Max woke up to the sound of wheels rolling over stone from the courtyard.
Carriages.
Many carriages.
He slowly opened his eyes as the morning light slipped through the window.
From outside came voices, horses snorting, and the constant noise of nobles preparing to depart.
Max sat up in bed and scratched his hair.
'Are they all leaving already…?'
He got up and walked to the window.
When he looked down, he saw several carriages lined up in front of the castle.
Servants were loading luggage.
Nobles were saying their farewells.
And in the middle of all that—
Gawain was arguing with Bertha.
Max leaned his elbow on the window frame.
'I have to see this.'
Below, the birdman spread his arms dramatically.
"Bertha! Come with me!"
The giant woman looked at him with a completely serious expression.
"I already told you no."
Gawain smiled confidently.
"You could come to my lands."
He leaned slightly toward her.
"I would show you my natural hot springs."
