Morning came with the cheerful sounds of travelers preparing for another day on the road.
Merchants secured crates onto wagons, horses were brushed and fed, and the smell of porridge drifted from a pot hanging over the campfire.
John opened his eyes to find the sun just beginning to rise above the distant hills.
For a moment, he simply lay there, watching the clouds slowly drift across the sky.
"...Another day."
He sat up and stretched.
The Soul Raven was already awake, perched atop the stone shelter.
As always.
"You never sleep, do you?"
The ancient guardian tilted its head.
"I rest."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"It answered enough."
John chuckled.
"I suppose that's the best answer I'm going to get."
---
After everyone finished breakfast, they resumed their journey.
The road gradually became wider than before.
More wagons traveled in both directions.
Farmers transporting grain.
Hunters carrying freshly caught game.
Traveling craftsmen.
