Horsa's Journal

944 DA Peonus Date: Peonus, Day 5, 944 DA Place: Repton, a provincial town Today marks our first full day in Repton. Elswide and I arrived yesterday, and this morning I took stock of our surroundings. The town is bustling with merchants, townsfolk, and militia, but there is an undercurrent of quiet vigilance. I spent the morning observing guard rotations and noting potential hazards in the town center. Elswide assisted me by checking our accommodations and arranging our few possessions. During the afternoon, I walked the perimeter of the town walls, assessing weak points and possible entry routes. Elswide accompanied me, greeting locals and quietly gathering information about roads, nearby villages, and common dangers along the northern route. Her presence allows me to focus on strategic considerations, knowing she is attentive to social interactions and minor details. Later in the day, we visited the market square, speaking briefly with traders and town officials. While outwardly cordial, some were reticent, and I made note of those whose behavior seemed unusual or secretive. Elswide collected herbs and small supplies for our journey, ensuring we were prepared for travel even in inclement weather. As evening fell, I recorded observations in my journal. Repton is the starting point for our northern journey, and tomorrow we will prepare the mule cart and provisions. The plan is to travel steadily, observing the towns and villages along the river path, remaining alert to both natural and human threats. Date: Peonus, Day 12, 944 DA Place: Repton, a provincial town The town remains lively, but I have begun to notice subtle signs of tension. Certain streets are less traveled, and a few townsfolk watch travelers with suspicion. Elswide and I walked to the northern gates this morning to evaluate the road conditions and ensure the cart will pass without difficulty. Midday, we spoke with local merchants who offered advice on the villages along the route to Devon. I recorded the locations of bridges, fords, and river crossings. Elswide helped me confirm distances and noted places suitable for short rests or emergency shelter should the weather turn. By late afternoon, we visited the inn and arranged storage for excess provisions. The mule seems healthy, and Elswide attended to its harness and feed. Our preparation for departure is nearly complete, and both of us feel a cautious optimism about the coming journey. As night approached, I summarized the day in my journal. Tomorrow, we will begin moving north toward Devon, tracking progress carefully, and maintaining vigilance for hazards along the way. The journey ahead will test endurance and prudence, and I intend to record every detail.

Siem

Date: Siem, Day 2, 944 DA

Place: Repton, a provincial town

We departed Repton at first light, our mule-pulled cart loaded with provisions, weapons, and personal belongings. The morning air was brisk, carrying the scent of wet earth from overnight rain. Elswide checked the cart carefully, ensuring everything was secured correctly. I reviewed the route north, estimating daily travel distances of twelve to fifteen miles, anticipating our arrival at Devon within the next ten days if the weather held. The road was initially smooth, passing through open fields and minor settlements. Villagers nodded or waved as we passed, curious about travelers heading north. Elswide and I kept a steady pace, pausing briefly to rest the mule and adjust our supplies. Each stop reminded me that patience is crucial when covering such distances with a heavily laden cart. By late afternoon, dark clouds gathered, and rain began to fall heavily. We sought shelter beneath a stand of trees near the roadside, allowing the mule to rest while we set up a temporary canopy. Elswide gathered dry firewood and kept our provisions covered. I spent the time reviewing maps and planning contingencies for weather delays and unexpected obstacles along the northern route. As night approached, the storm subsided enough for us to rest. I recorded today's progress in my journal and noted that our pace had slowed due to the weather. Tomorrow, we will continue north, hoping the roads improve, and remain vigilant for hazards, keeping Devon in mind as our goal within the next week.

Date: Siem, Day 10, 944 DA

Place: Near the outskirts of Devon

After eight days of steady travel, we approached the walled village of Devon. The roads have been challenging, with rain and strong winds forcing us to find shelter on several occasions. The mule remained reliable, though Elswide and I worked carefully to protect the cart from mud and uneven terrain. Her steady presence continues to bolster my morale during long days on the road. We stopped in a small riverside clearing to rest and tend to the mule. I inspected the cart, ensuring the wheels and harnesses were intact after the rough terrain. Elswide collected firewood and prepared a simple meal, reminding me that even small comforts matter during extended travel. Along the path, we passed several minor villages and noted signs of travelers who had come before us. Some tracks suggested bandit activity, though we saw no immediate threats. I recorded all observations, aware that the northern journey poses risks that extend beyond mere distance and weather. Elswide offered her own observations about plants and water sources that might aid our future travels. By evening, we reached the edge of Devon. The village walls rose ahead, a welcome sight after days on the road. I documented our progress and planned for tomorrow: securing lodging, replenishing provisions, and resting before we resume travel toward Turnworth along the river path.

