As promised, Khisa and the Shadows left the supplies behind. They took a single covered carriage to help transport the rescued women. Khisa had decided that whenever they encountered enslaved captives, they would free them and leave them in the care of the nearest town. It was more practical than bringing everyone along through the dangerous roads ahead.
Since Biruk was well known in this region, he easily convinced the villagers to help return the women to their homes. His name carried weight—he was one of their own.
The reaction to the Shadow Guard was the same everywhere. Suspicion first. Awe second.
Women wielding weapons was unheard of—especially with such precision and control. Even stranger was how these warriors managed to successfully raid and destroy Adal camps. Something that had tormented these lands for years had suddenly been broken apart with swift, surgical force. Entire villages watched them with a mix of reverence and disbelief.
