Location: Road to Oldstrand → Oldstrand City
Time: Days 522-523 | Telia: Days 13-14
Realm: Telia
They left at dawn, three travelers on a road that had seen too many journeys like theirs—people carrying hope to cities that might crush it.
Elder Ryunzo drove the small cart, his weathered hands steady on the reins. Master Whitestone sat beside him, a carefully wrapped bundle of charcoal samples resting between his feet like precious cargo. Jayde and Reiko rode in the back, watching Tardide shrink behind them.
"Two days to Oldstrand," Elder Ryunzo said. "We'll stay at the Crossroads Inn tonight, reach the city by tomorrow afternoon."
"Have you been to the city before?" Jayde asked.
"Many times. Used to trade there regularly, back when Tardide had surplus to sell." His voice carried old bitterness. "Before the warlords bled us dry."
Urban center reconnaissance. Population density assessment required. Strategic value evaluation pending.
