~Kaida Orion POV~
The road from the ridge to the southern mines was slick with rain and early morning mist. I rode behind Lupus, the wind whipping my cloak and the Silverline pendant resting heavy at my throat. My heart racing with equal parts fear and determination.
Around us, pack guards formed a silent escort, Councilor Biat rode at my right with the ledger tablet strapped across his back and Rachael held our horse tapestry at the front...horse scent mingled with wet pine.
"This mine lord misunderstanding… it's deeper," Rachael said in a low voice. "They were probably told that the Silverline mark invalidates human contract and they fear sacred blood."
I nodded, looking forward, mine stone arches rose through fog lines like ivory teeth against the valley walls. Beyond them, smoke drifted from forges and blasting pits where men hammered ore into plates and arches.
