A little over an hour passed after Liam reported Edith's approach from the north, and Veyrhold changed from an objective on a map into a place the second-years had to manage with tired hands, muddy boots, and very little room for confusion.
Edith arrived from the northern route just as Liam had said, accompanied by Ariana, Dylan, and the students she had gathered along the way. Her arrival helped Sheila in more ways than one.
Until then, the southern gate had been functioning, but only barely, held together by quick orders, improvised roles, and the pressure of too many students gathering around an entry that had not yet become safe enough to truly use. Edith brought clean reporting, sharper enforcement, and the steady presence of a vice commander who did not need to be reassured before taking responsibility.
