In mid-December, the exploration fleet was assembled. Everyone set off from Tarsas River estuary, traveling along the southeastern coast, heading towards the northwest. They stopped twice for supplies at coastal villages of the southern Tekos Tribe.
This was the border of the Fire River Plains, only a hundred and twenty li from Fire River City. Hearing the news, an envoy from Fire River City hurried over, traveling day and night, to inquire about the fleet's purpose. Chiwaco responded briefly, saying they were going out to sea to find the Sacred Land of the seagulls, and left under the uneasy gaze of the envoy.
