Khao'khen rode back to Yohan two days after the Arch Compact's signing, with Sakh'arran and a four-Yurakk escort. Kael remained at the Arch for two more days to finalize the highland garrison rotation schedule with Ishara. Vor'gath remained because he had decided that the Arch needed him and had said so simply, without explanation, and no one had found a reason to argue.
The road south was the same road north had been. The gravel pack. The narrowing at the highland boundary. The widening again as the terrain flattened toward Yohan's northern approaches. The city visible at the horizon an hour before arrival, identifiable by the smoke of the forge district and the height of the wall-mount positions on the northern perimeter.
