Tristan looked ahead at the Waterway. After nearly a week of travel, he couldn't help but dread the looming fort as he got closer. By his side, he could see his guards, looking towards him, some with hateful looks after what Tristan had done. Under the guise of wishing to carry out the king's order, he had pushed them hard, not allowing much rest, and because of it, they were tired, hungry and annoyed. But the truth of his reason was different. Travelling on the road, he was always on edge, every subtle noise making his heart race.
The first night they had tried to rest, he had stayed awake the entire night, having to use Annabell as a source of comfort to stop himself from succumbing to his terror. Because of it all, Tristan wanted to rush the journey to the Waterway; that way, he could be behind walls once again. Even if the fort was going to be under siege eventually, it was still better than being on the open road, surrounded by the unknown.
