The village had gone quiet by the time the sun disappeared behind the hills.
John sat near the edge of the village, leaning against the wooden wall of an old storage house. A small fire burned a few steps away, throwing enough light to keep the darkness from feeling too heavy.
Around him, the others were settling down.
Lythriel sat with her knees pulled close, staring into the fire.
Aerion was checking the straps on his armor for the third time.
Sylvara had finished treating the wounded woman who had arrived earlier.
Darius was eating.
Cael was doing something with the map.
John watched all of them for a while before finally speaking.
"So."
Everyone looked at him.
"Serah."
Cael stopped moving.
"That's the name she gave us," John continued. "And apparently, she's the last bearer."
Darius swallowed his food.
"Sounds important."
Lythriel gave him a look.
"That's all you have to say?"
"What else should I say?"
"Something useful."
