The sky was still dark when Lara mounted her horse. She wore traveling leathers, her blue braid tied tight against her back. Two guards and a pack mule waited behind her.
Atlas stood close, one hand on the horse's bridle. Elizabeth watched from the pavilion steps, wrapped in a thick shawl. Clara stood a few paces away, arms crossed, shadows shifting restlessly around her feet.
"Keep them off my back," Lara said quietly to Atlas. She leaned down for a quick, hard hug. Her voice stayed low. "And keep yourself together. I'll be back as soon as I can stall them."
Atlas nodded. His grip tightened once, then let go. "Ride careful."
Lara gave Elizabeth a respectful nod. "Rest when you can. Don't push it."
Elizabeth's white eyes met hers. "Safe roads, Lara."
