The journey continued.
Kross, Axel and Ryan were riding ahead of the group.
A sudden cry above broke the calm. Kross lifted his gaze. A black-feathered bird cut across the sky, wings sharp against the pale clouds. His hand instinctively reached out as the bird swooped low, landing on the leather of his forearm. The creature tilted its head, intelligent eyes glinting, and dropped a tied scroll into his palm.
The others slowed behind him, curious but cautious. Ryan, riding at his side, leaned closer. "A message?"
Kross didn't answer right away. He slid the cord loose and unrolled the parchment. His eyes scanned the sharp strokes of ink.
The King knows of your departure. Spies wait at the capital city's entrance to mark your arrival.
The message burned in his hand, but his expression remained carved from stone. He rolled the parchment and tucked it into his cloak without a word.
Ryan, riding nearby, leaned closer. "What is it?"
