Chapter 263: Travel

The heavy carriage moved along the dirt road at a steady pace, its wooden wheels sinking slightly into the soft ground in some sections, producing a repetitive sound that blended with the noise of the horses’ hooves.

‘Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.’

The rhythm was hypnotic, almost like a lullaby accompanying the travelers on their journey.

Two sturdy horses pulled the carriage with firm and disciplined steps, their muscles moving beneath their skin in a rhythmic pattern. They were animals accustomed to long journeys and, despite the considerable weight of the cargo and passengers, maintained a steady speed that spoke of years of experience.

At the front, the Dmond family’s coachman held the reins with experienced hands, his calloused fingers finding the perfect position without needing to think. He had known those roads for many years, knew where the terrain became more uneven, where it was necessary to slow down, and even which curves concealed potholes capable of making an entire carriage sway dangerously.

Four men accompanied the journey, their horses trotting in formation. Two rode ahead, keeping a distance of several dozen meters from the carriage, their eyes sweeping the road for any sign of danger. The other two followed behind, equally alert, their hands never far from their weapons.

All were guards personally chosen by Clavor, experienced men who had demonstrated loyalty and competence over the years. They were accustomed to protecting members of the Dmond family during travels through the territory and knew that this journey was different from the previous ones.

Lukas still did not know their names, having barely had the opportunity to speak with them before their departure. Since the journey would be long, however, there was no need to hurry.

Clavor had already explained that they did not intend to travel during the night, and at set intervals they would stop to allow the horses to rest, drink water, and receive proper nourishment.

Because of that, Lukas imagined he would have plenty of time to get to know the four guards, perhaps even discover some interesting stories about their experiences. For now, however, none of them seemed interested in talking, each one was focused on his own task.

Inside the carriage, silence had settled in, a comfortable blanket enveloping the occupants. Lukas was sitting near the window, watching the landscape pass by in a continuous flow of colors and shapes.

Judite was sitting on the opposite side, her eyes sweeping over the outside with insatiable curiosity. Aurora occupied the middle seat, her hands intertwined in her lap. Clavor remained closer to the small front opening that allowed him to see the road, his posture alert even at rest.

The first few minutes passed in complete silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. But Lukas knew that it would not last. He knew his sister, and Judite simply could not remain quiet when she was excited. And this journey had left her extremely excited.

She constantly looked through the window, first to the left, then to the right, as if afraid of missing some important detail. Whenever the carriage turned, she leaned over to try to see beyond the trees.

Whenever an animal appeared near the road, her eyes shone with a light of discovery. Whenever they passed a different-looking structure, she immediately wanted to know what it was. It was as if the entire world had become new to her, every detail a revelation.

“We’re finally really leaving.” Judite murmured, her voice filled with wonder.

Lukas smiled, amused by his sister’s reaction.

“You seem more excited than you should be.”

“What do you mean, ‘more excited’?” She turned toward him, a look of feigned indignation on her face.

“We’re going to see a completely different place!”

“You don’t even know what the place is like.” Lukas’s observation was practical but gentle.

“Exactly!” Judite spread her arms, as if embracing the world.

“That’s what makes everything interesting!”

Lukas let out a small laugh, the sound echoing inside the carriage. It was difficult to disagree with her. To Judite, this journey seemed much more like a vacation than an official mission.

She did not seem worried about the border, did not seem concerned about the sick marquis, much less about possible dangers. In her mind, it was simply an opportunity to leave home and see the world.

Aurora watched her daughter with a faint smile, her eyes shining with a mother’s love. But unlike Judite, she could not completely share that excitement. Her gaze frequently drifted toward the window, becoming lost in thoughts she did not share.

She knew a little more about the reality of border regions, not because she had lived in them, but because she had heard enough stories over the years.

A border could appear peaceful for decades and then change completely within a few days. All it took was a poorly resolved political dispute, a group of monsters migrating into new areas, bandits taking advantage of weakened vigilance, an illness spreading among the soldiers, a distant war creating shockwaves, or simply a shift in the balance between neighboring forces.

Peace was never an absolute guarantee, and Aurora knew that better than most.

Aurora intertwined her fingers over her lap, a gesture that concealed her unease. She did not want to convey her worry to her children, especially Judite, who was so radiant. Therefore, when her daughter began talking about the journey again, Aurora simply replied calmly.

“I’m sure it will be an interesting experience.”

Judite smiled, her face lighting up.

“I knew it!”

Clavor, on the other hand, remained focused on the road, his eyes constantly moving. From time to time, his eyes shifted toward the guards ahead, assessing their position and posture. Then, toward those following behind, checking whether they were maintaining the proper distance. It was a habit rooted in years of experience, a vigilance that had become second nature.

Even when everything seemed peaceful, Clavor never completely relaxed during a journey. The responsibility weighed upon him like an invisible armor, constantly reminding him of what was at stake.

He had received a direct order from the Duchy. He needed to reach the territory of Marquis Slyr and temporarily assume responsibility for the defense of that region.