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The shepherd Lawrence meets asks him to hire her to travel with them. She offers to protect them from wolves. Despite having Horo, Lawrence wants to take the shepherd up on her offer. Horo remarks that human males are fine with any number of females. Lawrence finally convinces Horo, and the shepherd, her name is Nora Allent, joins their group.

Lawrence isn't going to say no to that.

Nora Allent and her trusty dog Enik used to help the poor at a monastery. The Church later allowed her to work as a shepherd, but its difficult because she can only take the pastures with lots of wolves; all the safe pastures are taken. This prompts Lawrence to remark, 'Wolves are troublesome', which earns him a swift pinch from Horo.

Oh no you le didn't just say that.

Stopping in early afternoon, Lawrence builds up his relationship points with Nora.
As Nora sleeps to prepare for the night watch, Lawrence and Horo engage again in a battle of wills. Horo steals Lawrence's beef jerky (again), prompting him to respond rather poignantly in kind.

Yoink!

Oof, below the belt.

Reaching Rubeinheigen the next day, Lawerence is able to pass through the checkpoint easily thanks to the accompaniment of Nora. After paying her, Lawrence says he'll recommend Nora to some merchants, and she parts.
At customs, the official is surprised at Lawrence's cargo. More foreboding with the next official, as Horo states that he was secretly laughing at Lawrence. Meanwhile doors slam shut and people clear the streets as Nora makes her way into the city.

Shepherds are not liked?

Lawrence and Horo have a good time in the city square before heading off the the merchant's firm. Telling Horo to wait outside, Lawrence heads in to find a stocky bartender, who heartily greets him. (Although it does not seem like it at first.)

Bartenders are friends with everybody!

Meanwhile, at (Medioh?) building, a man shows up asking for Lawrence the merchant. When the person present replies no, the man begins to laugh maniacally.

That can't be good.

Thoughts:
So, no mention yet about any magician, but definitely get the feeling we won't be seeing the last of Nora. Guess we'll find out soon why the townspeople avoid her like a pox. Back to main plot, the customs official acted rather strange when finding out about Lawrence's merchandise, so we can imagine his parade is going get rained on soon. Lastly, the fellow at the end with the maniacal laughter is really unsettling.