They left the inn just after sunrise, with mist still curling along the edges of the road and dew clinging to the yellowing grass. Kai offered a polite nod to the innkeeper, and Kleo waved with both hands. The innkeeper gave them a squinting look but wished them safe travels all the same.
The road north was quiet at first. A few caravans passed in the early hours, wagons drawn by sturdy, broad-backed horses, their drivers wrapped in wool cloaks to keep out the wind. One group offered to sell them some dried tobacco and a bottle of something that smelled like paint thinner. Kai declined.
Later that day, a patrol of city soldiers on horseback came clattering up the road. Their tabards bore the gold-sun emblem of Forne's outer territories, likely stationed in the fringe settlements between the provinces to protect against barbarian raids or bandits. Their leader, a square-jawed woman with a halberd strapped across her back, raised a hand.
"Halt."
