Alfraed stood silently, his gaze fixed on the distant bend in the road, where the final carriage vanished from view, leaving a swirling cloud of dust in its wake that danced lightly in the golden afternoon sun. A sense of reassurance washed over him, knowing that one of Lisa's elite subordinates trailed them discreetly, lurking in the shadows like a vigilant guardian, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening. Snow and Blaze let out low growls, their fur bristling as they sensed his shift in focus. The road ahead was uncertain, but Alfraed had no time for hesitation.
"Ready?" he muttered to his beasts, his voice low and steady.
Snow let out a soft chirp, while Blaze's fiery eyes gleamed in response. They were with him—always.
A separate carriage awaited Alfraed, with his vassals, Cedric and Elias, already seated inside. Naturally, he had his trademark magic bag and tent with him as well.
