Summer in the Northern Territory never quite feels like summer.
The wind carries a chill of light snow, withered yellow wild grasses clinging to the ground, and on the high slopes, the thin first layer of snow has already appeared, like a probing hand of winter reaching forward.
Gareth rode on horseback, hunching his shoulders.
He was originally an Official Knight of the Morkan family, chosen by the Baron for his cleverness and ability to handle affairs, specifically responsible for managing trade routes.
He understood etiquette and human relations, and was better than other knights at dealing with garrison troops, outposts, and toll gates. Gradually, the operation of the entire caravan was entrusted to him.
For over a decade, he personally escorted every shipment, both to safeguard these vital goods for the Baron to exchange for grain and because he was acutely aware of the Northern Territory's rules that goods unsupervised could vanish at any moment.
