So there they were, after quite a long ride, taking a small rest in the village of Oatbarton.
"At least we can stock up a bit on food and water." Lithea said, not as much thinking of her lack of lunch as what they would eat in the coming days. Evendim lay before them, and it was better known fer its tomb robbers than for its hospitality.
They pulled up their ponies at Bob Proudfoots place. He was known to Tolbold as being a trustworthy fellow.
After staying some time at the camp near Oatbarton, the members of the Black Steel Company begin to grow antsy. Little did they know that an unforeseen visitor was lingering just outside the glow of the firelight...
That morning, Bodo prepared for big adventure. His cousin from Oatbarton asked him to come and help with Pipe-weed harvesting at Northcotton farm. this was first time that Bodo was going on such long journey.
... not finished ...
As dawn was breaking Ammeline approached the outskirts of Oatbarton. The Bounder who kept watch on the road leading into Oatbarton from the Greenfields was just putting out the light in the lamp post that marked his watch post. He raised his slightly ill fitted tin helmet and Ammeline gave him a polite nod as she passed. She was on her way to the Appleby Farm as Ivy Appleby's youngest was ill with a fever. Ammeline had spent the previous evening gathering and preparing herbs.