Illvius

Date: Ilvius, Day 3, 944 DA

Place: Departing Devon toward Turnworth

We departed Devon at first light, following the river path northward. The terrain became increasingly mountainous, and the forest thickened, casting long shadows across the wide river road. Elswide adjusted the cart's load to maintain balance on the uneven path, while I guided the mule carefully over exposed roots and rocky patches. By midday, we had traveled roughly twelve miles. The forest offered shelter from the sun, but the underbrush made progress slow. We paused near a stream to allow the mule to drink and to rest ourselves. Elswide gathered herbs and small edible plants while I inspected our route, making careful notes of landmarks and potential dangers. Late in the afternoon, a sudden downpour forced us to find shelter beneath a rock overhang along the riverbank. The rain fell heavily, soaking the path and turning the river muddy. Elswide worked quickly to cover our supplies, and I patrolled the perimeter, alert for any wildlife or travelers taking advantage of the storm. As evening arrived, the storm eased slightly, but the ground remained treacherous. I recorded our day's progress in my journal and noted that the forest and mountains will require cautious, steady travel over the next week. Tomorrow, we will continue along the river path, aiming to cover another twelve to fifteen miles while remaining vigilant for both terrain hazards and potential threats.

Date: Ilvius, Day 12, 944 DA

Place: Midway to Turnworth, along the river path

The forest and mountains continue to test our endurance. The river path remains our guide, but fallen trees, rocks, and thick underbrush slow our progress. Elswide remains patient and focused, tending to the mule and adjusting the cart as needed. I remain watchful, scanning the woods for both natural hazards and any signs of bandit activity. We passed a small riverside settlement mid-afternoon, taking a short respite to gather water and speak with locals. They offered news of recent travelers and minor disturbances further north. I recorded all information in my journal, noting potential challenges for our approach to Turnworth. Elswide engaged courteously with the villagers, easing suspicion and gathering details about the forested route ahead. Late in the day, the wind picked up through the mountain passes, forcing us to find shelter along the riverbank once more. We set up a small camp, keeping the mule nearby and our supplies covered. Elswide helped prepare a warm meal, and we shared a quiet conversation about the final stretch to Turnworth. As night fell, I reflected on the day's journey and recorded our progress. We have roughly another week to reach Turnworth if the weather and terrain cooperate. Tomorrow, we will resume our journey along the river, navigating the forested mountains with care and maintaining a steady, vigilant pace.

Morgus

Date: Morgus, Day 1, 944 DA

Place: Turnworth, a northern village

We arrived in Turnworth early this morning, the village modest but sturdy, nestled along the river with thick forest rising to either side. Lodging was secured at a small inn, and I immediately took note of the guard rotations and village defenses. Elswide tended to our provisions and ensured the mule-pulled cart was unloaded correctly and secured. The village itself seemed unusually quiet for the start of Morgus. I spent the afternoon walking the streets, observing the townsfolk, their routines, and noting potential hazards along the roads north toward Tonbridge. Elswide accompanied me, engaging politely with the villagers and quietly gathering intelligence about the surrounding area. Late in the day, we inspected the mule and cart, making minor adjustments to ensure we are ready.

Date: Morgus, Day 5, 944 DA

Place: Turnworth, a northern village

The morning brought mist along the river, lending a quiet, almost eerie calm to Turnworth. I patrolled the village streets briefly, noting the movements of villagers and the flow of trade. Elswide tended to provisions and prepared food for the mule, her presence steady and reassuring. We spent much of the day reviewing maps and the path toward Tonbridge. I calculated daily travel distances, potential rest stops, and hazards along the northern road. Elswide cataloged supplies, ensuring everything is balanced and properly secured for our journey. Our coordination grows stronger with each passing day, and I trust her judgment implicitly. In the late afternoon, we visited a small riverside clearing outside the village to allow the mule some rest and grazing. I observed the terrain carefully, noting landmarks that will aid our navigation northward. Elswide gathered herbs and assessed potential foraging along the route, her insights sharpening our readiness for the journey. As night approached, I returned to the inn to record the day’s observations. We will remain in Turnworth until after the 8th, ensuring we avoid both the sacrifices of Morgath and the unpredictable events of the Day of Madness. Tomorrow, we will continue preparations, maintaining vigilance and readiness for departure.

