We'll leave in about two hours. We'll be traveling slowly, with breaks, so the others should have time to catch up by tomorrow evening.
Added 2 hours 2 minutes ago
We're starting.
***
A thick fog shrouded the area. Through the dense veil of moisture, the rays of the morning sun tried to break through. A hunched figure trudged along a country road, in the dust of which traces of carts and horses were visible. A long, black cloak made it look like a crow's feather fallen into a murky lake. The face was hidden under a hood, and the hands were hidden under the long sleeves of the somber garment. Wrapping his arms around himself, as if embracing, the black silhouette swayed from side to side. A whisper could be heard near the figure; the voice sounded like a man's. If someone could listen, they would hear the sad intonation with which the words were spoken.
- Where am I? When am I? Why am I? Who am I? I am nowhere. I am never. I am for nothing. I am nobody. I am dead. I am gone. I never was. I dissolved in myself. In the emptiness of my own sorrow. Only an empty shell remains. A Temple in a world without gods.
Unaware of the approaching cart, the figure continued to walk.
Drawn by two thoroughbred horses, the cart creaked and swayed. A man with a small bald spot on his head and a strange smirk on his face held the reins. He looked to be about fifty years old. A young girl, no older than eighteen, sat next to him. She had long black hair braided into a braid, small light brown eyes, long eyelashes, thin eyebrows, a neat nose of medium size and correct shape, and full crimson lips; she held a book in her hands.
- In short, be quiet and don't say anything unnecessary. I've had enough of your antics," the man said to the girl. "That one wasn't right, this one wasn't right, I want it out of love. You've become spoiled! In my time, women didn't pick and choose. You've read too many of your silly books, ugh!
The girl was silent and looked sadly towards the forest, as if trying to see someone among the trees who would save her from an unwanted fate. Meanwhile, the man continued to speak.
- In general, you're lucky that I chatted with Kahn last week. His son is a good guy! Strong, not stupid, he's got good hands. Maybe even handsome, I don't understand men. In short, you're lucky, otherwise I would have given you to fat Gera! Understand?! So be grateful. Being the wife of the son of a cool and rich blacksmith from the city will be better than being the wife of a fat merchant. Even though he offered gold for you. Eh, he offered a lot of gold...
- Ugh! How disgusting! As if I were a whore or a broodmare!" the girl snorted and pouted her lips.
- Hey! If you behave badly, you'll be kicked out and I won't take you back, then you'll become a whore.
- I will become an alchemist!
- Oh, oh, and how will you pay for the training? Huh? That's why, be quiet and behave. Be a good wife, have children, take care of the house, and don't even think about cheating! Otherwise, the blacksmiths have a heavy hand...
Noticing the black figure in the fog, the man fell silent and slowed the horses down a bit. As he got closer, he made out the outline of a person. And when he got close enough, he spoke uncertainly:
- Hey, old man, do you want a ride to the city?
A pang struck the man in the black cloak. It turns out that emptiness is capable of feeling pain. The unfamiliar voice, unexpectedly echoing in his head, frightened him. The fear was so strong that the man, without thinking for a second, turned into a raven and flew away, disappearing into the thick fog. The girl screamed and almost fell out of the cart; the horses tried to rear up, but the man managed to hold them back. A black feather slipped out of the fog and landed right on the girl's knees. The father and daughter sat motionless, looking at each other, then at the black feather.
- What was that? - the man asked quietly.
- A restless soul," the girl replied just as quietly.
***
Krailoss could already see the walls of Tsonondh Siseba and the gates. Soon he approached them; two guards stood in front of the gates.