“The thieves likely intend to follow the Snowbourne to the Entwash,” answered Anglachel. “It is the fastest way east without using the Great West Road, which they must avoid if they plan on traveling in stealth.”
“Your question has been in my mind as well Deorlin,” he continued, “but we must continue to assume that the thieves are Easterlings which is what all the clues tell us. In that case, cutting northwards at any point would take them too far from their chosen path. No, I believe they must cross the Snowbourne at some point. If you say the closest ford is ten leagues from here, then that is where they must be heading. Let us make haste to this shortcut of yours and see if we can end this pursuit before the day is up.”
Deorlin nodded in approval and quickly turned his mount from the trail. “Yah!” he yelled and sped off towards the ford, followed closely by the others. The chase had begun in earnest.
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