Aric stepped out through the gates just after sunrise.
The guards gave him a brief look as he passed, one of them nodding. He returned it and kept walking.
No one stopped him.
The road ahead was familiar. He had taken it before—short trips, hunting runs, supply routes. This time, he didn't bother thinking about when he'd be back.
His pack sat light on his shoulders. Sword at his side, the rest stored away. Nothing extra.
Just what he needed.
[So this is it.]
Aric adjusted the strap slightly. It's just a longer trip.
[Two years isn't "just."]
Close enough.
The path sloped gently downward as Frosthold faded behind him. The morning air was still cool, carrying the smell of damp earth and distant smoke from early fires in the town ahead.
Winterford wasn't far.
A few hours at most.
"You've got a plan?" the System asked.
"Winterford first."
[And after that?]
"Carriage."
[To where?]
Aric didn't answer immediately.
"Highglade."
There was a short pause.
[Direct.]
"It's on the trade route."
[That's not the reason.]
Aric ignored that and kept walking.
By the time the sun had risen properly, the road had started to fill. A farmer with a cart heading the other way. Two traders arguing over something as they walked. Nothing unusual.
Aric didn't pay them much attention.
Winterford came into view not long after—low buildings, a bit of smoke rising, the usual movement starting up as the day settled in.
It looked the same as always.
He walked through without slowing, heading straight toward the carriage stands near the main road. A few were already lined up—drivers waiting, some half-asleep, others watching for customers.
One of them looked up as Aric approached.
"Where to?"
"Highglade."
The man gave a small nod. "Leaving within the hour. You've got coin?"
Aric reached into his pouch and handed it over without a word.
The driver checked it quickly, then jerked his head toward the back. "Sit. We move soon."
Aric climbed in and took a seat near the edge, resting one arm against the side.
A couple of other passengers filtered in after him. No one paid him much attention.
That suited him fine.
[Comfortable start.]
"Temporary."
[You planning to walk the rest?]
"Depends."
The carriage shifted as the driver climbed up front. A moment later, the wheels creaked into motion, rolling out of Winterford and back onto the main road.
Aric leaned back slightly, eyes moving over the passing scenery without focusing on anything in particular.
New place, new people, better chances.
[And better skills.]
A faint pause.
"…Yeah."
He didn't say anything after that.
Just watched the road ahead as it stretched toward Highglade.