The returning adventurers reached Rod before sunrise.
They carried replacement weapons, fresh potions, and the memory of dying less than six hours earlier. One fighter had lost a favored spear with his body and now carried a plain weapon from the graveyard stores. He complained once about its balance, then joined the formation assigned to the road.
Rod asked for the camp leader's report before asking how any of them felt.
"One withdrew." The group's messenger said. "Four returned. The stores issued everything on the list. No delays."
"Good. Join Dain's reserve."
No speech welcomed them back. The familiar handling helped more than celebration would have.
