A warm field pavilion was pitched in the sunny center of Karokai Valley, shielded from the mountain wind by titan serpent Zaira's coils. Smoke from a cedar campfire drifted steadily into the blue sky, carrying the comforting aroma of boiling broth and flatbread.
Outside the canvas flap, Bukata sat comfortably on a thick wool blanket with his back resting against a supply crate. Clean linen bandages were bound securely over his cracked ribs, and he chewed on dried venison while laughing heartily with young Ulekai.
Inside the medical tent, Master Sandshade Koru, Marshal Salka, and Healer Lira gathered around Sagiri to conduct a thorough examination. Sagiri sat cross-legged on a low cot, his traveling tunic open to reveal his bare chest and shoulders.
