Rhia had been looking forward with great anticipation to one aspect of their southern journey, however. She could hardly wait for the chance to ride a horse for the very first time. In truth, she had seen few horses before coming to the Four Kingdoms. The few beasts in Hollind were huge dray animals, bred to the plough and wagon. Only a matter of hours into their journey, however, her initial excitement became replaced by a bad case of saddle-soreness and cramped legs. To Julina's amusement, Rhia took to riding side-saddle to try to avoid further discomfort.

As they progressed south from Lund, Rhia saw that there were high mountains to their left, and lowlands surrounded them on every other side, most of it lush farmland. Yet it was the mountains that mainly drew her attention.

"If you're thinking about your homeland of Hollind," Julina said, noticing the direction of her gaze, "it does lie in that direction, though somewhat to the south, I would guess."

"Is there a way through the mountains, do you think?" Rhia asked her. "My people believe they are impassible."

"South from the Valley of Baruk," Julina replied, "down to the sea, there lies ridge after ridge of mountains that have never been traversed, in any direction. Only the dwarves have made small inroads."




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