The sun was sinking when the caravan finally entered the wide valley that led toward Highland Rest A long soft light spilled across the fields painting the grass with warm gold Horses slowed their steps worn from the climb Travelers rubbed stiff shoulders and the creak of wagon wheels carried a tired rhythm Kane guided his wagon through a narrow path lined with scattered boulders feeling the cool air rise from the northern hills

Highland Rest appeared slowly between the trees A village built on terraced slopes with wooden houses stacked like uneven layers Each one had smoke drifting lazily from chimneys People moved calmly tending gardens chopping wood or carrying baskets of herbs toward drying racks The scent of pine and earth filled the air Kane felt the village’s quiet strength compared to the noise of Riverbend Crossing

Brann raised his hand signaling the caravan to halt in a wide flat clearing just outside the village Villagers approached welcoming travelers with simple nods They looked sturdy and practical people shaped by the hard wind of the northern ridge A woman with braided hair offered buckets of water A young boy led horses toward a shaded resting area

Kane stepped down from his wagon stretching his legs He felt dust covering his clothes and stiffness in his shoulders but relief washed through him He had crossed the Wind Cliffs survived the fire in Pine Hollow and moved with a caravan through dangerous roads Each challenge carved a new piece of experience into him

A villager woman approached carrying a basket of dried leaves She studied Kane’s wagon before speaking Trade traveler

Kane nodded Yes

She gestured toward the basket These are ridge leaves good for brewing mild tonic Help with tired lungs from mountain walking You have anything to trade

Kane checked his remaining stock He still carried a few ropes some dried root powder from the merchant he helped and a handful of cloth strips He showed her the cloth She touched the fabric lightly and gave a slow approving nod This is strong cotton We cannot grow much of this here

They exchanged goods in a simple smooth trade The kind Kane liked where no one tried to deceive the other She handed him two bundles of ridge leaves Their scent carried a crisp but gentle smell

After she left Kane walked through the clearing exploring gatherings of travelers Small groups cooked meals in pots hung over low fires Children from the village watched the caravan with round curious eyes Some followed the horses giggling softly Kane offered them a small piece of cloth shaped like a makeshift toy flag They smiled and ran away waving it in the wind

Serra stepped beside him carrying her ledger again Her face looked tired but satisfied Highland Rest is a safe stop You can trade well here if you know what people need

Kane asked What do they need most

Serra pointed at the drying racks Those herbs you see are good for simple medicine but they lack strong warm fabric and sturdy rope The wind in the upper ridge tears cloth quickly Rope frays faster too Anything durable has value here

Kane nodded absorbing the information You have been here many times

Serra gave a short laugh Too many times But each visit teaches something new This place may look quiet but storms come without warning You learn to listen to what the wind hides

Kane sensed emotion behind her words but she shifted back into her practical tone You handled yourself well in the cliffs and during the fire The caravan respects action not talk

That meant more to Kane than she realized

Later Brann gathered everyone near a long wooden table built beside the road Fires crackled around them sending warm orange light across the night sky Brann raised a mug and spoke loud enough for all to hear We crossed the cliffs with no lost wagons thanks to steady hands We helped Pine Hollow thanks to brave hearts We arrived safely because we worked together

Travelers cheered lifting cups and plates The mood warmed the cold valley air Kane sat beside his wagon eating roasted grain and vegetables offered by the villagers The taste was simple but comforting

A tall thin man with scars on his arms sat across from Kane He chewed slowly and said You the rope trader from the fire

Kane nodded Yes though I only had a little rope

The man shook his head without looking up Small rope saves big trouble That is all that matters Name is Javin I hunt along the ridge When the cliffs freeze in winter ropes become lifelines

Kane listened carefully storing that piece of knowledge Rope was cheap in Riverbend Crossing but precious here Maybe he could bring larger bundles next time

Javin asked You plan to keep traveling north

Yes Kane said

Javin lifted his brow Dangerous path Bandits hide deeper in the ridge And the Guild patrols pass through at odd times They do not like small merchants rising too fast They push caravans to follow their preferred routes

Kane felt a familiar chill travel across his chest He asked cautiously Have they been active recently

Javin nodded Some weeks ago A merchant passed through here complaining that Guild agents questioned him three times in two days They watch everything

Kane hid his reaction but inside he felt tension pulling tight It seemed the Guild’s influence reached farther than he imagined

Night deepened Travelers settled around fires Kane leaned against the wagon watching the sparks drift into the sky His horse rested nearby breathing slow and heavy The wind rustled leaves carrying the soft whisper of the mountains

Kane thought of his journey so far the frostroot crate the wagon the Guild messenger the old mill the Wind Cliffs Pine Hollow and now Highland Rest Each step felt like a test shaping him into something stronger

He folded his arms letting calm settle across him Tomorrow they would continue climbing toward the upper ridge The road would be harder but so would he

He closed his eyes and rested under the quiet northern stars