The caravan began moving just as the first thin line of sunlight cut across the land Horses snorted wagons creaked and travelers rubbed tired eyes brushed off ash and prepared for another long day Kane secured his ropes checked his wheels and followed Brann’s wagon until he settled into the center of the line

The path leading north quickly shifted from soft grasslands into uneven rocky ground Trees grew thinner and wind pushed across the open slopes Brann had warned everyone that the Wind Cliffs were ahead a narrow stretch of road carved along the side of a ridge where gusts could tilt a wagon if one was careless

Kane kept his hands steady on the reins He spoke softly to the horse to calm them both The wind grew stronger with every mile slamming against the side of the wagon and making the wooden boards vibrate Dust whipped through the air

Travelers pulled scarves across their faces and lowered their heads The sound of the wind howling against stone and wood became a constant roar

Kane saw the cliffs rise before them long jagged stone walls pressing down on a thin road barely wide enough for a single wagon on some curves The drop on the side disappeared into a steep valley filled with swirling mist

Despite the danger the caravan kept moving in a careful line Wheels turning slow Horses stepping with caution Travelers whispering to steady their thoughts

Brann rode near the front shouting instructions Make room Give space Hold the reins low Stay close but not too close

Kane followed every word He tightened his grip and leaned slightly inward away from the cliff edge The wagon tilted once when a sudden gust slammed into its side Kane held the reins firmly speaking gently to the horse The animal shook but did not panic

A merchant behind Kane shouted as his wagon jerked sideways The left wheel hit a loose stone and nearly slid Kane turned quickly grabbing a rope coil He jumped down ran through the dust and tied the rope around the merchant’s wheel post pulling hard to stabilize it

The wind tore at his clothes but Kane planted his feet and held tight Two travelers rushed to help pulling together until the wagon lined straight again The merchant gasped thank you thank you I almost lost everything

Kane nodded breathlessly then returned to his own wagon The wind did not stop It grew louder more forceful enough to make the entire caravan strain against the push

Brann shouted again Slow your wheels Watch the curve ahead

The curve was sharp with barely enough space Between the cliff wall and the drop was a thin ribbon of ground Kane held his breath guiding the horse carefully He felt the wagon tilt once twice but each time he steadied it with slow deliberate movements

A gust hit so hard that dust blasted across his vision He squeezed the reins and kept moving one step at a time He could hear wheels scraping stone His heart pounded but he did not break focus

When he reached the end of the narrow curve the road widened slightly Travelers let out shaky breaths Some dropped to their knees in relief Others checked their wagons for damage Brann rode to Kane’s wagon and gave a nod of approval You handled that well for a first time

Kane wiped dust from his eyes I listened to your instructions That helped

Brann grinned You have a good head Stay sharp The cliffs are long and the wind will not rest yet

The caravan continued The wind struck again and again at different angles Every wagon rocked like a small ship in stormy waves But Kane learned the rhythm of the gusts how to lean inward how to let the horse adjust how to read small shifts in the wheels

Hours passed and finally the cliffs began to open into a broad valley The wind softened Trees reappeared along the slopes and sunlight warmed the road again

When the caravan reached the valley floor cheers rose through the group A sense of survival passed from wagon to wagon They had crossed the first great trial of the northern route

Travelers gathered near a cluster of boulders to rest Some collapsed from exhaustion Others laughed in relief Kane drank water slowly letting the taste settle his breath

The merchant whose wagon Kane saved approached carrying a small wooden box He held it out with both hands Take this Please It is dried root powder good for cold nights You saved my life my goods and my future

Kane shook his head You do not need to repay me

The merchant insisted Take it A gesture of respect

Kane accepted the box He felt its importance not in value but in meaning The road built trust through actions not words

Brann called for everyone to gather He pointed toward the distant mountains The next stop is Highland Rest a village where the roads from the inner ridge meet Bring your strength The path will not grow easier but it will reward those who continue

Kane climbed onto his wagon again feeling the valley wind flow around him softer than the cliffs but firm with purpose He looked ahead The mountains waited tall and silent another test another chance another lesson

The road stretched forward and Kane followed steady ready and determined