Chapter 149: [149] Three Stars on a Broken Road
The horses moved through the snow in single file, their breath creating small clouds that dissipated quickly in the cold air. Xavier rode point on Smoke, his posture straight but alert, blue eyes constantly scanning the treeline ahead. Behind him, Naomi guided Ember with steady hands while Ashley sat in front of her, wrapped in their remaining blankets.
No one spoke.
The silence wasn’t uncomfortable—it was practical. Sound carried far in the thin mountain air, and they’d learned the hard way that Frostfall’s predators had excellent hearing. Xavier’s hand rested on his dagger’s hilt, not from nervousness but from habit. He’d developed a lot of new habits since the village.
"Ridge ahead," Xavier said quietly. "We’ll check the route from there."
Naomi acknowledged with a slight nod. Ashley didn’t respond, but in a passing shard of ice, Xavier caught the reflection of her eyes—awake and mirroring his own constant scan of the horizon.
They’d been riding for three hours since breaking camp. Their morning routine had become efficient through necessity: Naomi checked their supplies and planned the day’s travel while Xavier scouted ahead and Ashley conserved her strength. No unnecessary conversation.
Xavier guided Smoke up the rocky slope, the gelding’s hooves finding purchase on the icy stones. At the top, he dismounted and pulled out the crude map they’d salvaged from Dalen’s wagon. The parchment was stained and torn, but the major landmarks were still visible.
"We’re here," Xavier traced their position with his finger as Naomi and Ashley joined him. "Hearthome should be..." He squinted at the faded ink. "Two days south, maybe three depending on the weather."
"Food?" Naomi asked.
Xavier glanced at their supply bundle tied to Ember’s saddle. "If we’re careful."
"We’ll be careful." Naomi’s tone suggested this wasn’t a request.
Ashley shifted in the saddle, her blue eyes studying the map over their shoulders. "The southern pass looks clear, but there’s a notation here." She pointed to a small symbol near their intended route. "Looks like a warning."