Goblin Diaries, Vol 17: The Plains of Saha'ar
Morning,
2nd Day of Snow Moon, 1219th Year, Human Age of Magic …
I haven’t slept much since I left the
Swamp of Ozua, being anxious to put as much distance as possible between the
castle dungeons and myself. Since I sneaked away under the distractions of the
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Zemburith, I’ve taken only the occasional cat
nap when I felt the need to rest, and I’m pleased with my progress.
That first night, the light of a waning
crescent moon was sufficient to negotiate the dense cypress groves and thickets
near the swamp, and by morning the undergrowth had given way to a more open
forest floor beneath a tall tree canopy, which was easier going. Late the next
afternoon, I came upon evidence of logging—a large clearing where stumps of
mahogany and teak absorbed the unhindered rays of the sun. There was a poorly
maintained logging road leading away from the clearing, which I followed,
assuming it would be the quickest way out of the forest.
I guessed correctly, for which I am glad,
because the moon last night was obscured by clouds, yet I made good time by
following the road. Early this morning, I emerged from the trees and got my
first glimpse of the Plains of Saha’ar.
The grasses of the plain grow taller than
me, so I climbed a tree to gain the proper perspective. As far as the eye could
see, stretching out to the east, was an ocean of green and brown stretching to
the horizon, waves rippling across its surface in the breeze.
It presents a dilemma. If I enter into the
tall grass, I could easily lose my way, and I will be vulnerable to predators
that I cannot see coming. If I follow the trail that runs along the edge of the
forest, I’ll risk discovery by some random traveler who may try to return me to
Zemburith for a reward.
I’ve decided to spend the rest of the day in
the forest, collecting fruits and nuts for the journey while pondering how to
proceed.
