Dawn Departure
The sun had barely crested the horizon when Jorghan met his companions at the settlement's eastern edge. Kaleth, the massive white Swarafa, stood ready with a reinforced carriage designed for extended travel. Supplies were already loaded—camping equipment, surveying tools, provisions for eight days, weapons in case of trouble.
Sigora arrived first, dressed in practical travel clothing rather than her usual formal attire. She carried herself with the easy confidence of someone who'd made countless journeys across dangerous territories and lived to tell about it and hear it.
Then came the two matriarchs.
