It didn't take Grégoire long to get everyone moving again. They left behind the comfort of their nighttime camps for the rugged path through the forest. After all, there was little to no exchange between Astroia and Invictus, making road maintenance a needless concern—nature had simply reclaimed its rights over the old forest trail.
They moved in a long, narrow line, forced into formation by the path's width, which barely allowed three men to walk side by side without bumping shoulders. Grégoire and his men led the way, while Carla had chosen to take the rear, closing the march.
As always, Carla was dressed in her white uniform, the symbol of the Empire. Her brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and she carried herself with a dignity that would impress any onlooker.
