The morning at Highland Rest broke with gray clouds rolling low across the sky The air smelled damp like rain waited in the mountains Kane packed his supplies while the caravan stirred awake Some travelers stretched quietly while others rubbed their sore legs from the long climb The village remained peaceful but a sense of watchfulness hovered in the breeze

Brann walked between wagons checking wheels harnesses and supplies When he reached Kane he gave a nod You handled your first ridge climb better than most Keep your focus today The road ahead grows narrow but we will reach Ridgewatch Pass before sunset if the weather holds

Kane tightened the straps holding his cargo I am ready

The caravan began moving through a gentle incline Trees lined the path short pine with dark needles that shook lightly in the wind Kane kept a steady pace near the center of the line Wagon wheels rolled over stone and dirt in slow rhythm Travelers spoke in quiet tones almost cautious as if respecting the silence of the mountains

As they moved deeper into the ridge Kane noticed changes around him The air grew colder The wind sharper The path slimmer Rocks jutted from the ground like uneven teeth Kane kept both hands firm on the reins

After an hour Serra rode up beside him She guided her horse with practiced ease her long vest rippling in the wind Kane asked Something on your mind

Serra kept her eyes on the road I heard rumors last night from a hunter group They say a Guild patrol was seen near Ridgewatch Pass

Kane felt his shoulders tighten Patrols rarely came this far north unless something important was happening He asked Did they say why

Serra shook her head No reason given but when the Guild moves quietly it is never for small matters They like control They like knowing every coin every road every merchant that passes under their sky

Kane stared ahead listening to the distant wind The Guild had already watched him at Riverbend Crossing They had summoned him at the old mill If they were now patrolling Ridgewatch Pass the coincidence felt too strong

Serra added Do not speak to them unless asked Brann will handle any encounters Small merchants like you and me get tangled easily if we try to talk our way out

Kane nodded What do you think they are looking for

Serra hesitated before answering Something that threatens their control They do not travel this far north unless it touches trade power

Trade power Kane repeated quietly His mind drifted back to the frostroot crate the Guild note the metal token Varin gave him and the observer at Riverbend Crossing All pieces of a puzzle he still did not understand

By midday the caravan entered a canyon path with high walls on both sides The air narrowed and carried echoes of hoofsteps Kane guided his wagon cautiously The wind funneled through the canyon producing a long deep hum that vibrated against the stone

Suddenly voices echoed from up ahead Brann called for the wagons to slow Travelers leaned out trying to see beyond the bend Kane felt his pulse rise His hand tightened around the reins

At the next curve the caravan stopped entirely A group of riders blocked the road wearing polished leather armor with the gold circle of the Royal Commerce Guild on their chests Their horses stood firm their expressions calm but stern

Brann rode forward speaking in a controlled voice This is a trade caravan heading north for standard travel We seek only passage

One of the riders stepped forward a woman with sharp eyes and a strong stance Her tone was clear We are inspecting wagons for unauthorized goods

Kane felt a cold shift inside Unauthorized It was the same word Varin had used at the old mill He kept his head down but his heart pounded loudly in his chest

Brann said This caravan carries only basic supplies berries cloth herbs rope and tools Everything was declared at Highland Rest

The Guild woman scanned the caravan then nodded Let the inspectors check each wagon

A pair of patrol members began moving toward the caravan line One stopped at each wagon opening crates checking sacks flipping cloth rolls They moved quickly but with authority

When they reached Kane his breath caught The inspector was a man in his late twenties with calm features He studied Kane with unreadable eyes before opening the back of his wagon He checked the root powder examined the ridge leaves tested the rope and lifted the cloth rolls

After a long silent moment he stepped back and said Clean

Kane felt air return to his lungs

The Guild patrol finished inspecting the rest of the caravan then the woman addressed Brann again Continue your journey But be cautious Bandit activity increased near Ridgewatch Pass We might cross paths again

The caravan moved forward once the patrol left Kane kept his head straight focusing on the road but inside his thoughts raced Why was the Guild inspecting caravans here What were they searching for Was the frostroot crate part of something larger

When the canyon opened into a grassy ridge Kane let out a deep slow breath Serra slowed her horse until she matched his pace You handled that well Not many young traders stay calm when the Guild looks in their wagon

Kane smiled faintly It helped that I had nothing to hide

Serra nodded That is the key to surviving them Keep clean Keep honest but stay smart They can crush a merchant without touching a single coin

Kane understood completely

The caravan continued upward until the path reached Ridgewatch Pass a long narrow saddle between mountains The wind carried a sharp cold bite but the view stretched endlessly The valley behind them spread like a green sea and the road ahead pointed toward distant snowy peaks

As the caravan prepared to camp for the night Brann stood at the ridge edge watching clouds move across the cliffs Kane approached quietly

Brann spoke without turning The Guild is testing the roads Something is coming When large powers shift merchants feel the tremors first Keep your eyes open young trader The world of trade is changing faster than usual

Kane looked out across the mountains letting the cold air fill his lungs Something was coming He could feel it too The Guild shadows growing longer the roads growing harsher the choices growing heavier

But he was ready

The ridge wind brushed across his face whispering the promise of the unknown road ahead