There might be some characters along the way who help or hinder the main character on their long walk home. For example, an old wise man who gives advice, or a group of bandits who try to stop the protagonist from reaching their destination.
I'm not sure specifically without reading the novel, but it could be a solitary traveler who is the focus of the long walk home. Maybe a man or a woman who has some sort of mission or just the need to get back to their place of origin.