The ford crossing took longer than anticipated.
Water ran higher than the guards expected, forcing them to guide the horses carefully across submerged stones that threatened to send the carriage sliding downstream.
Nevertheless, it proceeded without incident, with the wheels securing traction on the opposing bank as the afternoon sun cast a golden hue upon the water.
The detour added exactly what the second guard had predicted—a full day to their journey. Eight days total from Millhaven to the Moonwell Shrine, one day past the conclusion of Zephyros's bet.
The days blurred together in a rhythm of travel and rest.
Jack maintained his false meditation, fighting the bracelet's constant influence while the Soul Link fed him updates from Panthers and Mistborn patrolling their perimeter.
No attacks came. Just the persistent awareness that they were being tracked, guided toward a destination where enemies waited.
