The dog days of summer were sweltering, the heat oppressive.
The day before, they had agreed to leave early, before dawn, so they could likely make it back to Aethelgard in time for lunch.
This meant Sydney Sawyer had to get up at three in the morning to finish packing, but it was also the coolest time of a summer day.
The clouds had scattered from the sky, and the waning moon shone as bright as silk. The air was cool, with a wind that felt like autumn.
Donovan Sheridan had also slept in the room next door the previous night so he could hitch a ride back to Aethelgard with them. With three men around, Sydney Sawyer wouldn't have to lift anything heavy.
By the time the four of them went downstairs to leave, the sky was already starting to lighten.
"BEEP BEEP BEEP—" A horn blared from nearby.
When Sydney Sawyer looked over, she saw Chester Sawyer approaching on his little electric scooter, dressed in just shorts and a tank top despite the early hour.
