<b>The city was smaller than the port city they'd first come across in these lands, and an air of neglect hung over it. Pegawen stared up at the buildings as they passed, studying the details. It'd once been a bustling city, she thought. <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel grabbed at her cousin's steed and steered her out of the way of a man being pulled past on the seat of an old wooden cart. “Keep your eyes ahead,” she said.</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen nodded and turned her attention back to the road. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>What is this city called?” Allasea asked, riding alongside Timberlane and Flagdon.</b><br/><br/>“<b>It was once called Ost Landier, after its founder. But in recent days, it's simply called Randin.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>It's quieter than I expected for such a city.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Men here tell tales of large beasts in the ocean, dragging whole ships into the icy depths never to be seen again. Fish tales to explain the lack of vessels entering port now, I imagine, though the effects have been much the same.” Timberlane slowed and looked down a side street. “Is this the one Flagdon?”</b><br/><br/><b>The dwarf's bushy eyebrows came together and he shook his head. “Don't think so but I've been to few human towns and those I've seen all look the same to me. Only one way to find out.” With that, Flagdon steered his goat down the street and Timberlane, shaking his head, motioned the others to follow.</b><br/><br/><b>Two side roads and a pause to ask directions of a stooped woman sweeping her steps they finally stopped at a building. It's sign, faded with age, proudly proclaimed itself to be The Cobbled Cot. From inside came the scent of ale and seared meat, and the muted sounds of people talking. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Are you certain this is the right place” Pegawen asked Flagdon.</b><br/><br/>“<b>That's the place my cousin said to go. He'd not pull my beard on something so important.”</b>