Date: Morgus, Day 9, 944 DA

Place: Turnworth, a northern village

With the 8th now past, the village remains calm and unaffected. I inspected the mule and cart once more, checking harnesses, wheels, and supplies, confirming that all is in readiness for travel. Elswide sorted provisions and made final adjustments to our load, ensuring the journey northward to Tonbridge will be as efficient and safe as possible. We spent the morning reviewing the northern route along the forested river path. I identified potential ambush points, challenging river crossings, and areas where we might need to seek shelter from adverse weather conditions. Elswide added her observations of edible plants and safe water sources. Together, we feel prepared for our upcoming trip. By mid-afternoon, we visited the village market briefly, purchasing additional provisions and confirming local information about travelers moving toward Tonbridge. Villagers remain wary but cooperative, providing subtle guidance on what to avoid along the northern road. As evening arrived, we returned to our lodgings. I recorded today’s preparations and finalized our plans for departure. Tomorrow, we will leave Turnworth early, aiming to cover the twelve to fifteen miles per day along the river path, steadily approaching Tonbridge while remaining vigilant for any hazards along the route.

Agrius

Date: Agrius, Day 1, 944 DA

Place: Departing Turnworth, a northern village

We left Turnworth at first light, the morning mist still clinging to the river and forest. The path north is wide and well-trodden, following the river through the thick woodland. Elswide carefully adjusted the cart, checking that all supplies were secured and the mule’s harnesses were in good condition. I took point, guiding us steadily along the path while keeping watch for hazards. The morning passed uneventfully. The forest is dense, and sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the river road. Birds called overhead, and the occasional animal crossed our path, reminding me that even in familiar terrain, caution is required. Elswide gathered water from a small tributary, ensuring we maintain hydration for both ourselves and the mule. By midday, we reached a small riverside clearing suitable for rest. The cart and mule were attended to, and I mapped our current position in my journal. Elswide prepared a modest meal, and we shared a quiet conversation about the remaining distance to Tonbridge. The journey has been steady so far, and I note that the forest remains calm and free of disturbances. As evening approached, we resumed travel briefly before setting camp under a stand of trees. I recorded today’s progress and observations, noting landmarks for the following day. We plan to continue along the river, covering another twelve to fifteen miles, steadily closing the distance to Tonbridge while remaining alert to both terrain and any signs of human or animal threats.

Date: Agrius, Day 2, 944 DA

Place: Along the river path, northern forest

The morning brought a drizzle, dampening the path and making some sections slippery. We proceeded cautiously, adjusting the cart’s load as needed and guiding the mule around exposed roots and rocks. Elswide moved methodically, ensuring the supplies remained dry and well-balanced. Midday, the rain eased, and we paused at a shaded riverside bank to rest and eat. I scouted ahead slightly, noting landmarks and minor tributaries. Elswide collected edible plants and herbs near the water’s edge, always attentive to opportunities that might assist us on future travels. The forest remains thick, but the river provides a reliable guide northward. By late afternoon, the path became uneven, with patches of mud and fallen branches slowing progress. We took extra care navigating these sections, ensuring the cart did not tip or strain the mule. Elswide suggested a brief detour around a particularly rough stretch, and I agreed, trusting her judgment. As night fell, we made camp beneath a cluster of tall pines, the river flowing steadily nearby. I recorded today’s journey and the adjusted route. Tomorrow, we will continue north along the river path, hoping the terrain remains manageable, keeping a steady pace to reach Tonbridge within the next two days.

Date: Agrius, Day 3, 944 DA

Place: Forest clearing, northern route to Tonbridge

We awoke to clear skies and cool air. The path remains steady, though occasional rocks and roots demand careful navigation. Elswide quickly checked the cart and the mule, ensuring no strain or misalignment had occurred overnight. I guided us along the riverbank, noting shallow crossings and potential stopping points for the next day. During midday, we paused near a small waterfall where the mule could drink and rest. Elswide gathered fresh water and inspected our provisions, reorganizing supplies to balance the load. The forest here grows denser, and we remained vigilant for any signs of human activity, though the path is largely quiet. Late afternoon brought brief gusts of wind through the trees, but the weather remained favorable. I continued to map our progress, noting the distance remaining to Tonbridge and estimating arrival for the following day. Elswide maintained a calm, watchful presence, her attentiveness helping to make the long day manageable. As night approached, we camped near a river bend, recording today’s distance and observations. Tomorrow, we expect to reach Tonbridge. Our pace and care along this final stretch should bring us safely to the village while maintaining readiness for any unforeseen dangers along the northern river path.

