The First Signs of Tiredness
By late morning, the journey began to feel less exciting.
The road stretched ahead beneath the brightening sky.
Dust rose beneath the feet of the travelers, clinging to their shoes and the hems of their clothes.
The procession moved steadily, but the officials at the front continued urging everyone to maintain the pace.
"Keep moving! Do not leave large gaps between the groups!"
A few tired travelers muttered complaints.
Some children asked their parents how much farther they had to walk.
Elderly people leaned on walking sticks, while others paused briefly to adjust their bundles.
The Empress looked toward the people around her.
The first hour had been easy enough, but the effects of walking were beginning to appear.
A woman carrying a sleeping child struggled to adjust the cloth around her shoulders.
The Empress approached her.
"Would you like some water?"
The woman looked surprised.
"Thank you, but I still have some."
