The first milestone on the road to Lumeria was a half-buried waystation built into the side of a hill.
It looked like an abandoned cellar, at first. When they got closer, they saw a squat archway of stone with a few wind-worn flags, hanging limp.
But as Marron, Mokko, and Lucy drew closer, the scent of broth drifted out to meet them: rich, herbed, unmistakably welcoming.
"Smells like home," Mokko said, breathing deep. "Or at least, like someone who knows how to use a stockpot."
"I'd settle for chairs and a roof," Marron replied.
Lucy swirled lazily in her jar. "And water that doesn't taste like travel dust. My kingdom for a rinse."
