You feel confident that your uncle in the capitol of the North will take you in. Unfortunately he is many leagues distant; the trip will be long and dangerous.

The safest way to go would be along the great road; your father's encampment is right on the road, but it doesn't go to your uncle's city; the route to get there is very roundabout. You could cut cross-country through the northern waste-lands until you reach the North road. That would be much quicker, but it would be uncomfortable and dangerous. Which way will you go?