The main street of the Pit was already crowded with people going about their tasks. The quartet had just returned and was waiting for Jonas. They asked a new Raven to call him as soon as they arrived.
They didn't have to wait long; the leader of the Nest came walking quickly, maneuvering around anyone moving slower. They entered a narrow alley.
"What happened?" asked Jonas as he stood before them.
"The situation is more complicated than we thought, sir," said Michel.
"Much more," Gabriel emphasized.
Naomi and Michel gave a full account of everything that had happened, sparing no detail. Gabriel handed over the improvised weapon and the pamphlet from the "Moment of the Traveler," which Jonas took immediately and examined.
"Gunpowder? This was supposed to be impossible," Jonas commented, rubbing his fingers on the barrel, darkening both tips with the material. "I'd understand weapons, but ammo is much rarer, a luxury outside the Bunker, let alone gunpowder."
"Do you think it's possible someone inside sold this to them?" Livya asked.
Jonas shifted uncomfortably, changing the weight from one leg to the other. He examined the weapon for a few more moments before putting it in his belt. He responded:
"Better not to jump to conclusions. I'll take the item to Will. I can already guess why they called me."
"Exactly, sir," Naomi immediately added. "We're heading to the Oasis, so we need a vehicle."
"Unfortunately, I can't release one." Seeing the group's unease, Jonas added, "I'd have to make a formal request to the Bunker, which would take time, and time isn't something we can afford to waste."
"I understand, sir. But how will we get there?"
"There's a caravan heading to Pit 30, but it stops at the Oasis. I can arrange for you to travel with them. Bia and Samuel left for there a few days ago with a car. When you arrive, speak with them. They're part of this mission now."
"Very well then," Gabriel interrupted. "Where is the caravan?"
Guided by Jonas, the group returned to the street, heading toward the city's exit. It wasn't hard to spot the large group of wagons. People walked from one wagon to the next, tying up the cargo, checking that everything was in place.
In front of the wooden vehicles, a pair of oxen were pulling them, and each wagon had its own. In the front wagon, which carried colorful fabrics, a short, chubby, and dark-skinned man shouted orders to the others, organizing the convoy into a line.
"Jonas!" the man called as he jumped to the ground easily despite his weight. "I thought everything was set for our departure."
"Yes, Nasor," Jonas replied with a friendly smile. "No problems, just some bar fights."
Nasor raised his hands in front of his chest, rubbing them together, tilting his head slightly, and giving the friendliest smile Gabriel had ever seen.
"Well, Jonas. You know how the guys are, always trying to impress each other."
"Don't worry, I didn't come for that, but to ask a favor."
For the first time, Nasor hesitated at the request, but soon saw an opportunity to get in good standing with Jonas. He said:
"Need any particular product?"
"No, nothing like that. I know you're stopping at the Oasis before reaching Pit 30, and you can't deny it—I need you to take these four with you."
For the first time, Nasor paid attention to the quartet, eyeing them for a brief moment.
"But they're Ravens!"
"Yes," Jonas replied calmly.
"We already have two with us."
Livya had studied caravans. Since their work was vital to the cities, it was customary for the Nests to send Ravens to accompany them as security, but both Corvas, along with Nasor's caravan, were from different cities.
"Well," the merchant continued, seeing an opportunity, "having more Ravens with us would increase protection, even if just for half the journey. Fine, I'll take them with me."
"Great," Jonas responded, satisfied, and extended his hand to Nasor, who reciprocated the gesture.
The two Corvas who were already there approached, suspicious. One was short, with a bob haircut and large breasts, while the other was tall, blonde, and very thin.
"Any problems, Nasor?" the shorter one asked.
"No, Ana! We're just taking a few extra people with us."
Ana looked at them hostilely, but soon softened her expression, and the tall one stood by her side.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Nahara," said the blonde. "This is my partner Ana. We're from Pit Thirty."
Everyone introduced themselves to the two. Gabriel could feel the irritated glare of the shorter one the entire time. It wasn't unusual for Ravens from different cities to dislike each other. After a few words, mostly spoken by Nahara, the duo went back from where they came, followed by Nasor, who resumed shouting orders.
"I'm leaving as well," Jonas said. "Good luck, everyone."
And after the sun dropped a little from the middle of the blue, cloudy sky, the caravan set off toward the Oasis.