Night settled slowly over the clearing near Pine Hollow and the caravan fires glowed like small clusters of stars on the earth The long exhausting day left many travelers resting with weak smiles and soot still on their faces Kane sat near his wagon watching sparks drift into the air His hands were sore from pulling rope and ash still clung to his sleeves but he felt a deep warm pride in his chest

People began speaking in soft voices telling stories about past fires storms bandits and lucky trades Some laughed weakly Some sat in reflective silence Brann the caravan master checked on each wagon one by one making sure no one was hurt Kane watched him move with calm authority and wondered how many years of travel it took to gain such presence

Kane ate a simple meal of bread and warm water He felt the road in his muscles but also in his spirit This was what he wanted movement challenge connection with people who depended on one another not because of blood but because the road tied them into a single line

A young man with straw colored hair sat beside him He wore clothes stained with ash and dirt and carried the look of a farmhand

You were the one who gave us rope earlier right the young man asked

Kane nodded Yes You used it well

The boy grinned a tired smile We needed it badly I am Nerin My family lives in Pine Hollow We might have lost the barn without your help

Kane looked toward the dark outline of the village Several houses still glowed from lanterns Even at night the smell of smoke drifted gently

I only did what anyone would do Kane answered

Nerin shook his head Some merchants run when things burn Some hide in their wagons You ran toward the fire That is not something we forget

Kane felt a quiet warmth inside He did not chase praise but hearing it from a villager meant something real

Nerin continued You passing through the north road

Kane nodded Tomorrow morning We travel early

Nerin rubbed his hands near the fire Come visit Pine Hollow again someday I will save you some of my mothers berry bread You helped us so you deserve something good

Kane laughed softly I will remember that

Nerin waved and returned to his village where others waited in dim light Kane watched him go then leaned back against his wagon feeling the cool night breeze stir his hair

Later Brann approached carrying a cup of warm broth He set it near Kane You worked well today Not all traders understand that a caravan is not just wagons and coin It is people together on the same road

Kane accepted the cup Thank you I am still learning

Brann studied him for a long moment You learn fast That is good But remember something The road teaches lessons through hardship not comfort If you want to rise you must endure both

Kane nodded I understand

Brann motioned toward the sky where faint clouds drifted This route will grow harder ahead We pass through narrow cliffs where the wind pushes wagons sideways Then into forest roads where wheels break easily Stay alert

I will Kane said

Brann returned to the main camp leaving Kane alone again The fire crackled softly He took slow breaths letting the day settle inside him Trade was not only buying and selling It carried responsibility Sometimes even danger He had entered a larger world and there was no turning back

When the fires dimmed Kane finally lay beside his wagon The stars looked sharp against the dark sky and the cool wind brushed across the grass He listened to the gentle breathing of horses the quiet whispers of tired travelers and the steady rhythm of the river flowing beyond the trees

He thought of the Guild and Varin at the old mill Their words echoed You will be watched He also thought of the villagers the fire the rope the gratitude and Brann’s approving tone The Guild saw him as a possible threat Villagers saw him as a helper And Brann saw him as a merchant learning the road

Kane held these pieces inside him trying to understand what kind of trader he wanted to be His father once told him Trade does not shape you You shape trade

Kane whispered those words under his breath letting them guide him

Tomorrow the caravan would move on Tomorrow new challenges would rise Tomorrow more choices would come

And Kane was ready