The road leading away from Liedenstorm stretched before them as a well-maintained path of packed earth and gravel that cut through fields before disappearing into the distant tree line. The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the scent of dew-wet grass and distant woodsmoke from the city behind them.
Nero rode slightly behind Arthur and Jacob, letting the two nobles take the lead as Sergeant Aldric had positioned himself even further back, maintaining a distance that suggested he had no intention of involving himself unless absolutely necessary. The rhythmic clopping of hooves against the road provided a steady background to the conversation that began to develop between the two young lords.
"So," Arthur said, adjusting his reins as his horse settled into an easy pace. "Have you heard the latest news about the trial?"
