The drive passed quietly.
The hum of the jeep filled the silence as the Stronghold's dusty road stretched ahead.
When they finally reached the house, Isaac stretched his arms and stepped out first, followed by Chairman Lucius and Selene.
The sun was still high, the heat shimmering faintly over the fields.
"Would you like some tea?" Isaac said, glancing back at them. "It'll be a good way to pass the time while we wait for the crops to grow. You'll see what's new about them soon enough."
"Tea is good," Chairman Lucius said as they walked toward the porch.
"Then—"
"I'll prepare some tea for all of us," Selene said, cutting him off gently.
She didn't wait for a reply.
Moving with easy familiarity, she slipped past them and entered the kitchen as if it were her own house.
The sound of cupboards opening and a kettle being set on the stove followed soon after.
Isaac and Chairman Lucius exchanged a strange look.
