Chapter 40

“There are other ways to the border but they are difficult. Algwad’s men will have taken the easiest route.”

“Which is?” Shay asked.

“Through the Goblins Claw. It will be closing soon with the approaching winter. It may already be too late. If we don’t get through now we will have to wait until the winter thaw starts.”

“What is the Goblin’s Claw?” Shay asked.

“It is the only pass through the Ator Mountains. If we cannot get through there now everything on the other side of the pass is open season for Osim if war starts. They will crush everything from the border to the pass and we will be helpless to do anything about it. And the pass itself can be difficult to pass through depending on the time of year. It has always been a goblin stronghold because it represents a holy place in the goblins' history and at certain times of the year the pass is closed while they conduct their ceremonies. They have one such ceremony at the first thaw which means if we