The road to Kelmar stretched ahead, cutting through farmland that seemed to go on forever.
Gabriel walked point, his eyes scanning the horizon. Tess matched his pace beside him. The others trailed twenty yards back, spread out and watchful.
"We should scout ahead," Tess said. "Find a place to camp before dark."
Gabriel glanced back at the group. Gilbert looked steady, Adan alert. Ennu kept her usual silent watch. Mera walked slightly apart from the others, her eyes distant.
"Agreed," Gabriel said. "We'll move faster without the group."
They left the road, cutting northeast through a fallow field toward a line of trees on a low ridge. The ground was hard beneath their feet, frost crunching with each step.
The sun hung low in the west, painting everything orange and gold.
