Dirty straw sandals trampled over the muddy ground, compressing the soft earth of the new spring.
The bleating of lambs and packhorses sounded one after another, freely leaving droppings.
Coming from the wilderness strewn with stones, a dozen monks dressed in patched-up simple black robes stopped on the main road where carts and people converged.
In front of Bear Chomping Castle, which finally warmed up in March, arrived the first guests of the new spring—merchants and shepherds.
Although Horn was excommunicated by the Pope, and Leia had sealed off Thousand River Valley, trade among the populace remained fervent, only restricted from selling important strategic resources such as ironware and wool.
Leaning on an alder wood cane, Batis followed behind several aged ascetic monks, gazing distantly at the newly erected bastion at the juncture of mountainous terrain and plains.
