Chapter 21 - THE PROTECTOR'S STRENGTH

The harshness of the wooden floor in the carriage woke me before dawn. Even though we'd laid out blankets to soften the ground, the discomfort lingered, digging into my back like a series of small, persistent annoyances. I pushed myself up, wincing as my muscles protested the movement, and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. The carriage creaked slightly as it settled back into place, the early morning quiet enveloping me like a heavy blanket. A glance around confirmed Father wasn't at the door of the carriage where he'd sat all night, keeping watch.