The Long Path, Part 3

Gondon had us sprint along the winding path between the Fractured and the Galeb, or Gemstone folk. I think he originally meant it as a joke, or perhaps a punishment. But then it became an hour, and then two.

In the third hour, he took a break. He was also sweating, smelling like stale paint thinner. "Well, good, larva. At least you can run."

"Potassium salts." I huffed.

"What, now?" he asked

"Potassium salts. The mineral shipment they were guarding about half a mile back. Your next question was to make certain I was paying attention."

"How many guards?"

"Four visible, but the drover was also armed and armored." I said.

"Of what caste?"

That one threw me for a pause.

"I didn't know the Artisans had their own guards." I said.

"In our society, they don't. So what does that tell you about them?"

"They have better equipment than the city guards will." I said.