On to Uringen

The old hag sat baking in the sun of the market with her dried lissticks laid out like rows of leather strips. She was obviously of Osirian origin but how old none could tell. She looked as if she were one of the mummies freshly unwrapped and set up for display on the small straw palette. She cawed to the passersby and waved her bony arms to draw attention to her wares, periodically spitting to clear her throat.

The market was thick with traders, travelers and hawkers of all kind. Thistlebark cautiously approached the old woman where she sat at one corner of the walkway. He studied her momentarily before catching her attention. When her jaundiced eyes caught his she waved him over and spat through her toothless grin.

"Young traveller," she cackled, "come and have a taste of the finest dried lizard in Katapesh!"

"While your wares appear delectable, crone, I have really come looking for information."

Her amber eyes widened.

"You see, I'm seeking the recipe for a rare healing elixir."

She squinted through heavy leather lids, "There is not anything I can tell you about that. Be off if you're not going to buy something."

Thistle grinned, "Oh, Master Dacron said you may know of someone who had writings of such things. He called it Nightmoss." Thistle pulled a polished gold coin from under his cloak and regarded it casually.

She sucked a short breath between naked gums. "Master Dacron? Well he and I are out of sorts, but I can point you in the right direction." Her eyes gleamed as she regarded the coin Thistle fumbled between his fingers.

"Go on."

She licked parched lips and glanced from side to side. "What you're looking for is in the River Kingdoms to the north. I was there many, many years ago and held council with Erinin Thulgath. Her encampment is known as the Nightmoss camp. You will find her for more information on the plant you seek."

"The River Kingdoms?"

The hag cackled, "Yes! It's a long way from here for such a small creature to to travel alone."

"Don't get any funny ideas, crone. I'm not traveling alone. And I'm certainly not taking you with me."

Tajzh was actively sniffing at the dried lizards and quickly turned up her nose.

"I see you have a unique little companion already. Would you care to purchase a treat for your little pet?" Her toothless grin widened.

"I think these have been out in the sun too long." Tajzh replied indifferently. Her attention began to stray.

"Indeed?" The hag sat forward on her palette, and spat again. "I'd do to have you on a stick you little..."

"That's quite enough!" Thistle dropped the gold coin. "You have been most knowledgeable and helpful. We do wish you well." He turned to go.

"Don't be swayed by the charlatans there little gnomeling! They'll give you hadrock root for bowerleaf if you don't know the difference!" She called after him punctuating it with another spit.

Pushing his way through the crowded market toward the docks Thistle called back to her, "Thank you again, but I do know the difference." He waved at her over his shoulder.

"I'll just bet you do, you little shit," she mumbled to herself tucking the gold coin in her sagging, wrinkled cleavage, "I'll bet you do."