The sound of hooves striking packed dirt followed Ulrich through the forest.
His horse moved at a hard, even pace beneath him, its breath rising in pale clouds through the cold night air. The animal had been one of the few surviving mounts left near the ruined camp. Ulrich had taken it without saddle adjustments, without supplies, and without waiting for Hendrick or Rina to object.
He needed speed.
Valdris and the Valmorian soldiers had taken Airam in a carriage.
Ulrich had seen the tracks after he left the area of the forest: the deep marks of wheels, the hoofprints of several horses, and the disturbed earth left by armored soldiers moving alongside the road. They had prepared their leave before attacking. The carriage had likely been waiting somewhere beyond the forest while Valdris's men broke through the crimson barrier and fought the Rubenhart knights.
Once Valdris had taken Airam, they had moved immediately.