Date: Agrius, Day 4, 944 DA

Place: Arriving at Tonbridge

We reached Tonbridge by mid-afternoon, the village rising above the northern riverbank. Relief washed over me at the sight of familiar territory, though I remain vigilant. Elswide helped guide the mule into the village square, securing the cart and unloading supplies. We took time to inspect the village layout, noting entry points, guard posts, and the arrangement of houses. Elswide interacted briefly with villagers, gauging their demeanor and subtly assessing the local culture. I observed quietly, recording each detail to inform future reports. We spent the late afternoon tending to the mule and reorganizing our supplies. The journey has been long and tiring, yet both of us remain steady in mind and body. Elswide prepared a modest meal, and we discussed our plans to establish a temporary safe lodging within the village while assessing the immediate area. As night fell, I completed the day’s entry. Our arrival at Tonbridge marks the end of this stage of travel, and tomorrow we will begin familiarizing ourselves with the village, identifying potential threats, and preparing for the work ahead. Maintaining vigilance remains paramount, even in the comfort of a settlement.

Laranus

Date: Laranus, Day 3, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, communal hall

We arrived in Tonbridge this afternoon, ending our long journey north from Turnworth. The road narrowed to a dirt path, flanked by the modest fields of five farms. The heart of the settlement is a single, broad wooden building—serving as tavern, trading post, and lodging. Three rooms for rent, all on the same floor. The air here smells of hay, river mist, and hearth smoke. Elswide handled the arrangements for our stay while I tended to the mule and cart. The villagers greeted us with polite curiosity. Life here seems quiet—people rise early, work the fields, and share company in the hall when the sun falls. The river beside the village is shallow and winding, of no use for trade or boats. Everything that comes here arrives on foot or by wheel. This evening, we ate in the common room with several of the farmers. The talk was simple—weather, harvest, and rumors of wolves to the east. It is a humble place, but I sense no deceit in it. For the first time in months, I feel the pull of stillness.

Date: Laranus, Day 9, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, near the northern fields

The days in Tonbridge move by with a quiet rhythm. The five farms form a rough circle around the communal hall, each family working their land with few complaints. Elswide has been assisting a local midwife with herbal remedies and tonics. Her knowledge of plants has already earned her the villagers’ trust. I’ve spent time assisting the blacksmiths, Aefric and Aedme, brothers who share the forge on the eastern edge of the village. Their work is simple but sound—plough fittings, hinges, and nails. They are practical men, content with repetition. I find their steadiness reassuring. Each evening, we return to our small rented room in the communal hall. The walls are thin, and the sound of laughter and low conversation seeps through from the tavern. For once, I do not mind. The peace here is honest.

Date: Laranus, Day 22, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, communal hall

The harvest work has begun early. I helped mend a fence and haul water from the shallow river. The soil here is stubborn but fertile. Elswide’s hands are stained green from herbs; mine are rough from tools. The villagers treat us kindly, offering meals and conversation freely. Aefric told me today that the hall was once a barn before the wars, rebuilt by the village elders to serve every purpose—trade, meeting, and rest. I can see the old timber bones in its walls. At night, when the lamps burn low, it feels like a place that remembers. My habits of watching the door and scanning faces are fading. Perhaps it is dangerous to relax—but the quiet here invites trust. I will not fight it for now.

Saraus

Date: Saraus, Day 4, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, riverside clearing

A cool wind off the river carried the scent of wet grass this morning. Elswide spent the day gathering and drying herbs on flat stones near the water’s edge, while I helped Aedme repair a broken ploughshare. His patience at the forge is remarkable—slow, precise, without waste of motion. The villagers have begun discussing a new project: building a small cabin for us. They say it is right that we should have a place of our own, now that we’ve proven willing to stay. The site lies about a quarter mile beyond the outermost farm, near the curve of the riverbank where birches grow. I’m unsure what to make of the offer, but Elswide smiled when she heard. The nights are peaceful here. I no longer sleep with my knife within reach. That is progress, I suppose.

