Frost crunched beneath their traveling cloaks as the party halted before the eastern town gatehouse under a pale morning sky.
Marrick ran alongside Hajin with frantic, stumbling steps, clutching his leather satchel against his ribs as he pleaded for sanity.
"Lord Hajin, reconsider!" Marrick gasped, his breath condensing in rapid plumes. "You arrived in this province yesterday afternoon, executed three warlords by sunset, and now you march directly into the maw of an ancient apex predator!"
"Treasury is empty, Marrick."
"Then petition the crown! Surely Princess Didi can intercede!"
"King Atheron gave me this barony expecting me to die here," he replied with a dry, knowing smirk. "Return to the registry office, publish our grain inventory, and compile a comprehensive list of civilian tools needed for the lower district."
