The forest road climbed through damp woodland where ancient branches formed a dense emerald ceiling above the wagons.
Every time the rolling wheels crossed an exposed boundary root, the surrounding loam shifted beneath the convoy.
Eirwen walked beside the lead team with her fingers resting lightly upon the living brier rail along the trail.
Behind her, Hajin carried the bronze refusal socket case against his ribs where every traveler could see it.
The road noticed the party with every turn of the wheels, though recognition fell far short of a welcome.
Rumi and Nari moved fifty paces ahead of the draft horses, laying silver spatial threads along the undergrowth.
Their careful spatial stitching ensured the winding trail would not fold shut before the rear supply wagon crossed.
Loccy sat among the rolled blankets in the second wagon, obeying Vella's strict recovery orders regarding her left wrist.
