During the silent shroud of the night, the group set a careful watch, assigning two of their members to keep an eye on the surroundings during the first and the last thirds of the night, while three were tasked with the darkest stretch. Tension strung them like bows, all ears straining for any out-of-place sound, eyes scanning the shadows for any movement.

Fortuitously, their vigil yielded a peaceful night. As dawn bathed the landscape in a gentle light, they gathered around the remnants of their meal, strategizing about their journey ahead. Unfurling the map on the uneven ground, Adara traced their progress with a firm finger.

Pointing to a particular spot on the parchment, she said, "We are here. Our pace has been steady, if we maintain this, the capital is merely two or three days away."

Already wearied by the long journey, Storm pushed for a swifter conclusion, "Let's make it two. I'm weary of the road."

Sharing Storm's sentiment, Keanu added, "We’ve been on the road for three days before we crossed paths with you."

Kenji, eyebrow arching in surprise, noted a discrepancy, "Three days? Your village is closer than ours. It should’ve taken you less time."

Atlas revealed the cause of their delay, "We trekked across the mountain that separates our village from the trail on foot."

Astrid, her mouth agape, echoed, "On foot?"

Kenna affirmed, sharing a tale of the horses not being fit for the journey, leaving them no option but to proceed on foot.

Storm acknowledged their difficult start, arms crossed.

Adara rose, the map crinkling as she folded it back, and planned the day's journey. "If we can push our pace today, we'll make it in two. The terrain ahead is mainly flat. Minor inclines might slow us down but mostly, we should have a smooth trek."

Astrid voiced a lingering fear, hoping to evade encounters with the reported bandits.

Assuring the group, Adara stated, "We'll keep to the river. The open land offers us visibility, so we're less likely to be ambushed. The thick forest is where the threat multiplies."

Their collective relief was tangible as Kenji exhaled deeply and Keanu concurred. It was time to embark.

_ _ _

The next two days passed without incident. Emerging from the dense forest, they found themselves facing cultivated farmland.

Their faces lit up with smiles as euphoria washed over them. Astrid, Kenji, and Kenna could hardly contain their excitement, their shouts echoing across the open space.

Atlas took a sip of his water, savouring the accomplishment. Turning to Adara, he asked, “What’s our next direction?”

Standing alongside Adara, Storm peered at the map spread open in her hands. “We follow this path. About twenty kilometres ahead lies a lookout tower. Presumably, someone will be awaiting us there.” Adara detailed, rolling the map back and putting it away.

The distance seemed to drain Astrid's enthusiasm. She groaned, her head falling back in despair.

Keanu offered a comforting pat on her shoulder, reassuring her, “Before you know it, we’ll be there.”

Storm squinted down the path, contemplating their approach. "The path ahead is flat. A light jog for the first half should get us there without over-exerting."

Taking his suggestion, they covered the initial distance quickly but slowed down to walk the remainder. The heat of the midday sun sapped their energy, eliciting groans of exhaustion from Kenji and Astrid.

Atlas pointed ahead, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction, "There it is."

Reaching their destination, they were greeted by a man and woman dressed in the official army uniforms. Their early arrival earned them a nod of approval from the authoritative man who introduced himself as General Adryan.

Their bodies straightened automatically, their voices echoing a uniform, "Afternoon, sir!"

The General introduced the woman beside him as Captain Oriana, their guide for the capital tour. The group remained silent, absorbing the stern countenance of the General, his sandpaper skin bearing the testament of his years under the harsh sun, his muscular build suggesting formidable strength.

Captain Oriana, a stark contrast to the General, was of a shorter stature, her fair complexion, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes lending her a softer appearance. Yet her rigid stance and well-defined muscles spoke volumes about her strength. She acknowledged the group with a nod just as an approaching carriage caught their attention.

© Crimson B