XXVII.
The gentle rumbling of the wagon had caused Typhon to doze off.
When he awoke it was light out, and El was asleep.
Brimming with excitement, he peered out through the fluttering canvas and saw the edge of a forest ahead, the only road through blocked off by a row of barricades and turbaned Ishtari soldiers on horseback, holding up red banners.
El poked her head out beside him, looking unnerved by the sight.
"It's an army checkpoint," Typhon told her. "Don't worry, they're the good guys."
A soldier rode out on his horse to greet the wagon's driver, and escort him the rest of the way to the barricade. There, another group of soldiers was waiting to inspect the trade goods it was transporting, before letting it continue on its way.
It was a pleasant, sunny day. Birds were chirping, and the air was fragrant. It was all very nostalgic, for Typhon.
