Blackstone City, South Gate Wall.
After so many days, Elder of Stewardship Delilah was finally smiling for the first time. Her smile bloomed like a crimson rose: fragrant, striking, and undeniably captivating.
"Got news?"
Seeing the glow on Delilah's face, Rendall broke into a grin as well.
"Mm-hmm. There's word from the chieftain. Orion isn't returning via the original route; instead, he cut across the Half-Moon Lake region, skirted the Poison Dragon Swamp, and then crossed the Barren Mountains. By now, he should already be in our Black Forest territory."
As she spoke, Delilah handed Rendall a sealed note that the broadskull ravens had delivered. Rendall took it, scanning the contents carefully. A moment later, his face twisted in shock and disbelief. The message slipped from his grip, drifting outside the city walls.
