The marked runes and clear spring recede behind Tuiwen and the Woodland courier. The safe road winds north through quiet foothills, bright beneath the thinning mountain shadow.
The courier keeps the sealed report beneath his cloak, while his free hand checks the route markers. Behind them, the dragon remains beside the guarded spring and sealed roads.
the Woodland courier
The first mile is clear, Princess. No fresh tracks cross the road, and the refugees should reach the next shelter before nightfall.
Wind moves through the mountain grasses without carrying ash or the bitter scent of corruption. For the first time since the buried gate, their path offers no immediate warning.
Tuiwen
The report is sealed, and the road remains open.
the Woodland courier
When we reach the Woodland Realm, I will place the record before your father exactly as witnessed. The dragon stayed, the spring holds, and the deep roads were never opened.
The courier falls silent and matches Tuiwen’s pace. Ahead, the road descends toward the forest, where the first familiar green ridges of the Woodland Realm wait beyond the day’s quiet travel.
“She reports to her father.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)