The steady rocking of the carriage did little to settle the storm brewing in Nori's mind. His fingers tapped restlessly against his knee as he stared out the small window, watching the landscape shift from bustling city roads to open plains. The weight of responsibility pressed against his chest like an iron hand.
"How long until we arrive?" he finally asked, turning toward his attendant seated across from him.
The man, an older servant who had served the estate for years, let out a slow breath. "At least five days, my lord. The northern border is far, and we must take a longer route to avoid the Path of No Return."
Nori frowned. "We're losing time."
"It cannot be helped," the attendant said. "Even seasoned soldiers hesitate before passing through that cursed place. It is said the ground itself swallows men whole."
