose before sunrise, and took Halrick for a quick bit of exploring.  They were back as breakfast was finishing.

“And how many bounty hunters have been flocking to Humboldt’s call?” Sienna asked her.

“Thousands,” Fawnlum admitted.  “Some share stories of not finding a single enemy; others brag with bulging pouches of gold.”

“So we’ll have to find the spot where the enemy gathers,” Dreighton surmised.

“And be one among the many,” Fawnlum replied, depressingly.

“It’s better than going without!” Sienna rebutted her.

“Perhaps we can learn more as we listen more,” Halrick said.  “It’s not like we have to leave this town right away.”

Fawnlum nodded with grave and thoughtful eyes.

“But first!” she said, sprightly springing up, “I’m going to ask the city’s wizards to heal Lucas.”

As the two of them were nearly out the door, Dreighton called out, “Have them leave a little scar!  The ladies love that!”