In a small forest,
The group had been traveling for hours—hooves beating rhythmically against the dirt path, the forest stretching endlessly around them. The sky above had begun to dim, soft hues of orange melting into deep violet as night crept closer.
After nearly seven hours of travel, Valeriana raised her hand. "Halt!" Her voice carried the tone of command that made even the horses slow almost instinctively.
The group stopped in a small clearing surrounded by towering pines. A faint wind whispered through the leaves, and the gentle hum of crickets began to fill the quiet.
Valeriana turned in her saddle, surveying her remaining unit. "We'll rest here tonight," she said firmly. "We move again at first light."
The knights answered in unison. "Yes, Captain!"
Most of the other knights had already been dispatched earlier, escorting the rescued victims to the nearest city. Only a handful remained with her now—enough to guard the camp and watch over Zayne and the three adventurers.
