CHAPTER 2
Harpidiom is the country east of Metamor. East to it is the town of Ilphid, but past it are unmarked swamps; swamps of outernmen.
Like the Westmarshes, the rock is red; juxtaposed with the green and brown vegetation, and the flowing blue waters. But you see now that the hills are dotted by jutting, spiked rocks, of porous sinuation.
A rider stops you, he is a sheriff: "Executioner, you? I'm sorry..." he falls over limp.
You see now that a small dart pierces his neck; fluid spills and whitens the skin.
Upon his body, you find a scrolled parchment; is the price for your head:
"
ALIVE - 100
WANTED FOR TREASON, MANSLAUGHTER AND DESERTION
NO LESS THAN A HUNDRED GOLDEN COINS FOR THE CAPTURE OF THE GIANT EASTERNMAN KNOWN AS:
'NIGHTCRAWLER, THE STRANGER, GROL AND SCIMITASCIM-TONGUE'
HE WEARS THE RED EXECUTIONER'S MASK. HE BEARS THE EXECUTIONER'S AXE
CAPTURE ALIVE - BRING TO THE TOWER OF AXE-KEEP UPON MODOK
"