[Western Road - Morning]
Kael walked along the dirt road that followed the river upstream, the morning sun burning against his back. His wounds ached with each step—a dull throb that pulsed through his ribs and shoulder.
The river flowed beside them, wide but shallow. The drought had exposed rocks and mud along its banks, and the stones caught the light and reflected it in brief flashes.
The hills were brown and dry. Grass had withered to yellow stalks. Trees hung their leaves limply, waiting for rain that would never fall.
Behind him, two sets of footsteps.
Baihe hummed a tune, light and cheerful. Lianghong's boots dragged slightly against the dust.
They walked in silence for hours. The sun climbed higher. The road stretched ahead, empty and dusty.
[Midday - Riverbank]
The sun beat down. Sweat soaked through their clothes. Kael stopped at a cluster of rocks near the water's edge.
