The Olni River

originally posted April 7, 2006

We've reached the Olni River a good distance west of Ti. Our camp is in the shadows of the Mountains of Thentis. We are several days from the city proper. There, behind fortress walls, are the famed, wild tarn flocks of Thentis; from which most of the mightiest of birds on the planet are bred for the purpose of war, transport, racing and more. Thentis produces, too, the precious dark beans used to make black wine. The wool of the bounding hurt is another export. Protected by some of the finest tarnsmen in the world and a sheer cliff face, Thentis is thought to be impenetrable. Of course, Merchants and Singers, men of the Poets, have little trouble getting behind her walls. We are not Warriors; nor are we Mercenaries or Assassins bent on subterfuge, statecraft or all out assault. Ours is the trading of goods. Vesutto will vend the finery of Venna for the prized crop grown on Thentis' mountainous northern slopes. I will vend the pleasures of wanton, eager women for copper tarsks minted so very north of my beloved Ar. Equitable exchanges all. From the heights of Thentis, it is said that the whole of the Northern Plains of Gor can be seen. An unnamed Poet, said to be of Turia, far from home, is said to have stood at the western wall, singing:

"O'er the ramparts I do watch.

Across the fields.

Across the plains.

My heart beats strong at the twilight's last gleaming.

I see the black Sardar

And the Road of Cyprianus

I see mighty Tharnafrom the moons' light upon us

And pastel Ko-ro-ba

Seaside Rovere

There be Thassa

I can see her from here."