Dawnharbour
Barrin bent down, put his hands on his knees and took deep breaths.
Reyas scouted ahead and Gisael peered at him. "Do you want us to slow?"
He waved a hand but did not speak until he took three more breaths. "No, I said I'd not slow you, and I won't."
It was decided Barrin would accompany them as a senior member of the council and someone the Duke knew. He was also a charismatic negotiator who knew the value of things.
Reyas returned. "I saw the city walls," she said. "And no more monsters."
"The adventurers would be killing them if we're close to the city," Ailen said.
Gisael nodded. "They have thinned in the last ten leagues."
Reyas held out a pack to Barrin. "Do you want to carry your pack for the last part?"
He grinned at her. "No, but I will."
She shook her head and slung it over her shoulder. "It's not trouble. I'll give it to you at the gate."