The beggining

Spring came only a week ago and the Klutz mountains are already melting. The Geama river swells and a path opens. It connects the lands north of the Klutz with the swamps of Shaema, and Shaema is hungry for trade.

Filled with salt, spice, iron, fruit, and other goods, The Muddy princess is ready to satiate that hunger. The crew sleeps inside, among the cargo, but most of prefer to spend the days outside. The fresh air alone is worth the cold, not to mention the breathtaking views of mountains to the west and forests to the east.

The Geama, wide enough for two such barges, lumbers south toward Shaema, carrying the the Muddy princess on it's back. Only thing keeping her away from the banks is a long pole used for steering. Ake, the merchant's son is the one steering now, while his sister Else sits close beside him peeling potatoes. Godfre, their captain, father and the owner of the barge is playing with the spyglass he is so fond off.

The other passengers are _____________

It's the third day of travel and, beside a few rotting jetties all signs of civilization are gone. As is his custom, the captain