Morning came quietly.
The fire had burned down to a pile of gray ash by the time John opened his eyes.
For a few seconds, he simply stared at the sky.
No alarms.
No monsters.
No explosions.
Just clouds slowly moving across the morning sky.
John sat up and stretched.
His body felt considerably better than it had the night before.
The wounds from the battle were almost completely healed. His mana had also recovered significantly after several hours of rest.
He looked around the campsite.
Darius was already awake, studying the map.
Lythriel was preparing breakfast.
Aerion was still asleep.
John smiled.
"Some things never change."
Lythriel glanced over.
"You're awake."
"Unfortunately."
"You say that every morning."
"Because mornings keep happening."
She shook her head.
"You really are impossible."
John stood and walked toward Darius.
"How far to the nearest town?"
Darius folded the map.
"Two days if we stay on the main road."
"Good."
