The night had receded, but daylight had yet to break.
When Raylo returned to Black Stone City, the entire city was still steeped in the deepest silence of pre-dawn.
The distant horizon was like a canvas soaked in ink. Along the edge of its deepest black, a very fine, faint line of light was barely visible.
The band of light was faint, but it heralded the coming of day.
Raylo didn't disturb anyone. He walked alone through the empty corridors and pushed open the heavy oak door.
From the Jade Swamp to the Frozen North, the days of constant travel and a series of major battles had left even his current physique feeling a deep weariness.
But his mind remained in a state of high focus.
He closed his eyes, not to rest, but to review his recent gains.
