The answer to her unspoken question was rather simple. The river was too unpredictable, and too wide, for it to have a bridge built across it in this area. Since there were very few settlements in the region, there was no point building one further downstream, as the fords there were good enough. The Ferry was also the only way to cross for miles around - it would be easier to keep the Ferry on the West side if some one attacked from the East. Far more easier then defending a bridge, and having to provide for a large enough garrison of troops to hold the bridge. So it was also a matter of safety.<br/><br/>Mathias was right about keeping his voice down, but they had already made sure that there was no one around. The Prince moved to the door and peered down the street, nothing that a small group of people had indeed collected around some one. Since no one was crying murder, he imagined something had happened down by the Ferry. Hopefully nothing too serious.<br/><br/>"Tis a good idea. Mathias, why don't you take care of the horses and check on the ferry." One thing that was good about Mathias's scarred look is that it kept unwanted attention away, and no one would think to mess with their horses if he was standing by. "Squek and I will venture down the street and check out the wares until it is time to board the ferry."