Curth

Although she didn't feel like it, Jemman ate before her bath. She was starving and the deep wound in her gut caused her agony. She needed nutrients to survive however. The dwarf running the inn, Gladyss, said she'd have a steaming hot bath ready in half an hour. So as she ate her stew Jemman prepared her mind to use the materials Jardin had died to provide her.

It was a noisy place. Two large cats sat in the corner eating a steaming stew. About half the customers were human though there were a fair number of dwarves. Jemman only drank water which was free.

Soon she decided to go have her cultivation bath. According to her understanding she simply needed to pour all the materials into the steaming water and cultivate throughout the night. She should reach stage one and perhaps two. Both the meridians in her arms and legs would probably be cleared.

The water was scalding hot, as she'd requested. She poured in the herbs then meditated for five minutes. Maintaining a calm mind she stepped into the now boiling water. Her skin blistered and her stomach wound started seeping. Whimpering with pain she began to gently work her qi. It took almost an hour before the qi circulated around her arms. Next, she began to work on her legs. She also focused on allowing her body to absorb the herbs through her skin. This seemed to activate her qi, enabling it to move smoothly through her body.

By morning the bath was still lightly bubbling but it was now dirty and stank. She felt a little like a pig wallowing in its own filth.

This was a sign that she had reached stage one of her Phoenix cultivation. She had managed to significantly clear the meridians in her liver and kidneys as well.

Although she was still missing her fingernail her other wounds were healed. She felt stronger in herself and was ready to begin her day. Embarrassed, she walked downstairs and organised another bath. After seeing the aftermath of her previous wash Gladyss charged an extra two silver, though it was clear she understood what had occurred the evening before. Jemman paid it reluctantly with a clear understanding that the cost included no mention of her business being made known to others.

After her second bath was completed Jemman headed downstairs for some porridge. She ate it quickly and then headed out to see the only one in town she really trusted.

Cormel was sitting where she had left him the day before. After a gruff greeting the drawf commented, "You look like a lass on a mission."

Jemman nodded. "I need to make my way to the Topstar Phoenix Sect and I was wondering if you would give me some directions?"

"That's a long journey girl." He said, "And dangerous to complete on your own. 'Specially for one so young. But, go and see Karles at the saddlery. He might be able to help. Though be a bit leery of him."

Karles was a fat man. Even his ears seemed fat. He was helpful though. He jiggled as he placed a map on a rough bench. " Here's us." He pointed in the middle of nowhere. There was no indication of a village. "Here's the sect." Karles pointed to a large dot labelled 'Korpol'. "The trek is about 320 klicks and it takes most traders about ten days to get there. There are rarely bandits, as the sect uses quests to keep it clear. Still, they can cause troubles. It's more likely to be trouble with wild animals or qarm."

For some reason it didn't seem to surprise him that an little girl would travel there on her own. Or else he just wanted to take her money. "You look like you need some equipment. This map is two silver. Tent is three silver and you can look at the weapons."

It was just that he wanted her money.

Jemman ended up buying a bow and quiver full of arrows. She was a good archer and had always had good dexterity. Towards the end of the negotiations he said with with a mocking voice, "Oh, I think you probably need a backpack." He brought out her old backpack. It was mostly full, minus the documents. "It's certainly worth a gold. I've also got this old satchel of documents. It's going for a gold."

Jemman went cold on the inside. She decided to bluff her way though. "The pack looks worthwhile, but those old documents look worthless. How does eight silver for the pack seem."

"It's a gold for the pack and a gold for the documents." Karles fat seemed to set on his face. "In one minute I'll burn the documents and it will be two gold for the pack, or just don't buy it."

Jardin had given so much for Jemman and so she was unwilling to lose it.

"I'll buy it. If you're sure you want to do things this way." It was clearly a warning.

He didn't seem concerned. "I'm certain."

In the end everything cost Jemman four gold. She was determined it would cost the fat shop keeper a lot more.