As Viana and Joel slipped away from Ren's campsite, the forest seemed to hold its breath. The first hints of dawn painted the sky in muted grays, casting long shadows across the mossy ground.
The air was heavy with the scent of pine and dew, and they moved silently, until they reached the hidden clearing where their horses waited.
Joel untied the reins with fluid movements. "We've got a few hours before we're expected back at the tavern," he said, his voice low. "Enough time to plan how we sell this lie to Kess."
Viana mounted her horse, the eagle-emblazoned medal cold against her palm as she tucked it into her cloack.
"We tell him the scout's gone, show him the medal, and act like we've done his dirty work," she said. "But if he's as sharp as he seems, one wrong move could unravel everything."
However, her tone was edge with unease, even though she tried to press it. Joel, noticing the unease, swung into his saddle, his brown eyes catching her green eyes in the dim light.
