The rats greeted us cheerfully, and they did not seem to fear Breeks in the least, though that could simply be due to the fact that he arrived in the company of friends. At the village, we decided to rest for a while before setting off through the Valley of Thorns.
Breeks found that he enjoyed the rats' company immensely, as they did his,for they all loved heroic stories. Every evening when the villagers gathered to listen to their bards telling stories, Breeks would join them and have contests with the bards over the best telling of certain tales, which he won as often as he lost.
Ramon spent most of his time with the chief's daughter, Cassandra. They seemed inseparable, and every night they would gather with the others for stories. One night, Ramon was heckling Breeks as he told a tragic story of some ancient war and the raven challenged Ramon to tell a better tale. After his telling of our adventures, all present, including Breeks, admitted that Ramon was the greatest bard in the land.
Much of my time in the village was spent in conversation with the chief, who was a great bard in his own right. I learned much of the history of the Warrior's Horn, as well as all the strange lands through which we had traveled. We also discussed the problem of crossing the Valley of Thorns. The creatures I no longer feared-- I had the Horn to protect me-- but the bridge across the river chasm had fallen in. The rats had investigated the ruins, but had been unable to affect repairs. Eventually they had abandoned the site in hopes that the creatures of the valley, who had been known to use the bridge, might repair it. Otherwise, my only hope of crossing the valley lay in the narrow ledges on the walls of the chasm that might lead to the river at the bottom where I could wade across and ascend similar ledges on the far side.
I was struck dumb for a moment. "But what about your home on the other side of the valley?" I asked, unable to think of anything better to say.
"There's nothing there that can't be replaced, and though it was peaceful and private, it was lonely. Here I'll have companionship, and if I ever need privacy, there's plenty of space outside the village. I think I could be really happy here."
"Well, if you're sure you want to stay, who am I to stand in your way. I wish you well."
"As do I, my friend."
"Fare well, brave warriors," said Cassandra. "May the light guide you on your quest."
Ramon was next to speak, "Well my friend, this is goodbye, for now anyway. Maybe I'll visit you in Ponyland some day."
"I'd like that," I replied. "And maybe I'll return here some day. Until then."
"Khaaar!" kawed Breeks. "Farewell great bard Ramon, may your tales never lose their greatness!"
"Aye, and may your talons never lose their points!" the rat replied.
There were numerous windows over the castle walls, all of them dark; not a single light shone, nor was there any other sign of life. The entrance to the castle was blocked by a massive iron gate.
"How are we going to get through there?" asked Brightblade.
"Not through the front door," Epona said calmly. "There is a secret entrance; the way will be difficult but it is less likely to be guarded."