Hoofbeats on the frozen mud road echoed with a crisp CRUNCH, CRUNCH, like the sound of thin ice being crushed underfoot.
The convoy crossed from Sea Province into the lands of Sword Tooth Province. The towering Sword Tooth Mountain Range stood like a barrier, blocking the biting sea wind on its far side, and the chill in the air lessened slightly.
The scenery along the way was the typical desolation of winter.
Bare fields were covered in a layer of white frost, villages were sparse, and few chimneys showed any sign of cooking smoke.
This scene began to change in an unusual way as they approached Shiyan Town.
Newly built villages appeared on both sides of the road.
Though the houses were simple wooden structures, they were neatly arranged. Every household's stone chimney billowed a straight column of grayish-white smoke, lending a trace of life to the gloomy winter sky.
Tristan wrapped his cloak tighter, observing in silence.
