The third drill ended with every shelter lead raising a hand, allowing the gold convoy to enter town beneath the eastern bell. Six wagons rolled through Loccy's cart gap before turning toward the southern road, their tarps tied over enough gold to keep the region working.
Hajin walked beside the lead wagon while Hans watched the ridge from the wall, refusing a seat despite the strain still left in his leg.
The first real bell strike came before the rear wagon cleared the gate.
Two more followed without a pause, sending the eastern crews toward cover while guards ran for the road opening. One driver abandoned his wagon across the clinic route, forcing two families around its rear axle before Elise reached him.
"Move the horse, then leave the wagon," she said, taking the bridle from his hands, "the clinic route stays open."
Sable pulled the wagon tongue aside with three workers, clearing a narrow path as children reached Vella's shelter.
