Daylight comes in through the cave entrance. Goldmoon and Tas are fixing breakfast over the fire. Tanis goes to them.

GOLDMOON
There is not much food, I'm afraid.

She tosses some cereal-type food into boiling water.

TAS
I didn't have much time to get a lot from the Inn. We've got a loaf of bread, some dried beef, half a moldy cheese, and the oatmeal.

GOLDMOON
Riverwind and I didn't bring any provisions. We really didn't expect to make this trip.

Caramon arrives and looks into the pot.

CARAMON
Oatmeal? Is that all?

TAS
There'll be less for dinner. Tighten your belt. You're gaining weight anyhow.

As the group eats, Tanis goes to Raistlin who is still laying against a cave wall and drinking something from a cup.

TANIS
How are you this morning, Raistlin? We're going to have to be moving out soon.

RAISTLIN
I am much better.

Raistlin takes a sip of his drink. Tas bounds into the cave from outside, playing with the pots and making a lot of noise.

FLINT
Be serious, or I'll take you by the topknot and tie you to a tree as a warning to all kender-

Tas pretends to grab something from Flint's beard.

TAS
Look! Seaweed!

Flint growls and makes a grab for Tas. Sturm angrily enters the cave.

STURM
Stop this!
(turns to Tanis)
I could hear these two clear down by the lake. They'll have every goblin in Krynn on us. We've got to get out of here. Well, which way are we headed?

TANIS
The Theocrat in Solace is corrupt. We know that now. He is using the goblin scum to take control. If he had the staff, he would use it for his own profit. We've searched for a sign of the true gods for years. It seems we may have found one. I am not about to hand it over to that Solace fraud. Tika said she believed the Highseekers in Haven were still interested in the truth. They may be able to tell us about the staff, where it came from, what its powers are. Tas, give me the map.

Tas hands Tanis the map. Tanis unrolls it on the floor and the others surround him. Tanis points to portions of the map as he speaks.

TANIS
We are here, on the west bank of Crystalmir. North and south of us are branches of the Kharolis Mountains which form the boundaries of Solace Vale. There are no known passes through either range except through Gateway Pass south of Solace-

STURM
Almost certainly held by goblins. There are passes to the northeast.

FLINT
(horrified)
That's across the lake!

TANIS
Yes, across the lake. But those lead to the Plains, and I don't believe you want to go that direction.
(glances at Riverwind and Goldmoon)
The west road goes through the Sentinel Peaks and Shadow Canyon to Haven. That seems to me the obvious direction to take.

STURM
(frowning)
And if the Highseekers there are as bad as the one in Solace?

TANIS
Then we continue south to Qualinesti.

RIVERWIND
(scowling)
Qualinesti. The Elven Lands? No! Humans are forbidden to enter. Besides, the way is hidden-

Raistlin hisses, drawing everyone's attention. They turn to him.

RAISTLIN
There is a way. The paths of Darken Wood. They lead right to Qualinesti.

CARAMON
(alarmed)
Darken Wood? No, Tanis! I'll fight the living any day of the week-but not the dead!

STURM
Darken Wood is madness. None who enter have ever returned. You would have us take this prize there, mage?

TANIS
Hold!

Everyone falls silent.

TANIS
I remind all of you that this staff is not our 'prize.' The staff rightfully belongs to Goldmoon-if it belongs to anyone. We have no more right to it than the Theocrat in Solace.
(turns to Goldmoon)
What is your will, lady?

Goldmoon looks to Riverwind for guidance.

RIVERWIND
You know my mind. But-you are Chieftain's Daughter.

Riverwind leaves the cave.

TANIS
What did he mean?

GOLDMOON
He wants us to leave you, take the staff to Haven. He says you are adding to our danger. We would be safer on our own.

FLINT
(angrily)
Adding to your danger! Why we wouldn't be here, I wouldn't have nearly drowned-again!-if it hadn't been for-for-
(filled with rage he can't finish)

TANIS
Enough. You will be safer with us. Will you accept our help?

GOLDMOON
I will, for a short distance at least.

TANIS
Good.
(to Tas)
Tas, you know your way through Solace Vale. You are our guide. And remember, we're not on a picnic!

TAS
(subdued)
Yes, Tanis.

The group gathers their things and leaves the cave.