(Cosank is a Votanki Master Hunter from the Redbead clan in Zarlenia whom the River Voices befriended whilst adventuring there).
"Ah, it is so good to see that you are all in good health. When you had not returned after many weeks, we feared the worst. Now I have eaten, I shall tell you of the events which have come to pass since we parted.
"We waited with the Weartagi offshore for some weeks awaiting your return. However the two surviving Weartagi returned alone, telling us of a gigantic exploding gorp which had flung them to the mouth of the Zola Fel river. They also mentioned the word "amina" several times, I don't know if that means anything to you. Anyway, the Weartagi were determined to uphold their part of the bargain and they wanted to await your return.
"For many weeks we stayed on that cursed boat, unable to go ashore to replenish our dwindling food and water supplies. At one stage it became so desperate that revolt was discussed but then discounted on the grounds that the Weartagi were too powerful. Then as we reached starvation point, without warning the Weartagi cast our lines adrift and headed south at a phenomenal pace. We gathered our wits and beached the boat where we slaked our thirst and restocked.
"Not wishing to lay anchor at Corflu, for we had been told about the moon- worshippers, we set sail for Maneria, many leagues to the west. As we entered the Chorilinthor Bay, we spotted three wolf pirates ships heading towards the Wonder City. Vielkar has told me that it used to be capital city of the now dead Pharaoh. Each ship was being towed by two enormous phantom wolves who appeared to run across the water. Ever since meeting Harek the Berserk in Soldier Port, I have dreaded seeing them again. I thought we were going to die, but as I prayed to mighty Votank, the Wolf pirates veered away to the east. We were able to reach the city of Notchet safely.
"By Votank, what a place Notchet is. Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined a city so big or so many people living together. In comparison Soldier Port is but the smallest tribal home. Anything you desire can be bought or sold here. It is breathtaking.
"After a week Bluebird (Wilando May-He-Speak) wished us all to follow him to Whitewall to help defend the city from the evil moon-worshippers. Vielkar wanted to return to his home as well but I reminded him of our duty to search for you. Vielkar agreed and we made plans to travel to a vast desert called Prax. It was decided to leave Raknor in Notchet in a safe house with all the belongings, whilst Vielkar and I would search for you.
"We set out in a two man canoe, circling the Chorilinthor Bay. When we reached Barbarian Town it became apparent that we would have to find another means of transport as the tall cliffs meant we could not beach the canoe at night. We sold the canoe and bought passage on a ship captained by an Esrolian merchant. His crew were the worst collection of cut throats and brigands I have ever seen. Barely a day outside Barbarian Town, we were robbed and flung into the ship's hold.
"At Corflu, Vielkar and I were sold to a moon-worshipping slaver who put us aboard a boat and sailed up the Zola Fel. We passed through several slavers hands before being sold to pigmen, called Morocanth. Our fortunes took a turn for the worst. We were kept bound to a long rope and on survival rations. Many of the other slaves collapsed through lack of strength.
"We were attacked by goat men when we entered the Sun Dome lands and in the confusion we escaped. Vielkar had heard of a place called Pavis to the north and we decided to journey there. We walked across the Long Dry to a place called the North Bog. There we met a talking catfish who called himself Brighteyes. I have seen some strange things in my time but this is one of the best yet. The catfish said that he had seen you and that you were also headed to Pavis. Our spirits soared when we heard this as this was the first time we had heard your names mentioned since leaving Notchet.
"Our freedom was short lived for just after we passed through Pavis, we were recaptured by the Morocanth. Evidently someone had sold them information as to our whereabouts. We were enslaved once more and sold to another moon- worshipper called Pola. He said he came from Carmenia in a Lunar Empire and that we were going to head south to the Grantlands.
"In a village called Cornspot we managed to escape again but only I managed to evade recapture. I have spent the last week living rough and I am not sure how much longer I would have survived. By Votank, it's good to see you all again."
lawrence@aslak.demon.co.uk