Trimble is not used to having so many guests, and is unable to put forth more than three place settings. He also doesn't have much food ready. Everyone pitches in, though, to put together a minimal meal, better than trail rations, but hardly a feast.
Trimble asks everyone about their travels, and if they know his friends Gorefoot, Rodimus, Persephone, Nars Blackbeard and Sir Ishmael. Reinert mostly just listens.
After dinner, Reinert and Trimble unpack the wagon, and load his provisions into his cramped and messy cabin. Reinert wants his payment immediately, asking for 'five pounds.' They retreat to the back of the single-room cabin and Reinert emerges with a crate, which he loads into his wagon.
"The rate is going to double next month, Trimble." says Reinert. "This trip is getting more dangerous. We got attacked by the biggest spider I ever saw yesterday. It would have eaten me AND my horses if these adventurers hadn't been along. I'm going to have to hire a bodyguard."
Trimble sighs and shakes his head. "My days as a hermit may have to end. But double will do, my friend. At least for next month. Do come back with the usual provisions and the spell components from the list I've given you."
Then to everyone Trimble says, "OK. Let's go to the spring. We need to get a move on to get there and back before dark. You're coming too, aren't you, Reinert? You could use a bath."
"I'm not taking no bath if there's been dire wolves in that spring!" shouts the dwarf.
"Oh, come on." says Trimble. "That stream has a good current. It will wash itself clean in minutes. And you're safer with all of us than here by yourself."
Reinert does decide to come, and everyone sets out on foot, for the spring is quite close to the cabin.
The group travels down a beaten down path, where Trimble pauses behind some bushes and points ahead to a dark cave. "In there's the spring." he whispers. "But, maybe one of you'd better go first."
