Dawn found the carriage creeping along Gallows Pass, a six-foot ledge of road cut into a cliff face.
Old gallows beams jutted from the rock every hundred paces, their ropes rotted to grey threads that swayed. Cavan's six royal guards rode ahead at first light, but only their riderless horses ever came trotting back.
"That's not a good sign," Hajin said quietly, one hand on the carriage door.
Vella leaned out the window beside him, a cup of tea steaming in her fingers. "Kid, I like it when you notice things, it's so rare."
"Master, will there be a fight before breakfast?" Loccy asked, peering over his shoulder.
"Probably, Bun... eat something first."
"So are you going alone, like the letter said, or is the carriage invited?" she asked between sips.
"I'm not an idiot, the whole carriage is coming," Hajin said, "I just haven't told the letter yet."
"The letter will survive," Ferra called from inside.