Date: Saraus, Day 15, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, cabin site

The frame of our cabin stands now, sturdy and modest. Aefric and two farmers helped raise the beams, while Elswide prepared stew over a small fire. She says the structure feels "alive" already, as though the timbers remember their forest home. I feel the same. When the sun is high, I walk the short path back to the hall for supplies or to share a drink with the smiths. The villagers treat our new home as a shared work, each contributing nails, planks, or labor as they can. Their generosity humbles me. In the evenings, Elswide and I sit beside the half-built cabin and watch the fireflies rise over the fields. For the first time in many years, I might stop counting the miles behind us.

Date: Saraus, Day 27, 944 DA

Place: Tonbridge, newly finished cabin

Today we moved into the cabin. The roof is thatched, the walls sealed with resin, and the hearth built from river stones. It is small but sound, and it's quiet, which suits us. The village lies just over the rise, its lanterns visible at night like a handful of stars across the dark. Elswide arranged our few belongings with care. I set the mule's shelter nearby and stored our tools under cover. When we sat by the fire, the silence felt whole, not empty. The people of Tonbridge gave us this place freely, expecting nothing in return but our presence. I find myself smiling at that. Tomorrow, I'll start my work as the constable for the area. For the first time since leaving Wullac, I think we have found a home worth keeping.

945 DA

Peonus

Date: Peonus, Day 3, 945 DA

Place: Tonbridge, a northern settlement

The thaw continues. Meltwater from the hills feeds the narrow river until it murmurs louder each day. The woods are heavy with mist at dawn, but I’ve resumed patrols north and east. The paths are soft but passable. Tonbridge remains quiet, its people polite yet distant. There is little new to report beyond the steady routines of plowing, mending, and prayer. Elswide has begun trading herbs for eggs and lamp oil. She has won their confidence in ways I cannot. At night, I write by lantern light, summarizing small details — the frequency of visitors (none this week), the amount of livestock penned, and the odd scarcity of dogs. A town without barking feels unnaturally still. Tomorrow, I will range farther upriver to map the old cart road.

Date: Peonus, Day 12, 945 DA

Place: North ridge, two miles above Tonbridge

Spent most of the day mapping the ridge above the valley. Found remnants of an old campsite — weathered ashes, a broken pot, and the heel of a boot half-buried in leaves. Likely travelers passing through in late winter. No signs of recent use. The forest here feels older than the rest — fir and beech tangled together, blocking light. Birds avoid the deeper thickets. When I stood still too long, the silence pressed close. I marked two trees with my sigil to keep bearings. Elswide grows restless. She asks why I search so far when our peace seems assured. I tell her habit drives me. The truth is less simple. Something about this valley resists comfort.

Date: Peonus, Day 21, 945 DA

Place: Tonbridge, communal hall

This evening, the villagers gathered for a shared supper. Alodia and his wife Daryl presided, as they often do. They are charismatic in quiet ways — never raising their voices, yet all seem to defer to them. Their hospitality is faultless, their questions subtle. When I mentioned my patrols, Alodia smiled faintly and asked whether I “ever found what stirs in the dark.” It sounded like a jest, but there was weight behind it. I left early, claiming fatigue. Elswide stayed behind to listen, later telling me that their songs carried a mournful rhythm — like a prayer whispered backward. Tomorrow, I’ll widen my northern route again. My instincts itch. Nurrus, 945 DA

Nurrus

Date: Nurrus, Day 4, 945 DA

Place: Upland trail north of Tonbridge

I began my long circuit northward this morning, following the slope toward the pinewood. The path is rough but reveals much — cart ruts older than a year, a collapsed wagon half hidden in brambles, its canvas long rotted away. No bones nearby, yet I feel the absence of closure. Elswide, packed bread and dried meat for a three-day journey. She worries when I vanish for long, but I must know what borders us. The hills here show no signs of other settlements. Only the river cuts through, carving its way south to Tonbridge. I camped tonight under a bent fir. The stars are clear. Yet even here, I hear strange rhythms — faint tapping like wood striking stone.

