New Mission

As the group rode steadily down the winding dirt road leading back to Arthalon, the rising sun cast golden streaks across the landscape. This return trip felt almost serene. The skies were clear, and the wind was calm. No beasts roared from the distance, no sudden ambushes, no rustling sounds from the trees that sent hearts racing. It was peace—something they hadn't had much of since entering this world.

The merchant sat on his cart, occasionally humming an old travel tune under his breath as the wheels creaked rhythmically against the path. Liam rode beside the cart, occasionally glancing around, still alert, but more at ease than he'd been in days.

Sophia, riding just behind him, broke the calm silence with a nudge. "Hey," she said softly, "you should really thank the merchant, you know. If it weren't for him, we might not have gotten to that healer in time."