After leaving the spring, the fugitives climb from the firs onto a stony mule road running east above deep, forested valleys. Mikayel and the charcoal burner’s elder son remain behind with the charcoal burners.
Petar
Hoof marks, old but numerous. This waystone points toward Trabzon. The road carries us east, yet anyone watching the heights could see us.
The weathered stone leans beneath lichen, its carved direction nearly erased. Below, the valleys lie green and steep, while the road offers no trees close enough to hide a marching group.
Daria
The tracks are not the only warning. Travelers used this road recently, and not all of them were shepherds. We move carefully, or we leave it.
Daria crouches beside scuffed gravel and a crushed sprig of fern. Julia rests briefly against Sofia, while Angela keeps the jug upright and Petar scans the bends behind them.
Sofia
Julia can continue, but not quickly. If we take the road, we should use its sheltering turns before the next open stretch.
Ahead, the mule road bends around a bare shoulder of rock, dividing toward a narrow ravine and a broader eastern ascent. The fugitives pause where concealment ends.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine whether the mule road remains a viable eastern passage
“"I have Georgia on my mind. We need to get through the mountains as quickly as possible, because our food is limited and we can't count on finding anything to eat. The track may be dangerous if anyone is watching, but perhaps no one is. I'll go and look. You wait here."”
SUCCESS (Superb Perception, rolled -1)
Makeda
Georgia is on my mind. We must cross these mountains quickly while our food lasts. I will scout ahead; you wait here.
Daria
Go carefully. We will stay below the rock shoulder and watch for your signal.
Makeda leaves the road and climbs along the ravine’s edge, using pale stones and low fir branches for cover. Behind her, the others disappear from the open track.
From a shelf above the bend, she sees the eastern ascent clearly. No patrol occupies it, but fresh mule dung and two recent hoofprints mark the road ahead.
Makeda
The ascent is clear now, but travelers passed recently.
Makeda follows the ravine far enough to inspect the next turn, finding no men, fires, or concealed sentries. A narrow fir-lined footpath leaves the road and climbs eastward.
Daria
The signal, Makeda. Is the way open?
Quest Complete
Determine whether the mule road remains a viable eastern passage