"We'll take the map please," said vect politely. "How much do you charge for one?"
"None, as I said, I just want some peace," said the old man as he placed the map in Vect's hand.
"Let's stock up on supplies before we set out again," stated Jack as they turned away to go find a merchant. "thank you sir," said Jack as they left, but if he had turned around he would have seen that the man had vanished.
They eventually found a merchant in the outpost that sold them the supplies necessary for the journey and even suggested some survival books for the journey. "I really recommend you study and memorize these books before reaching the camp," he had said. You may not get another chance. When questioned about why not he was silent.
As they left they looked back at the outpost, thinking to themselves that they wouldn't see it again until they had finished their training.
Off they went through the hills, the wind a constant chilling breeze that cut to the bone at times. The old path was still there, it was just not as clear due to the disuse over the years. Over the mountains and through the valleys, they traveled, stopping at night to camp as travel at night would mean getting lost even with proper light. As they ate dinner they would read the books the merchant had given them and put them into practice on the road.
Jack was thankful that they had bought some bows and arrows for hunting, all mocking of Vect being a stereotype vanished as they ate the venison around camp. The trip while difficult at times was certainly an adventure, until the storm came......