The young man halted the guard and the carriage with a raised hand, his sharp brown eyes scanning the tarp-covered figures. "Hold on a bit," he said, his voice calm but firm.
The group of trainees ahead turned briefly, but he waved them off. "You all go ahead. I'll catch up later." With curious glances, they nodded and continued through the gates.
The guard hesitated. "Is something wrong, sir?"
"What's this about?" the young man asked, pointing at the cart.
The guard straightened, replying with the practiced tone of a soldier. "Farmer here says he found these people unconscious near his farm. We were going to escort him to the Hunters' quarters to report it."
The young man nodded thoughtfully, his sharp gaze never leaving the cart. "I see. You've done your part, Mr.Guard. I'll take it from here. You can return to your duty."
The guard blinked, hesitant. "Are you sure, sir? It's protocol to—"
