there becomes extremely dangerous and cannot be
passed at night, but it will only be a little over half-a day's journey
to our goal."
44 About midnight they saw lights ahead, and came to a large cave. To
Swift Deer's surprise, he found it a well furnished inn, with good
food, plenty of wine, and even women! The innkeeper, an ugly, foul
smelling little man, was friendly enough. "We call this one Skunk,"
explained Mad Cat. "Don't get him wrong. He doesn't smell like this
because he doesn't bathe. He's got some kind of disease. I saw his back
one time. It's all covered with sores that won't heal. That's what
stinks.
45 We have several inns like this scattered around, a day or so's
journey from our fortress. Believe it or not, we also have
villages with honest merchants. What good is having gold and fine
clothes if you have no places to spend your money or wear your finery?
46 Some of the merchants sell goods we supply them. Others go into Tr
for them. None of these people know where the fortress is. But they
know they are under our protection from the Trn Tax Collectors and
other bandits. It makes for good business!"
47 They were given a good meal and a fine room, and in the morning
continued on their journey. They did not stop for an afternoon's rest,
but continued on. Swift Deer understood Mad Cat's reason. The trail was
treacherous. Sometimes it led along narrow cliffs and turned quickly. A
man in the dark could easily step off into nothingness.
48 They came finally to a ledge opposite a small mountain in the midst
of the hills. Mad Cat whistled twice, paused, then whistled three
times. A man appeared on the ledge above them, nodded, and a moment
later a rumbling sound was heard. The end of a bridge appeared over the
ledge above, came out to its full length, then tilted down to them. It
was an easy