Dugel stepped ahead of the group, his pace quickening as he gestured toward a narrow path that wound between two jagged rock formations. His voice was smooth, practiced, the voice of a man who had led many travelers down many roads that ended in cages.
"This way. It's a shortcut. The main road into Kaelthar is a half-day's walk from here, but through these rocks, we can cut that time in half."
Heiji nodded eagerly, too eagerly, his eyes darting between Dugel and the path ahead.
"Y-Yeah! Way faster. We use it all the time."
Olnad fell into step beside Dugel, his expression calm, his hands clasped loosely behind his back. He glanced over his shoulder at Adam, his smile warm and reassuring.
"It's a bit rough, but nothing your group can't handle. You seem... capable."
Adam's pace didn't change. His crimson eyes swept over the narrow path, the way it twisted between the rocks, the way the shadows pooled in the crevices. His internal voice was dry, almost amused.
'A shortcut. Sure.'
