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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2001 - 2007 All Rights Reserved
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265
Pallenten can do with the water and you can do with the rest. The stream is surrounded on both banks by a thick hedgerow of low brush, and it takes a short while to find a path amongst the bracken that takes you to the edge of the stream itself. Here the stream is bordered by a thin strip of soft, spongy earth and the hedgerows provide a measure of protection from the chill carried by the winds. It is a good place to rest and you decide to take advantage of it. Drawing Pallenten to a halt you dismount and lead her to the water's edge. She needs no invitation to start drinking the clear cool waters. Squatting beside the great horse you take a few handfuls of water yourself and drink deeply. Sitting back upon the stream's soft border you watch Pallenten as she drinks and wonder at the stamina she possesses. The horse has covered more ground in this day than you could have travelled in a week, and still she appears as fresh as when you started this morning. You decide that for her sake it will be best to rest for a while longer.
Sitting there, considering the tranquillity of the slow flowing stream, you do not at first notice the deep impressions on the bank to your right. Many animals must use this stream, and you can always expect to see tracks and other sign but as you survey the edges of the watercourse you see something quite different. Pressed into the soft ground are bootprints, the unmistakable heavy footfalls of soldiers following the bank upstream as it meanders from the north. Getting up you tether Pallenten and have a closer look. In two columns you can see the prints heading north, following the progress of the waters. You estimate there are probably twelve individuals.
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If you have the skill of Bushcraft or Huntmastery turn to section 484. If you do not possess either of these skills and wish to follow this group turn to section 299. If you would much rather leave them alone and continue on to the west turn to section 305.
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This book, and its associated books and other documents in the Chronicles of Arborell series are the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Windhammer is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution. Any questions regarding the Chronicles of Arborell can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au
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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2001 - 2007 All Rights Reserved
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