Almaric’s Tale
Bundling all of the discarded equipment into a sack, Almaric returns to his hidden backpack and adds the sack to the concealed cache. Thinking that it might be be easier to travel unburdened, he leaves the bags and returns to the centre of the clearing.
Almaric spends a short while examining the ground for any tracks that might give him a clue as to the bandit’s direction. Apart from catching sight of one or two faded hoof-prints (that may or may not belong to his missing mount), there are sadly, just too many other tracks and spoor trampled throughout the area to tell him anything of use - other than this place has seen a fair amount of traffic.
Knowing that the general lay of the land puts the small river to the east and without any other means of tracking, Almaric decides to eliminate the smaller eastern region first before turning his attention elsewhere if needed.
Having lightened his load, Almaric is able to make better speed but since he is literally in ‘bandit country’, he elects to try and move as quietly as possible whilst staying alert for the sounds of voices. With a last look around the clearing, he sets off down the east path.
The path here is overgrown and very hard to follow. The gurgle of rushing water gives Almaric ample warning and as he moves through some thick scrub, he finds the path split by a quick-running stream. It is only about ten feet wide and it looks shallow. The stream bed is filled with gravel and small stretches of sand. Larger rocks and trees have created pools up and down the stream. The water runs off to the south. Looking to the south he can see a small trout break the water and snatch an insect that strayed too close to the surface. The path continues on the opposite side of the stream.