*Ember*

As the cart rolled along the dusty road, the familiar sights and sounds of a large group of people drew nearer. I looked up the road and realized that we had caught up with the rogue carnival’s caravan. As we approached, I saw Sawyer hop off a tall cart and stand off to the side as our cart rolled closer. When we were close enough, he started walking alongside us with a broad smile on his face.

"Lovely Lady Lauryn, what an unexpected pleasure to see you ...