In the Middle of the Fens

Grabbing at the roots of a nearby tree with one hand, Astra managed to assist Fred to relatively solid ground. Then she examined his ankle. There were two deep bite marks just a bit higher up than the ankle itself, but fortunately the creature had missed any major blood vessels or muscles. On the other hand, if it had tried to bite Fred just a little lower down, it would have bitten on the tough leather of his boot and he might not have been harmed at all.

"You should be all right," Astra told him. "Unless the wound should become infected, that is, which in a place like this must be a big risk. I'd like to wash the mud away using clean water, but I doubt that there's any to be found in this swamp. Try walking on it."

Fred circumnavigated the tree whose roots held together the island on which they had found refuge. "It seems all right," he reported. "I think I recognise this place from travelers' tales that I've heard. I think we are somewhere within the Fens of Canmoor."

"I take it that is somewhere within Allaria? I can't say I've heard of it."

"It has a very bad reputation. It is said to be the hide-out of bandits - and worse."

"I doubt that we would be of any interest to bandits. What could they steal from us? You have lost your pack and sword, and have only your now rather disgusting armour. And I have only a three foot length of chain attached to each wrist. Anyway, I suppose we had better get moving."

1. They managed to find their way out of the fens before nightfall.
2. Dusk found them still struggling through the swamp.
3. "Look," Fred said. He pointed to where - apparently not too far away - a wisp of smoke could be seen rising above the trees.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree