Chapter 12: Eyes on the Road

The Red Ash Inn had a friendly hum to it. Not loud, steady instead. People talked over mugs, passed bread and stew across tables. Someone laughed near the back. A lute played off-key in the corner, but nobody seemed to mind.

Edrin stepped in first. “Not cursed. That’s already a win.” Thalen followed, rubbing his hands. “I smell warm bread. That’s another.” Vaelira walked in last, observing the room.

A large orc stood from a table to the left. His coat looked travel-worn, patched in places, but clean. He raised one thick hand in greeting, a wide grin already on his face.

“You three from the board?” he asked. His voice rumbled, but wasn’t harsh.

Edrin nodded. “Depends. You the one posting escort jobs?” The orc grinned. “That’s me. Name’s Grukhar. Merchant by trade, not much of a fighter. But smart enough to hire help when I need it.”

He gestured to the seats around him. The table held an empty bowl, a half-finished drink, and a rolled up piece of parchment.

Vaelira didn’t sit. She stayed standing, eyes flicking to the parchment, then back to him. She didn’t like grins that wide. They always meant someone wanted something.

Grukhar didn’t seem to notice. “Simple work. Two days north, trade post at Dustmere Ridge. My cart’s loaded and steady. Just want to avoid trouble if any shows up.” He waved toward a second table near the wall.

That’s when Vaelira saw her.

A foxkin woman sat there, part shadowed by the wall. Her fur was a soft mix of brown and white, the colors shifting in the firelight. Her ears stayed hidden under a faded scarf. She wore loose desert leathers, dusty and worn. A strange weapon leaned beside her — long, curved and wrapped near the base in red cloth. She didn’t look at them. Just sat quiet, eyes low.

Grukhar nodded at the group. “That’s my Sunswatch. I don’t ask questions, and she doesn’t waste words. Best coin I ever spent.” Thalen tilted his head. “That’s a name or title?” Grukhar chuckled. “Bit of both, maybe. You’ll see.” Vaelira gazed again at the woman, then turned back to Grukhar.

“When do we leave?”

Grukhar pulled out the rolled parchment and tapped it once. “The route’s clean, for the most part. Hills first, then scrubland. There’s a narrow pass before Dustmere Ridge. If we’re lucky, we’ll reach it before dusk on the second day.”

Thalen leaned over to look. “Bandits common out there?” “Not common,” Grukhar said. “Just bold. Enough to make me pay for extra eyes.” He tucked the parchment away again, then lowered his voice. “Truth is, a caravan was hit three days ago. No one died, but they lost their goods. I don’t want mine to be next.”

Vaelira’s eyes flicked to the glaive again. “You trust just her to keep you safe?” Grukhar gave a short laugh. “She’s kept me alive this long.” He glanced back at the Foxkin. “But I’m not going to gamble, when risk is certain.”

At that, the woman shifted a little. She nudged her weapon closer, like it was part of the routine.

Thalen watched her for a moment. “She always like that?” Grukhar shrugged. “She’s quiet. Careful. I don’t pay her to smile.” Vaelira looked over to Edrin. “You think she’s going to say a single word this whole trip?” Edrin gave a small smirk. “Let’s hope she doesn’t need to. Or you don’t give her a reason to.” “I can’t promise I won’t annoy her, but I’ll try.”

Grukhar stood, stretching with a grunt. “We leave after you eat. My cart’s already outside. If there is anything else, do it now.” Thalen nodded. “I could really eat anything.” Vaelira didn’t answer. She glanced once more at the foxkin, who had already settled back into her quiet watch.

Grukhar stretched again, cracking his back. “Food’s on me. You’ll need the energy for the road.” Thalen didn’t need to be told twice. He stood up with a grunt, already making his way toward the counter.

Edrin followed him more slowly, his eyes scanning the room as he stood.

Vaelira glanced out the window at the pale sky. It was still early, the light of morning just starting to fill the town. The road ahead shouldn’t be too long, but the journey was always unpredictable.

She turned back toward the table. Grukhar had already gathered his things, looking ready to leave. The foxkin woman, who had yet to speak, remained seated. Vaelira couldn’t help but feel a spark of curiosity — she hadn’t met anyone like this before, so quiet.

Edrin, now at the counter, picked up a piece of bread and a small hunk of cheese. He turned to Vaelira. “Not much of a breakfast, but it’ll do.” Vaelira nodded, grabbing a loaf of bread and a few dried fruits. Nothing fancy, but it would keep her going for a while.

They ate in silence for a moment, the steady noise of the inn surrounding them.

Edrin had finished first and was already looking toward the door.

Thalen took a slower pace, nibbling at the bread.

Once they were done, Vaelira stood, wiping her hands on her pants. She met Edrin’s gaze as he finished his meal, and both of them looked over at Grukhar, who was standing near the door, waiting.

“I’ll be out front,” Grukhar called, heading for the door. “Get what you need and meet me there.”

Vaelira gave one last glance at the foxkin before she followed Edrin out the door. The cool morning air hit her face as she stepped outside, ready for the road ahead.

The cart waited just down the road. It was large enough to fit all of them easily, with space in the back to rest. The wood was worn from use, and two horses stood ready at the front.

It was bigger than she expected. The sides were high enough to block wind, and a thick canvas had been tied t othe rails, offering some shade. A few blankets were already rolled up in the back, pushed next to crates and bags. Someone had even tossed in a cushion, worn but soft-looking.

She climbed in first, stepping around a tied sack of dried grain. The wood creaked under her boots. She sat down near the edge and stretched her legs out in front of her. Not bad. Better than sleeping on rocks anyway. Grukhar walked around the side, checking the ropes. “Sahvani!” he called.

Vaelira turned her head.

The foxkin came out of the inn, her steps light, almost too quiet to notice. She didn’t say anything, just climbed in without looking at them. She sat near the middle, her weapon resting against her knee. Her scarf had been pulled tighter now, hiding most of her face.

Vaelira glanced at her, but the woman wasn’t paying her any mind. Or maybe she was, and just didn’t show it.

Thalen arrived last, chewing on something. “Not the worst ride I’ve seen.”

Grukhar climbed up to the front. “Let’s go,” he said, flicking the reins.

The cart jerked once, then started rolling.

Vaelira leaned back against the side, arms crossed. The town was already slipping behind them. Another road, another job. But this time, she wasn’t sure what to expect from the company.

She looked at the foxkin again.

Still nothing.

The road out of town was dry and narrow, lined with low grass and scrub. The cart bumped gently as it moved, wheels clicking over stones now and then. The sun was still low, but the sky was clear.

Thalen stretched his arms above his head with a groan. “Alright. Two days of sitting around and getting paid for it. I can live with that.” Vaelira glanced at him. “You say that now.” “Optimism is good for the soul,” he said, folding his hands behind his head. “Pretty sure I read that in one of the texts..”

Edrin smirked but didn’t add anything.

The foxkin didn’t react at all.

She sat in the same position, hands resting on her knees. Just watching the road.

Thalen looked at her. “You always this quiet?” he asked.

No answer.

He cleared his throat. “That’s alright. I’ve talked enough for both of us already..”

She didn’t even blink.

Thalen leaned back with a small sigh. “She’s got patience, I’ll give her that.”

Vaelira raised an eyebrow. “Or she’s ignoring you on purpose.”

Edrin chuckled, glancing between the two.

The cart rolled. The wheels creaked now and then, and dust trailed behind them in the sun. Grukhar hummed something up front that barely passed for a melody.

Vaelira glanced across the cart again but didn’t linger this time. She already knew what she’d see.

It wasn’t the silence that bothered her — it was how natural it looked.

Gukhar’s voice broke in. “Road like this? Feels like luck.” Vaelira snorted. “Feels like bait.”

The road narrowed after the next bend. Trees leaned in closer here, and the cart’s wheels kicked up bits of gravel. Vaelira shifted her weight as it rocked slightly.

Then Grukhar cursed and pulled on the reins. The cart rolled to a slow stop.

Ahead, the path was blocked. A tree had fallen across the trail, thick and wide, bark splintered on one side. It hadn’t been there long. Thalen smiled faintly. “Soltheria really wants us to earn our coin today.”

Grukhar scratched his chin. “Could be we backtrack a little, look for a side trail.” “That’ll cost us hours.”Edrin said, already climbing down.

Vaelira jumped off after him. She didn’t like the look of the slope nearby — too soft to risk taking the cart off the path. The ground would eat the wheels.

The foxkin hopped down a second later. She walked straight to the tree and crouched next to it.

“We can roll it,” She said. First words of the day. Grukhar looked surprised. “You think it’ll move?” “With enough hands.” She looked at the trio. “Grab near the middle. Push slow. Not from the edge or it’ll just twist.” She didn’t wait for a reply. Just got into position.

Vaelira blinked once, then stepped over. “You’re bossy when you talk,” she muttered.

Sahvani didn’t answer. But there was the faintest twitch near her mouth. Not a smile — but close.

Edrin moved in next, planting his boots in the dirt beside Vaelira. Thalen joined with a grunt, wiping his hands on his sleeves first.

“On your count,” Edrin said.

Sahvani gave a short nod. “Three. Two. One.” They pushed. The wood didn’t budge at first. Just scraped against the ground with a low groan. Vaelira leaned harder into it, teeth clenched, feet slipping once before catching hold again.

“Perhaps I should just cast—” Then it started to shift.

Not much, but enough to slide a hand’s width. Then a bit more.

Grukhar stood back and watched with wide eyes, “Well, I’ll be…” Another push. The trunk rolled just far enough to clear one side of the trail.

Sahvani stepped back and dusted off her palms. “That’ll do.”

Vaelira pulled her sleeve across her forehead, then looked at her.

“It’s not your first time doing this," she said. Sahvani just gave a short nod, then turned to climb back into the cart.

Grukhar let out a low whistle. “Remind me to keep paying her.” Vaelira didn’t answer. But as she followed Sahvani back, her eyes lingered on the foxkin’s back for a moment longer than before.

Vaelira followed her back toward the cart, rolling her shoulder once.

She wasn’t sure what Sahvani’s story was. But she was starting to care enough to wonder.

They climbed back into the cart. The sun was dipping low now, turning the hills gold. Grukhar flicked the reins, and the horses started moving again without a fuss.

Nobody talked much after that.

The day dragged on. Dust kicked up behind them. Thalen dozed off first, snoring lightly against a sack of grain. Edrin stayed near the edge, watching the road. Vaelira sat beside him for a while, legs tucked under her, arms crossed.

But her eyes kept drifting across the cart.

Sahvani sat near the back corner, not sleeping, not moving much either. With the weapon resting beside her again, never far.

They rode through sunset and into the early night. Grukhar didn’t stop the cart.

“We’ll make it faster this way.” he said, flicking the reins. “And the road ahead seems clear.” After a while, he handed the reins to Sahvani with a yawn. “Wake me if we hit something.” He climbed into the back and disappeared under a blanket.

Sahvani took the seat without a word. Her hands moved steady on the reins.

Vaelira didn’t feel like lying down yet. So she climbed forward and sat beside her.

The road ahead was dark, lit only by the moon. It casted pale light over the path.

They didn’t speak at first.

After a while, Vaelira said, “Do you always take the night shift, or are we just lucky?” Sahvani didn’t look away from the road. “I don’t mind night travel. Fewer people. Less noise.” Vaelira gave a small nod. “Makes sense.”

The cart rolled on. Wheels clicked now and then over rough spots. Someone shifted in the back with a sigh.

“You’re not much of a talker,” Vaelira said next. “I don’t need to be.” Vaelira smirked faintly. “That a rule, or just a habit?” Sahvani was quiet for a second.

“Talking’s easy. Listening’s harder.”

Vaelira looked back at the road. “You must hear a lot, then.” Sahvani didn’t answer. Instead, she reached into a pouch and pulled out a strip of dried fruit. She held it out, eyes still on the road.

Vaelira hesitated, then took it. “Thanks.” “Sure.” They rode like that a while longer.

The wind was light, brushing along the cart’s side. Dry leaves skittered across the road, catching the moonlight before vanishing again.

Vaelira chewed teh fruit slowly. It was sweeter than she expected.

Beside her, Sahvani didn’t move much. Just held the reins, calm and quiet.

Vaelira glanced at her a few more times. Trying to figure something out. But there wasn’t much to go on. No sighs, no fidgeting, no flicks of the ears.

She frowned a little.

What is she even thinking?

It was like trying to talk to a rock. One that could throw a glaive through someone’s ribs.

Eventually, Vaelira stood and stretched.

“I’ll wake Edrin. Thanks for the fruit.”

“Don’t trip over the bags.” Vaelira grins. “So you do talk.”

“It happens sometimes.”

Vaelira smirked and stepped carefully to the back, balancing between sacks and crates. She crouched beside Edrin and nudged his shoulder.

“Your turn.” He blinked awake with a grunt, rubbing at his eyes. “Already?”

“Come on,. You’re good at staring at things.”

She gave him a pat on the arm before settling down into the blankets.

A sliver of sunlight touched Vaelira’s face.

She shifted under her cloak and blinked into the pale morning.

The road had changed.

It wasn’t flat dirt anymore. Pale rocks jutted from the ground, some cracked, some chipped like something had scraped them. The trees had thinned. Hills rose on both sides now, tall and uneven.

One of the horses gave a sharp snort.

She sat up, brushing sleep from her eyes. The cart was still rolling. “Didn’t stop?” She muttered.

Edrin, now at the reins, glanced back at her. “Briefly. I took it a couple of hours ago.”

Vaelira raised an eyebrow. “Sahvani finally slept?” He nodded. “Just before sunrise. Gave me a quick rundown, then crawled into the blankets like nothing happened.”

He adjusted the reins slightly. “Said the job was simple enough, even I could handle it. Then again, she didn’t see you trying to chill soup.” Vaelira narrowed her eyes. “It was slightly too frozen.” “Thalen had to eat it like a block.” She rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like “ungrateful.”

She leaned back against the side of the cart and let the breeze hit her face. The morning was clearer now. The sun was higher, burning off the last of the fog, but the road ahead was changing.

The wind shifted.

It pushes through the cart, just once, then went still. One of the horses tossed its head and gave a sharp snort.

Edrin slowed them a little. “Easy.” Behind them, Sahvani shifted under her blanket. Just a little. Her ears twitched. One hand moved closer to her weapon.

She didn’t open her eyes.

Vaelira glanced at her, then looked back at the cliffs ahead.

Nothing moved. But she found herself sitting straighter anyway.

She leaned back against the wood.

But her hand didn’t leave the staff.