<b><span style="font-size: 18px">East of Yartar; The Barge</span></b><br/><br/>Grull had the orcs stay out of sight, he angled the<a class="link link--external" href="https://steamboattimes.com/images/keelboats/keelboat_missouri_circa1825-32_388x245.JPG" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">barge </a>so that two orcs, could use their poles to push the barge ever closer to their quarry while standing on the far side of the cabin and cells.  They wore hooded cloaks in case the girl got a glimpse of them, they would appear like large men, not unusual for the task of poling barges all day.  Grull looked at the poles as they reached the bottom of the river, they were in shallow enough water that even if Lydia tried to escape they could reclaim her.  They didn't swim well but they could certainly wade, the girl on the bank might get away, but he would keep his prize.  But Lydia seemed convincing, though the talk in common was a bit fluffy for his liking but he managed to get the meaning of her ploy.  He smiled, she was a clever bitch, that much was sure.<br/><br/>Lydia was free to walk up the near side walkway along the deck of the barge to better communicate with the lass on shore.  Along the way she might see her traveling chest, securely, if not neatly stowed among other seemingly (in the eyes of orcs) valuable pieces from her carriage and other exploits.  Grull worked silently from the rear of the barge, staying out of clear sight but keeping a watchful eye and ear on Lydia.  Turning the barge slowly so that when the time was right, his orcs could get a good running start to go for the girl on shore.  They would take her by force, as was their usual method, but Grull wondered if Lydia ever so talented tongue might convince the girl to walk right up the gangplank for them.