To The Barracks

The soldiers's quarters were messy and generally unkempt. Food was left out on the tables from several days ago. None of the beds were made and it was as if children lived here. Ash assumed the Knight's quarters were better maintained. There were several posters and pictures hanging on the walls, including a painting of the legendary knight Luscius, a man Ash had grown to admire.

Ash followed the two guard escorts into the room and sat down in a chair as they spread a map of the country out on the table, knocking a plate of biscuts and a cup of water to the floor. Ash didn't say anything and focues on the map.

"Okay. This is Alfina Kingdom here." He points to the large countryside on the bottom of the map. "Katalya's whereabouts are not exactly known, but we do know that she operates out of the Black Mire." He traced his fingers north until he pointed to a dark, undetailed portion. "No one from Alfina really goes there, so we can't help you about where she is in the Mire. We can, however, tell you that there are three ways to get into the Mire."

"One: The Belzan Pass." He pointed to the mountain range that stretched across the country, dividing the Alfina Kingdom from the Northern Areas. "You can cross over the mountains and into the Mire. It's the most direct route, but it will get freezing cold and crossing the snowy peaks will test your constitution."

"Two: The Old Mines. This will take you through the mountains, rather than over them. The mines are a labrynth of darkness, though, and it will be easy to get lost and never be able to find your way out."

"Three: Spring River." The soldier shifted his finger over. There is a small gap in the mountain range east of here where a river flows through a deep valley. It's probably the safest path, but it's out of the way and will take longer to get there."

"That's about it." The soldier concluded. "You could walk around the range, of course, but by that time it would be too late. So, Ashura, what course of action would you like to take? I will give you more information once you've decided."