Chonk nods appreciatively at the map.

”Do you have a copy of this? Can we take this one?” He pipes in, failing to remember he was going to let the others do the talking.

Again he loses himself at the mention of Redstone and mine stores, “Is the store at the mine camp?” He asks innocently.

"Oh yes the map is yours." the Cleric confirms.

They clarify, "No, I understand that the stores are in the mines themselves. The villagers at the camp might be able to help you with its location."

"Couple days to get to the mines?  What about being out in the open at night?  So far we've been warned against this?" Sindri appears quite worried at the thought.  "Thank you for the map, do you have any suggestions on how to handle night out in the open?"  She looks at her team to see how they are feeling about this situation as well.

Chonk hadn’t really thought about it before, but now he tries to remember if there was a stable in town. Had he seen horses or wagons? Was all commerce from the farm and mine to town done on foot? If the golem was the town guard, how long did it take to get to the mine (how long will it take to return?)

”Is there a faster way to get to and from the mine, besides walking?” Chonk will ask the Cleric.

"Seems likely the villagers have a waypoint, or something." Lefaris says with a frown. She glances to the cleric. "If villagers traveled from here to the mines,and back again, then how did they manage the overnights between here and there?"

The cleric looks thoughtful, "Your safest course of action is to find shelter before nightfall. Otherwise you should find a well defended position and light a camp fire. That should act as a deterrent for most creatures of the night."

The cleric shakes their head at your questions Chonk, "Alas no. The famer has an old horse, that is if it has survived the troubles down there, but the village has not kept a stable for many years. There was an incident with a pair of creepers."

"Ah well yes!"  The cleric looks impressed with your suggestion Lefaris, "We did indeed have points of shelter set along routes such as this. Bunkers we call them. They are not on the maps, but if you keep a wary eye you should find them as you travel. They are temporary structures and will be in various states of disrepair, but they will serve as protection from the monsters. Look for this sign as you travel and a shelter will be nearby."

The cleric takes a quill and scribbled a small symbol on the corner of your map.

Sindri increasing looks nervous as the cleric continues on.  Until the cleric mentions bunkers along the way, she leans down to pwok, "You can help us find those, right?"  She tries to think if there is anything else they need, and looks to her group, "Are we good on rations for the journey?" and back to the cleric "are there edible foods along the way?"

"I believe I have all I need to get started." Lefaris confirms. "It would be good to get as early a start as we can, so we can have some time to find these shelters, or a defensible camp sight if no shelter is to be located."

(But for the lack of any ranged attack) Chonk is ready to go. He is carrying 3 days rations.

Sindri swallows, "Alright, lets get a move on then."

The cleric stands as you prepare to leave.

"I wish you all the best of luck. Five hundred emeralds will be waiting upon your return. Plus what ever the smith has promised should you retrieve the golem."

Any final preparations before you all head out?

“Guroz, unless you’d rather me carry your rations, I think we’d better get moving. We’re burning square sunlight.” Chonk says obviously excited to get started.

”Also, we want to be back in time for Guide’s naming ceremony. If we can manage it.”

"Nope!  Let's get a move on, let's uh, get this over with."

"Ready to go." Lefaris agrees.

You all set out into the fresh morning air. The square sun is still low in the sky as you leave the village and the guide accompanies you to wave farewell. Standing by the side of the road is the merchant and their Llama. They wave you over.

"It would seem we are travelling in the same direction." they explain. "Would you like to earn some extra coin for a little escort duty? Say fifty emeralds for safe passage to the mining camp?"

"We are going that way anyway." Lefaris says with a smile to the merchant. She glances to the others. "Anyone have a problem with a bit of guard duty on the way?" She asks her companions.

Sindri tries to puff up, feeling a bit important as the merchant asks for their assistance.  "Why of course!  Do you mind if I speak to your llama first?"

Assuming the answer is yes...

Casting speak with animals she leans down to Little Pwok "We are going to travel with the llama and merchant here, I need you to behave and not agitate the llama.  Would you like to travel in my sack?  It looks cozy in there."  Once that conversation is done, she walks over to the llama, "Good morning!  It's sure good to see you again.  I'm so glad you're traveling with us!  Could you do me a couple of favors?  One, I have asked my chicken to leave you alone, so if you could do the same to him, I would really appreciate it!  Also, second favor, could I ride on your back?"

“I have no objection. I remember you being deadly with a dagger, Merchant. You might be called upon to use it again.”

Chonk turns and begins the journey. One step at a time.

Guroz is more than willing to help the merchant, "It'll be rude to say no. And it'll have me worrying, it's best you're with us."

All rations packed and ready, the half-orc travels with his comrades.

"Seems settled then." Lefaris says, frowning over as Sindri makes chicken noises, then llama noises. She gives a bemused smile as she shrugs and moves to follow after the others.