After purchasing the necessary supplies, the quartet bought passage on the next airship towards the north. The flight was uneventful with the companions passing time chatting, playing cards, celebrating Sara's and Jack's birthday, and teaching each other the skills they had learned from their resoective schools. By the time they had touched down in the northern port, Last Hope, Lelu could conceal herself to a casual onlooker, and the trio had learned how to cast the beginners spell Light with Sara and Vect having been able to grasp the concept easier than Jack.
As the ship touched down on the port and the quartet disembarked, as they were the only passengers on-board and the ship was mostly there to drop off supplies and pick up any goods coming from the area, only getting passengers to fill any space they had available.
The air was crisp and cold, the beginnings of autumn approaching as leaves were slowly turning colors. They were grateful to have purchased some winter gear for their journey as they had heard stories of how harsh northern winter can be. They saw a commotion at the main building and went to investigate.
"What do you mean the pass is still closed?! I've got to get to the BTC for training," roared a very well muscled youth.
"I know you are tired of waiting, but the pass has been completely sealed off by a rockslide, we are doing our best trying to get it cleared," said an grey haired man in a port staff uniform.
"I've been waiting patiently for 3 days, I might as well climb over it myself," snarled a minotaur.
"The tunnel itself has been sealed, the only way to the Camp is going an alternate route or waiting here."
The group eventually dispersed after another few exchanges with the staff member, grumbling about the delay.
The quartet approached the man.
"So there really is no other way to the camp," asked Sara wistfully.
"Well there is a way," spoke up an old man in a traveler's cloak before the staff member could answer.
"He is right, but it might not be the best idea, the old way is longer by a week and more treacherous than the pass."
"I've got a map through the area if you want, I just want these angry people to leave so I can enjoy some quiet time," said the old man holding out a rolled up map.
"If you kids do go that way, be careful and try not to die," said the staff before he continued with his duties.
Conversing with each other, the group decided to take.....