The night passed in quiet, undisturbed by the ambush they had all half-expected.
By dawn, the trio resumed their journey, pressing forward until they finally emerged from the dense forest.
For two hours, they walked under the open sky, the road beneath them worn from years of travel. At last, a small town came into view.
The moment they stepped into civilization, Joshi's entire demeanor shifted. Gone was the weary traveler; in his place stood a noble in command of his domain. He wasted no time in seeking out the town's mayor, arranging for a carriage to take them the rest of the way to Macphir City.
The mayor, eager to impress, even offered a small force of militiamen as an escort. But Joshi barely spared them a glance. A handful of peasants with spears meant nothing to him—not when true warriors and knights roamed the land. The offer was politely but firmly declined.
