Nannade was awoken by Camillo’s family the next morning. She had slept uneasy but softly. Her clothes were clean and quickly dried with a bit of flux invested and she took part in the family’s breakfast. It was during breakfast that Aaka spoke up. She informed Nannade that her next destination would be Northbridge.

“NORTHBRIDGE?” Nannade could not hold back her surprise. It was a mix between shock and jubilation. The entire family gathered at the table made a sudden jump and looked at her puzzled. Nannade noticed and quickly explained. “I’ve been informed via mystic means that my next destination will be Northbridge.”

Camillo Sr. raised a surprised eyebrow. “That’s a far way from here.”

“I feared as much. And I can’t afford the fare for a ship travel there. Guess I’ll walk again.”

“You’d walk a thousand miles.”

“I made it through tougher terrain than the coastal road.”

Camillo shook his head. “That must be one damn worthy test you’re taking.”

Nannade just nodded silently.

“I can’t give you much. But I’ll give you something for the road.”

She took his gift, a pot of dried and salted herring, and Martina gave her some day-old bread that should last her a while. With that she set out from the family’s home towards the eastern city gate.

She came by many stands. How she would have loved to remain a little while and browse the wares. When Don Telliduso – mistakenly – mentioned object-bound spirits,it had given her an idea, but putting it into action would cost her. She hadn’t had any real opportunity in Kalonitz and now she had no coin.

Thinking of Kalonitz reminded her of something. She quickly took off her backpack and searched through it. Even Aaka was intrigued enough by that to ask a question.

“What is it, did you forget something?”

“Of course. I just remembered I got these in Kalonitz.” Nannade pulled forth four ermine pelts. “They will fetch me a fine price!”

She managed to get quite a bit of communion silver for them from a fur merchant. They were not of the highest quality, but they were worth something. She managed to get herself a few rations with the returns. She’d still have to hunt and barter with dried meat along the way. Or find other ways to get along. but she’d get by.

The road ahead of her would take her to Southbridge. From there, maybe she could take the salt river to Northbridge. Seeing either of those within her lifetime would have been a dream come true, but now she’d get to see all three. She had no time to waste with dreaming of the destination when she had so much walking to do. The greatest cities of their time were waiting for her. Soon she’d see the wonders of magical application, the testament that civilisations could create monuments to immortality without the use of slaves, empires or nobles.

She might have the longest way of her journey ahead, but for the first time since being banished from Sturreland, she had the feeling that the furthest reaches of the world were just a few steps away. She had come this far. How much could a thousand miles more be?