Timeline: TC1853.02.15 (Late afternoon)
Location: Blackhawk Guild Fortress, Seventh Ring
Two days of travel brought them from Whispering Forest to Imperial City's outer rings. The journey passed without incident—recovering countryside, peaceful camps, Elian walking beside Raven with growing confidence while butterflies followed and flowers bloomed in his wake.
The Blackhawk Guild fortress rose from Seventh Ring streets exactly as Raven remembered—weathered gray stone marked with deliberate claw patterns, spiritual forges blazing to the west, the clash of steel on steel ringing across training fields where recruits practiced formations.
The guards at the main gates recognized them immediately.
"By the Light." The senior guard's eyes widened as the riders approached. "They actually came back."
His companion stared, jaw slack. "Alive. All of them." A pause, then realization dawning. "But... where are the wagons?"
