The eastern road was narrower than the main one, but it was clearly used. The dirt was packed down, and small stones lined the edges where carts had passed before. Shrubs grew close to the road, and a few young trees leaned in, casting light shade.
They walked at the same steady pace as before. The land sloped downward slightly, then leveled out. The air felt warmer here, and the sounds of insects were more noticeable.
After a short while, they saw signs of people—old footprints, a broken branch, and a patch of ground where someone had rested recently. Nothing looked fresh or dangerous.
Rhys glanced around. "We're getting closer to settled land."
Caria nodded. "Yes. Probably a village within an hour or two."
Puddle stayed alert but calm, drifting ahead and then back again. It showed no signs of concern.
