209 Houses of the Ninth Valley

They had already traveled several miles from Alder's Farm by the time the sun rose above the mountains, its light revealing the densely populated lands of the Ninth Valley.

As far Arran's eyes could see, the rolling fields were speckled with farms and cottages, and in the distance lay several villages. At a guess, he thought it would be impossible to travel even a single mile in any direction without meeting someone.

There was something about the sight that made him uncomfortable. Even in the Empire, he had never been in a place like this — a place with no room whatsoever for real solitude. And more importantly, no place to flee or hide.

Before he could give the matter any more thought, Brightblade's voice interrupted his musings. "Now that we're on our way, let me fill you in on the situation."