The first light of dawn found the four travelers already on the move. Philip led the way with a steady, unhurried pace that belied his age, staff tapping rhythmically against the packed dirt of the old trade road. Adam walked beside him, hands in his cloak pockets, violet hair catching the early sun. Ignis and Lilith followed a few steps behind—Ignis humming softly and spinning occasionally to take in the morning mist over the fields, Lilith gliding with her usual silent grace.
The road west was peaceful. Birds sang in the hedgerows, and the air carried the clean scent of dew-wet grass and distant woodsmoke. They passed small farmsteads where chickens scattered at their approach and dogs barked from safe distances. Farmers paused in their fields to wave or nod at Philip—an old familiar face returning home.
