Amira slams open the door to the room and stumbles in looking wild-eyed. 

She takes three strides, then trips over the hem of her own skirt and falls to all fours. 

"My - My lord, I - " 

She reaches up, draws a hand through her hair, and sits back on her knees. Tears stain her cheeks. She takes a shaky breath.

"... It's extremely clear. I've never heard such a cacophony."

Lord Halentry's face sets in grim lines. 

"... I had hoped it wouldn't be." 

He exhales, and offers a hand to Amira. "I will do my best to convince the others. Such a clear sign can't be ignored - even those fools on the council should understand that this is serious."

"In the meantime, I will give you a letter to take to the Adventurer's Guild and the necessary fee to place it onto the Merchants' scrying network. Others will be able to confirm with the stars; we can spread the news faster than this party can travel. Some will still be suspicious, but at least in Bell my word will have some weight."

He turns towards Kamryn and the group again. "If you're travelling towards the Consumed, there is an issue. The Blackthorns are in your way - and they won't listen to anyone who's not a goblin, even if you could pass the Thornwall. You'll have to go around, or else risk being enslaved and subjected to magical experiments. I have a rough map of the continent, but I don't know the exact extent of the Blackthorns to the south - they don't share maps of their own territory outside their empire."

"Your best option is to pass as south as you can, skirting the mountains and the Autumnal Palace. You'll still need to be cautious of Blackthorn wolf-riders, but hopefully you should be able to pass south of the Thornwall. Can any of you read?"

The tentacle squad exchanges glances.

"I saw a book, once."

"You saw a drawing of a book, once."

Kamryn stands, roaming restlessly around the sofa.

"No, none of us know how to read. The advice about our route is appreciated, though. We knew there was another nation between us and the Consumed, but no specifics."

"I have a book of hearsay information on the Consumed from adventurers' tales, but it's of no use to you if you can't read it. I could send Amira with you with a map, book and compass..."

"I have responsibilities here, my lord..."

"Responsibilities more important than this?"

"... No, my lord."

"Amira has been my eyes and ears for many years, and has had occasion to travel alone in the wilderness before. She should be able to guide you, if you will accept her aid."

Kamryn glances between Amira and the goblin.

"Can she keep up?" The intonation here is probably lost on the locals but she doesn't just mean in travel speed.

In reply, Amira wordlessly conjures a small bolt of force that flies over and taps Kamryn on the shoulder.

"Amira has my full confidence in this matter. She is an experienced journeywitch and has survived in the wilds before. She has a keen eye for danger and knowledge of how to function both in society and outside it."

Now that is a bald-faced lie.

Would calling him out on it be a waste of time?

Probably.

"We'll remain nearby until tomorrow. If anyone else wishes to join us, Amira knows where to find us."

Lygos stands himself and Yosaphen up.

They and Talance resume their prior arrangement of two wild beauties on the arms of a knight.

"That letter, my lord."

Lord Halentry ducks into another room for a moment, and comes back holding a rune-inscribed scroll sealed in wax. 

He hands it to Amira. "I entrust you with informing the world at large and escorting these brave individuals in their quest."

"I will, My Lord."

She stands as well, and takes the lead for the group in leaving the manor.

Meanwhile, back at the camp...

Uuloo isn't back yet, and Lily is left sitting next to the trapper boy without much to say. 

He looks away, then back at her, then away again. 

"... You can say whatever it is you want to say."

"I... it's not my fault, I'm just... it's never enough. I've spent everything I have on visits to the local brothels and it's still not enough. It's just... always there."

He lays his head on his arms and lets out a strained noise.

... isn't that familiar.

"... Yeah. I... know what you mean. At least a little."

He just sighs.

"... really. I don't think I'd ever been... satisfied... in my life before I met Kamryn and the rest of them."