The pale morning sun filtered through the ragged cloud cover over the old limestone quarry road, illuminating the deep wheel ruts cut into the chalky soil.
Hajin stood beside the captured fifth freight wagon, his fingers tracing the yellow resin cross that Ashley had pointed out on the weathered wooden felloe of the rear wheel.
Beside him, Taren held the captured Choral schedule parchment open on the tailboard, comparing the departure timestamps with the physical route markings in the gravel.
"Ashley picked the right cart to ask about," Hajin said, matching its axle stamp to the captured schedule, "this entry sends it from the viaduct to the quarry junction before joining the civilian convoy."
He turned to the fifth wagon's driver, who had stayed with his mules after Ashley's message, his cap turning between his hands as he studied the schedule.
