Morning came quietly to Riverside Village.
There was no dramatic sunrise.
No sudden storm.
No warning from the mountains.
Just another cool morning, birdsong, and the steady sound of the river flowing beside the village.
Yet everyone in the expedition knew this morning was different.
Today, they were leaving the road behind.
John stood outside the village hall with his field satchel secured across his shoulder.
His navy cloak moved gently in the breeze.
He looked toward the north.
The Ashen Peaks were much clearer now.
They no longer looked like distant shadows.
The lower slopes were covered in thick forests, while the higher peaks disappeared into thin layers of cloud.
John stared at them for several seconds.
Then Lythriel walked up beside him.
"You've been staring at those mountains for five minutes."
John blinked.
"Have I?"
"Yes."
She handed him a piece of bread.
"Eat."
John accepted it.
"Thanks."
"You'll need it."
She pointed toward the mountains.
