The next day.
The two wagons rolled into the Armand border town.
Javier led at the front, Liana beside him.
The morning sun lit dust kicked up by the convoy, gilding the fields and stone roads.
Armand border guards stood at attention by the gate, saluting with fists pressed to their chests.
"Welcome back, young master!"
Javier lifted a casual half-wave. "At ease, everyone."
"Yes, young master!" The guards relaxed, eyes bright with relief and pride as the wagons passed through the checkpoint.
Ahead, Javier spotted a group waiting in the open field beyond the outer wall.
At their head, General Hesbeirn sat on his own Pekko, surrounded by a squad of elite riders in Armand livery. Their mounts were alert and a touch restless as they sized up the approaching wagons.
The general called out before Javier reached them.
"Yo, brat! I'm taking over from here, my squad will escort the convoy the rest of the way."
