Ralph and the Pixie

Turning his horse to the left, he resumed their journey once more, and began following the river-road upstream towards their destination.

‘Where did the Goblins come from?’ Ralph asked him.

As if the question was more complex than it appeared on the surface, Pran was long considering his answer. Presently, he said, ‘North beyond the Elidh-Vragh mountains.’

‘How far north is that?’ Doc put in.

Pran thought for a moment. ‘At a hard pace, perhaps a fortnight’s ride or more. More than twice that time for them, for no horse will bear them.’

They were coming across bigger farms now, with more and larger houses and barns. And they began to meet travellers on the road as well. Several times they had to leave the road to the left to go around creaking ox carts both laden and empty. Some of the travellers were Men, who eyed Doc and Ralph speculatively as they passed. A few hailed Doc and Ralph, assuming the two would know their tongue. When Pran informed the Men otherwise, they stared in wonder, obviously burning with curiosity. After passing, Pran remarked with relief that the Men were not travelling in the same direction.

‘Where is all this north-bound traffic going?’ Doc asked Pran, suddenly, frowning. ‘So far we’ve seen over a dozen heavy wagons and twice than many riders and people on foot headed towards the middle of nowhere.’