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"Oh, that's right," Malika says. "You mentioned a son back on the boat. Was there a story there? Who's the father?"

"Then we will let him come along." He smiles and pats the Gnome on the shoulder. "One thing that came out of that little mess under the sea, is.. well we need leadership, there are too many of us to just amble along now.."

"Would you be happy if I assumed the role?" He asks seriously, giving her a questioning look. "We need direction."

"I suppose you could say I am a princess. Khan Mehmet is the father," Imani says. "I was given to Mehmet a few years ago, in hopes that his armies wouldn't attack my tribe. It seemed to pacify him enough. I was one of many wives that was controlled by fear."

"Mehmet? Khan of the Mayakhurs?" Malika blurts out, loosing her composure for a moment. "Really? I heard rumors he was more slug than man, like some kind of hideous blob-man or something. I can't imagine your wedding night was all that fun."

"Yeah, it is a night I would rather forget," Imani admits. "And he is probably the most hideous looking man I have ever seen. My eyes were closed the whole time."

Malika shakes her head. "No Mikku should marry. It's just as bad as slavery, if you ask me. That's why I'll never be shackled to any one man, no matter what." She tilts her head. "But if your son means so much to you, why didn't you just take him with you?"

"It was kind of impossible to do so," Imani explains. "Mehmet's newest wife was kidnapped, and I managed to convince him to let me go find her. To make sure that I returned, he kept my son. The thing is though, that if I returned now, I would be killed because we didn't bring back his newest wife. My son is safe there for the time being as he is the only male that has been born. He is his heir."

Babushka looks at Jerrard. "I don't understand why everybody is so fussed about leadership. Well, it saves some discussions, but what if the leader makes a mistake, misjudges or overlooks something? But as long as you accept counsel, I have no problem with you being our leader. I couldn't be that officially anyway, who would follow a little woman like me?" she says with a wink.

"You mis understand me, I am referring to the perception of our group, once upon a time it was just the four of us... As we have grown we are starting to lack some control for want of a better word." He gives her shoulder a squeeze. "Blame my training but I believe in order. I am not planning to make the choices myself,rather that I am the focal point."

"As for following you, this is why I asked you first, if any of us would have the sense and wisdom to lead this group.. it's you." he shakes his head. "I am being played by Malika and I only just realized." He laughs, "She is interested in what she can get, when she realized how much money I have, part of which is yours. Then she was interested."

Babushka smiles up at Jerrard. "Then the matter is settled" she tells him. "I will be your loyal support, and if ever I think you're wrong in what you plan, I will tell you so. In private, whenever possible.
Let's join the others and decide what we can do about mounts and pack animals."
Babushka gets up and makes to leave the room, turning around to see if Jerrard follows.

"Yes, Indeed." He smiles, jumping up and lifting her off her feet a moment, "Let us see what trouble Locky has got herself into yes?"

Babushka and Jerrard enter the room to find things exactly as they left them.

Ulster looks up at their arrival. "So, what's next?"

Babushka turns to Jeremy. "Would you like to tell everybody what we have found out about the mounts and pack animals available here?" she asks him with a smile.

Jerrard and Locky wait to see what he has to say.

Jeremy turns to the group and begins , "Well, they have one draft horse for 400 steel, two ponies at 60 steel each, and one riding horse for 150 steel. Bit and bridle are 3 steel each, pack saddles 10 steel each and riding saddles are 20 steel each. He mentioned that it is about 150 miles of forest, so a hard ride isn't a good idea, unless you want to kiss a tree limb. I have nothing against tree huggers, but kissing a tree ,at a gallop, doesn't sound fun."