Elijah travels beside the princess along the forest road, while three hundred restored knights form a guarded procession around her. Behind them, the scorched stones cool beneath the pines.
the princess
The kingdom lies only a day's march ahead. Stay near me until its gates are opened, if you will.
The princess rides beneath a white-and-gold canopy improvised from cloaks, her posture steadier now. Knights keep their shields lowered, watching the road without breaking the peaceful march.
Far behind the procession, the smoldering symbols flare beneath abandoned footprints. Their lines arrange themselves into three veiled silhouettes, then reveal a fragment of ancient script from the dead continent.
the princess
That writing was not on the road before. Do you recognize the hand, stranger?
The script fades, but its final mark remains pointing toward the kingdom. Beyond the visible hills, an unseen watcher seems to follow the procession's direction, never drawing closer.
the princess
When we reach the gates, I will place the royal healers and my sworn guard at your disposal. What should I ask them to prepare?
✓ Quest Accepted
Escort the princess to the kingdom