The caravan came to a halt, calls made down the line. Horses bray and merchants swear, rousing Marion’s attention from their waterskin. They wiped water from their mouth before making an attempt to clamber up towards the front of the wagon.

“What’s the problem, Silvos?” the elf inquired of their fellow, gaze turned outwards to the caravan ahead of them.

“The road is closed. Headman Bayan got stopped by the guards.”

“What? These roads were fine just a few ...