The Council were waiting for the group, sat in the main hall behind a large desk bereft of adornment. Chairs had already been placed out for the group and Valino and a dwarf in dull plate mail stood to one side of the room, with Beltak the scribe sat in the far corner behind a small desk, parchment and quill at the ready.

Tymander started to continue, but Tremak interrupted. ‘It would greatly please the Council if you would allow Beltak to accompany you.’

The merchant's jaw dropped somewhat, but he recovered quickly, and just glowered at the priest. Beltak simply dropped his quill in astonishment, fear, and excitement. Rindall, the dwarf, scowled and looked across at Tymander.

‘He is most skilled in recording and transcribing events and with Pelor's guidance may also be of help to you in the field. I will personally assure he will not be a burden upon you.’

Tremak appeared to be very pleased with himself.

It took a moment for Khalin to realise and then he hissed in frustration. Where was the scribe? Kireth had said Beltak would be coming along but he was nowhere to be seen, and Tremak was all tight-lipped.

Then, from the direction of the temple came the scribe, laden down with a large sack. He huffed and puffed through the throng and cast the sack onto the back of the wagon. Khalin simply raised his eyebrows in question.

‘Blank books and scrolls,’ Beltak stated, as though it were obvious. ‘Oh, and some ink and spare quills.’

Khalin turned with a sigh moving towards the front of the train.

‘And fine sand to dry the ink,’ Beltak continued as the dwarf walked on. ‘And a lanthorn so I can write in the dark evenings,’ the scribe kept talking, jogging up behind the warlord whilst he explained. ‘Oh, and a small travel desk to write on. All necessities for such a voyage you'll agree.’