The carriage rolled quietly through the tall stone archways of the Imperial City's southern gates and vanished into the countryside beneath moonlight.
The roads it followed toward the Kingdom of Solaris were old and well-trodden, paved with dark cobble and ancient history.
Unlike the envoy Lan had arrived with—an ornamental escort of worthless guards meant more for show than security—this carriage was surrounded by professionals.
Hardened warriors in light leather armor, silent and disciplined. No spears. No bright banners. Just steel, caution, and quiet deadliness.
Bandits knew better than to challenge a formation like this.
And so the journey was smooth. No ambushes. No delays. No distractions. Just the rhythmic clatter of hooves on stone and the soft creaking of the wagon as it barreled across hills and valleys toward Solaris.
