I pass through stalls, then bushes, bigger, then trees. I'm in the forest now. The map that I drew in my head from Joric's explanation tells me that I'm going the right way - and I hope it's true. As I trudge through the undergrowth and boulder-thick trees, I hear voices.

"Vagnell, you can't put the human and the elf in the same cage! Our entire organizational system will plummet," ine whines. "Okay," Vagnell replies, "but there's only one more cage to use." The other man seems to be getting a bit frustrated now.

"Then use it, Vagnell," he says, in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

 "But," I turn away, not wanting to eavesdrop any longer, and look for a different path to take. If they didn't hear me come, they might not hear me go, right? Then, a startling crack! sounds, and I drop as low as I can, behind a bush full of velvety-red berries.

"Who's the-"

A surprised, muffled sound jumps from both men, followed by thumps on the grass and yelps.

"I think they should've brought more cages." A new voice says. "Hello?", the other calls. Ohhhh no. I really need to leave. Or maybe these guys are good. Should I- "Aaargh!" A hand interupts my thoughts as I'm yanked up from my spot behind the bushes.

"I'm not sure if you thought you could hide, or you were just shy." Guy number 1 winks. "Hmph." I grunt as I wrench my arms away from him. "Shut up. Who are you people?" 

Guy number 1 raises an eyebrow and gives me a funny look. "You realize you just told us to shut up and then asked us a question? Not the most efficient interrogation method."

Guy number 2 answers my question. "Hamilton and Arren, twins," he states, first pointing to himself, then his brother. "you?", he questions, waiting for my response. "Hal." I tell him.

"Nice name, Hal. Not a local one, is it? You can tell us about it on the journey, as we best be on our way then."