Dawn broke over Elden Hollow in soft gold and rose, painting the thatched roofs and waking the village with gentle warmth. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys. Roosters crowed. Somewhere a dog barked once, then fell silent.
Inside Philip and Aish's cottage, the small group gathered around the kitchen table one last time. The smell of fresh bread, porridge, and herbal tea filled the air—simple, comforting, the same as yesterday morning, yet heavier now with the knowledge of departure.
Aish fussed over plates, piling extra portions onto everyone's bowls despite their protests.
"You'll need your strength," she insisted, pressing a warm loaf wrapped in cloth into Ignis's hands. "And take this too. For the road."
Philip stood by the door, arms crossed, watching them.
"You sure about this?" he asked Adam for the third time that morning. "Taking the princess and her knight east… into the frontier? That lich won't forget last night."
Adam met his gaze steadily.
