The fold of ground holds only a moment. Across the Rennon Fields, the sunset burns low, and the mountain base stands like a dark promise. Then the cavalry clatter shifts left, angling to cut the route before Slaan can cross.
Bram
They have us on the open. Move now, or they box us in.
The Paladin brings his shield up and scans the far ridge. Slaan spots a shallow drainage cut half hidden in the grass, narrow but direct, leading toward the mountain base under the patrol's blind side.
Slaan
...
The cut reaches the slope before the riders do.
Hooves hammer closer. Dust lifts behind the High Chapel line as one rider breaks ahead, trying to close the gap. Bram gestures toward the cut, urgent and tight.
Bram
Take the ditch. I will keep them looking here.
Slaan moves first, and the others follow low through the grass. The open field is still a kill zone, but the drainage cut gives them a real path, straight toward the mountain base and the Sun-Eater records' last safe concealment.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the mountain base