"Esther, wake up."
Inside the swaying cabin of the carriage, Hermione called softly, gently nudging her younger sister, whose head rested against her shoulder.
When the first grey light of dawn broke over the tree line, Ulrich had dismantled the camp and ordered them back onto the road. The objective was to breach the capital gates while the morning was still fresh. Despite the early hour, the overnight rest had worked perfectly. They had consumed a hot breakfast, washed in cold water, and packed their belongings without the crushing nausea that had dominated the previous afternoon. Aside from the natural drowsiness that comes with an early start, all three sisters looked healthy.
"Mmh..." Esther mumbled, the sound barely echoing over the clatter of the iron wheels on the stone road. Her eyelids fluttered. Because she sat directly beside the glass, the harsh brightness of the morning sun instantly flooded her vision.
