The town appeared on the horizon like a wound in the landscape. Jagged wooden palisades reinforced with iron, watchtowers rising every fifty meters, and smoke from dozens of forges staining the afternoon sky grey.
Thornstud.
Gabriel pulled his hood lower as they crested the final hill. The town was larger than he'd expected, sprawling against a cliff face that rose like a wall behind it. Eight thousand people, maybe more.
"Bigger than Eldenreach," Tess said beside him.
Gabriel's hand moved to check the illusion charm beneath his cloak. The magic had been weakening since midday, flickering like a candle in wind. Heavy warding. His charm was fighting against it.
"Your eyes," Tess said quietly. "Can anyone see them?"
Gabriel touched his hood, ensuring shadow covered his face. "Not if I'm careful."
