278 A Quiet Place

It took Arran two days to reach the mountains, and along the way, he encountered several of the iron mines that lay within the foothills. The mines had their own small villages, filled with hardened workers and rough taverns where they could spend their hard-earned coin.

Arran avoided these villages as best he could, taking care to pass each of them unseen. A traveler would draw little attention, but there was no point in taking needless risks, no matter how slight. He did not believe anyone was following him, but if he was wrong, he wouldn't give them an easy time of it.

When he reached the mountain range, he ventured forth without delay, eager to reach his destination.