Chapter 68: Varnacite Vein [3]
The Next Morning...
Alaric stood where they’d been told, same route, same black cloak wrapped around his frame.
Sari stood a few paces beside him, her hood up, her hands loosely clasped in front of her. Neither spoke.
There was no need.
He glanced up once at the cloud-laden sky, then back to the road. A part of him hoped the wagon might be late, just enough to steal a few more moments of silence before the march into the unknown. But it wasn’t.
Wheels creaked in the distance. A moment later, the covered wagon came into view, pulled by a pair of steady-footed horses. No heralds. No banners. Just practicality.
He climbed into the wagon first, then offered his hand to help Sari up, a gesture she accepted with a slight nod that somehow conveyed both gratitude and mild amusement at his courtesy.
The wagon lurched into motion, Alaric let his eyes fall half-shut
The town faded behind them. The trees thickened, canopy growing darker the deeper they went. Alaric watched it grow larger through the wagon’s small window, and with each passing moment.
As their wagon approached, Alaric could see the cluster of figures already gathered: nobles on horseback, retainers checking equipment, and the distinctive silhouettes of mining experts with their leather satchels and surveying tools.
Then the wagon finally stopped at the forest’s edge, Alaric stepped down first, cloak catching in the breeze. Sari followed silently, her gaze scanning the surroundings with that same calm watchfulness.
Up ahead, few seats had already been set under a large oak tree.