To Warmer Plains, Chapter 2
Ghost Town, Edda
Given that it was the closest major settlement to Denandsor, it came as no surprise to Kit that most of Edda's population did not count itself amongst the living.
Kit and Black Ice Shadow traversed the horizon's highest hilltop, bringing them into view of Edda, a thatchwork hamlet nestled snuggly in the swamp that had formed as a result of runoff from the surrounding hills. As they descended, the ground grew soft beneath their feet, and it became difficult to distinguish soil from grass. The whispered winds of grassland nights fell victim to the chorus of one thousand some odd crickets chirping into the emptiness above and around them. When they grew closer to a log bridge that had been erected at the point where the terrain became too soft to tread upon, Kit stayed a considerable distance behind Black Ice Shadow. Being that he was dressed as though he were heading to do battle at a funeral, she reasoned that of the two of them, he was better equipped to handle their introduction to Edda's ghostly majority.
Though she'd known in her mind what to expect, no amount of literature could have prepared her for the sight of Edda. She grew close enough to witness its happenings for herself, and nearly stopped dead in her tracks. Ghosts carried about their business freely, moving across wide wooden roads built between structures that rose from the swamp. They were quiet, ethereal creatures; Kit thought that in their mannerisms, they carried a hint of contentedness. Just as she was beginning to appreciate the hushed, intense beauty of the ghost town, Black Ice Shadow, who was crossing the bridge, shot Kit a glance over his right shoulder.
"Madame, if you could, we will be better received if it is apparent we are traveling together."
He spoke with the same quiet civility Kit had grown used to and, in a sense, even appreciate. She hastened her walk, catching up to him on the bridge. An old man sat at the far edge of the bridge, a fishing rod in his hands cast lazily into the swamp. He was one of the town's few mortals, and seemed to carry a knowing sadness behind his gaze that the town's ghosts did not. While Kit's ponderous mind debated the burden of life and the ennui of death, Black Ice Shadow broke the melodious silence, bowing slightly as he spoke.
"Sir, I must apologize for encroaching upon your leisure. My friend and I are travelers from anorth; we are passing through and hope for a place to seek refuge from the terrors of the wild while I establish contact with other companions of mine. Might you know of a place in Edda we'd be welcomed to stay?"