In that age, Syldriss was a fertile and varied region. Between low hills, exposed ridges and open moorland were wooded vales and streams, some flowing north and east to join the river Osyndar and some flowing south and west to meet the river Gyth. Klane and his companions travelled west, weaving between the hills and avoiding the temptation to wander too far to the south. The river Gyth meets the gulf of Ptral, which is the western limit of Syldriss but Klane’s plan was to pass beyond the gulf much further north on the narrow strip of land that separates its tip from the small, landlocked, Sea of Spices. Due to their hasty departure, the party had not been able to take their fair share of food from the granaries of Ironhope and they must live off the land. Every day, before breaking camp, the hunters would separate and try to bring back such game as might be caught. Klane had an idea. When he described the way he had once tamed an alegoyle chick, the other riders and the former citizens of Ironhope were amazed and more than a little sceptical. “Suak is an excellent hunter and I have taught him to share his catch”, he told them. “He can help us, if I can call him. His adopted flock roost in the north in Ilunon, but he flies far and wide over Syldriss and Windrise, so we are in their territory now.” Still, the riders shared some jokes between themselves when every morning, Klane rode to high ground and whistled for Suak. They were far from convinced. Then, on the tenth day of their travels, a distant speck in the sky turned and flew towards them.