The caravan rode hard across the plains after the battle with the Crimson Trace. The armored beasts pulled the wagon faster than Logan thought possible their breathing loud and steady. The guards stayed in a tight formation scanning every ridge and valley. Dust clouds formed behind them as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Logan sat inside the wagon with Mira and Renn his hands gripping the Guardian Set as if it might leap from his grasp.

Renn wiped sweat from his face. They attacked us that fast. That means they know the route. Someone is tracking us.

Mira nodded. They will keep coming. They lost face today. Mercenaries hate losing face.

Logan tightened his jaw. They want to capture me or destroy these weapons. They cannot do both so they will try again. Harder.

The officer shouted from the front. Steady. We approach the canyon trail. Stay alert.

Logan climbed halfway out of the wagon and looked ahead. The plains dipped into a narrow canyon of jagged rock. Shadows pooled inside the passage. The trail was tight but offered cover from long range attacks. It also made ambushes more likely.

Mira stepped beside him. We cannot turn back now.

Logan agreed. We move forward.

The caravan entered the canyon. The walls rose high on both sides. The air cooled. The sound of hooves echoed like distant drums. Logan felt the weight of the stones pressing down like silent watchers.

Halfway through the canyon a rider from the front signaled danger. The caravan halted. Logan jumped down.

The officer pointed upward. Look.

Logan followed his gaze. A strange shimmering haze floated near the top of the canyon wall. It glowed faintly as if someone had scribbled magic lines into the air. Renn stepped forward nervously.

That is a signal charm he whispered. Someone marked this trail. Someone is watching.

Logan’s stomach tightened. Who

Renn studied the haze. Silver Courts. Their magic has that faint ripple effect. This was placed no more than an hour ago. They know someone important is traveling this path.

Mira drew a knife. They know it is us.

Logan clenched his teeth. They are narrowing the search. We need to move fast.

Before they could act the sound of rocks shifting echoed above them. A cloak of dust fell from the canyon wall as several robed figures appeared at the ridge. Their silhouettes were sharp and controlled. One raised his hand and a shimmering wave pulsed downward.

Renn shouted. Back Cover your ears

The wave hit the canyon floor like a giant drum. The ground shook. The caravan beasts reared in panic. One wagon tilted dangerously. Guards scrambled to steady it.

Logan felt a ringing in his skull but stayed upright. Mira gritted her teeth and pushed against the wagon wall for balance. Renn staggered but held the stabilizer charm close.

The officer shouted. Defensive positions Now

Logan yelled. They are not here to talk They want to stop us before we reach Brinn

More robed figures appeared on the opposite ridge. Their hands lit with pale silver sparks. Logan recognized the movement. Spellcasting. Fast aggressive and aimed at the caravan.

Logan grabbed the Guardian Crossbow from the chest. Mira took position to protect Renn. The guards raised shields.

A Silver Courts mage thrust his arm downward releasing a piercing bolt of pale light. It struck the ground near the wagon exploding in a shower of stone.

Mira hissed. They are going to collapse the canyon

Another mage launched a second shot. The rock cracked. The ridge groaned.

Logan aimed the crossbow. He fired. The bolt struck near the mage’s shoulder. The man jerked backward losing balance. His spell fizzled.

Renn shouted. More incoming

Logan fired again hitting the next mage’s cloak. The robe burned revealing leather armor underneath. The mage recoiled but remained on the ridge.

The officer yelled. Move the caravan forward Push through

The beasts strained forward hauling the wagon as rocks fell around them. Dust clouded the air. Mira shielded Renn as Logan fired twice more. The mages scattered losing their tight formation.

A deeper cracking sound echoed above. The ridge shook violently. Renn screamed. They are dropping the entire shelf Run

The guards lashed the beasts harder. The caravan surged forward as rocks exploded behind them.

Logan leapt into the wagon gripping the chest. The canyon walls echoed with the roar of collapsing stone. The caravan burst out of the canyon just as the ridge behind them gave way. Tons of rock fell sealing the passage.

Silence settled once they reached open plains again. The guards checked injuries. Mira’s sleeve was torn. Renn’s hands shook. Logan breathed hard feeling dust coating his throat.

The officer approached Logan. The Silver Courts know your exact location. They will not stop. We need to take the long route west toward Brinn. It adds another day but avoids scout lines.

Logan looked at the horizon. Brinn was counting on them. Rhea was counting on them.

He nodded. We take the western route.

The officer raised his hand. Caravan Move

The beasts marched again. Logan sat in the wagon gripping the Guardian Blade tightly. Mira leaned against the wooden wall her breathing steadying. Renn sat beside the core chamber staring at it as if afraid it might shatter.

Mira finally spoke. Logan this world moves fast. Too fast. Every enemy we make learns faster than the last.

Logan answered quietly. Then we move faster too.

Renn looked at him. Logan do you regret building these weapons

Logan hesitated. No. People like Rhea need them. Outposts like Brinn need them. Weapons save lives when given to the right hands.

Mira nodded. And we will make sure they get to those hands.

Logan looked at the setting sun. The sky glowed a burning orange. The day felt longer than any he had lived.

He whispered. Tomorrow we reach Brinn. And everything changes again.