The Road Back (1)

In the southern borderlands, no caravan traveled before dawn. Being so close to the Grandshield Forest meant more shadow beasts active after moonset.

Krow remembered several caravans in Gremut packing up and leaving before sunrise. Further away from the Forest, travelers had fewer worries.

The trip back to Cerkanst was unsuccessful.

That was what Krow would like to say. The world, as ever, didn't cooperate.

There was a fallen tree on the road.

Wind was always a consideration in the high mountains of the draculkar. But wind that deposited old mossy trees perfectly perpendicular across the road?

That wind came with grasping hands.

The herbalists immediately armed themselves. Krow watched, slightly fascinated, as knives and daggers appeared visibly on hips. Three people dug out bows from the depths of the cargo, and they bunched the carts closer together.

They waited.

Nothing happened.

The air filled with unease.