"Is it true?" another man asked. "In that case, I will ask my master not to take that route."
For economic reasons, many merchants indeed chose to pass through the Silverwood as it was faster and required less energy. They would hire experienced couriers accompanied by mercenaries to guard their merchandise, ensuring they reached Broughton more quickly.
"I'm not lying. My brother is one of them," another chimed in. "He survived, but the injuries were severe, and he won't be able to work for several months. The Crimson Blades never play around with their victims."
The name Crimson Blades resonated in Ethan's mind. It was the name of the bandit group he led in the original plot, attacking Helena on the orders of Baron Stevenson. Why was he hearing the name of those scoundrels again? Especially when he had taken a different path from the main plot to avoid them?
An uneasy feeling washed over Ethan. After all, Helena was currently traveling to Broughton.