Date: Nurrus, Day 10, 945 DA

Place: Ravine east of the river

Found the disturbed ground today. I followed a boar track down a ravine and noticed crows gathered in silence. Beneath the roots of an oak, the soil was newly turned. The scent struck first — sweet and wrong. I dug with my knife and uncovered bone, human, cleanly severed at the neck. More bones followed, stacked deliberately. Seven, perhaps eight bodies. Signs of ritual care — not chaos. A stone charm was wedged near one skull: crescent of Naveh. Nearby, three black cat skulls are in a spiral. I reburied the remains and marked the place with my symbol. I’ll report this to Repton and Wullac at once. For now, no word to the villagers.

Date: Nurrus, Day 22, 945 DA

Place: Tonbridge, cabin

My letters are sealed and sent with a trader bound south. Whether they reach anyone remains to be seen. I have begun keeping second notes apart from this journal — diagrams, sketches, translations of the runes carved near the pit. Some are old symbols of sleep and silence. Others are wards inverted. Naveh’s hand, surely. Elswide senses my unease. She believes I’m chasing shadows, that the graves may be relics of the war years. I wish that were true. Alodia stopped by this evening. He asked if I’d seen “any strays” in the woods. His tone was casual, but the timing chilled me.

Halus

Halus

Date: Halus, Day 5, 945 DA

Place: Ridge path above Tonbridge

Continued survey of the upper ridge. Found a faint trail marked by old stakes and cord remnants, leading toward the canyon. Deer avoid it. The silence grows heavier the farther one goes. At one bend, I noticed soot on the rock, indicating torches had been used recently. Someone else walks this path at night. Elswide says I’ve become more distant. She’s right. But until I learn what festers beneath Tonbridge’s calm, I can’t rest.

Date: Halus, Day 13, 945 DA

Place: Hidden box canyon north of Tonbridge

The entrance lies through a cleft so narrow even the mule would not pass. Within stands a structure of old stone, roof intact but dark with lichen. Inside: a shrine. Naveh’s sigil on the altar. Runes carved deep into the walls, some fresh, others centuries old. The air reeks of cold incense and old blood. I drew sketches and measured the chamber. Bones line the pit behind the altar — hundreds, charred and bound. I returned before sunset, unseen, and sealed two reports — one for Repton, one for Wullac. I must tell Elswide soon.

Date: Halus, Day 20, 945 DA

Place: Tonbridge, Great Feast of Halus

The Feast brought nearly every villager to the communal hall. Roasted fowl, bread, and spiced wine flowed freely. Elswide smiled, trying to appear calm, but her eyes betrayed fear. She knows we leave tonight. Alodia toasted the village and singled me out, thanking me for “watching over their peace.” I nodded politely, though I felt their eyes linger too long. Near midnight, I recall only the firelight and the warmth of the wine. Then darkness. Navus, 945 DA

Navus

Date: Navus, Day 2, 945 DA

Place: Unknown — the shrine of Naveh

I awoke in stone darkness. Hands bound, head pounding. The air is thick with incense and damp earth. Elswide lay near me, pale and still breathing. Around us stood Alodia, Daryl, and others, all of them cloaked in black. They spoke of offering and rebirth. Naveh’s name passed through their lips like poison. They said we would “serve in silence.” I saw the altar — the same I had mapped — now lit with dozens of candles. They brought forth two chalices. Elswide cried out. Then they forced the drink upon her. My turn followed. Pain, unlike anything I have known. Then — nothing.

Date: Navus, Day 5, 945 DA

Place: The shrine, Box Canyon

Awoke again — but changed. No heartbeat. No breath. Yet sight and sound sharpened beyond human limits. My captors think me obedient, their revenant servant. Elswide, ghoul now, lingers near. Her eyes glow faintly in the dark, but when she looks at me, recognition returns. They think love dies with flesh. They are wrong. Alodia commands us to serve Naveh. For now, we obey. But inside, I count every face.

Date: Navus, Day 14, 945 DA

Place: Forest north of Tonbridge

We escaped. During the night, I broke my bindings and struck down the guard. Elswide followed, silent as the grave. We fled through the canyon, through briar and thorn, until the moon vanished behind clouds. Now, from the tree line, I look back at Tonbridge. The villagers sleep within their circle of lies. Alodia and Daryl will think we're lost to madness. But I remember every voice that chanted that night. We will return for them all — when shadow and silence serve us, not their god.