The city didn’t sleep. Emboldened by their victory, the crowd had taken to the streets, celebrating the death of the beast that the propagandists of the Last Tribe had held over the heads of everyone reliant on the fish trade like a knife at their throats. Reports began flooding into the guards about actual and alleged connections between neighbors or travelers and the cult. A significant number of the cult's members, sensing the tide had turned, simply slipped away under the cover of night. The captain and his men had their hands full that until morning.

Moira slept late into the morning. When she finally rose, refreshed herself, and descended to the common room, a meal and lukewarm tea awaited her. The brothers were nowhere to be seen, and Ashan sat by the window with a somber expression. It took him a moment to notice her arrival, and with some effort, he managed a smile before greeting her with, “Hey, did you sleep well?”

“Hi. Better than you, I think,” she replied with a note of concern in her voice. “It’s a lot, isn’t it? Especially for someone…” She paused briefly to ensure they were alone in the room before continuing, “…who just a few weeks ago was still in the Hundred Years’ War. The peace you praised so much in your letter didn’t last long. I’m sorry.” She picked up the cup of tea on her way to him, took a sip, and patted his shoulder.

“War is one thing, but a civil war?” he replied, resigned. “Ambitious tribes have sometimes tried to impose their will on others, even by force, but I really hoped the North was past that. And now, here we are—the Last Tribe proving me wrong.” He let out a heavy sigh.

“To console you, I’ll say this: it’s an anomaly. In my whole life, I’ve never heard of any internal strife in these lands. On the contrary, I’ve always heard about how the Union of Northern Cities has been strengthening its cooperation,” she said, trying to reassure him. “Let’s consider this the final historical test before a definitive step into a better future. I’m sure most of the gray nomads won’t fall for this occultist nonsense.” Her tone was firm and confident.

“Maybe you’re right, but those cultists from yesterday? I’ve never had to fight my own people before. I understand that we had to, but it still leaves a bitter taste,” he admitted with a slight grimace. “The sooner the allied cities catch the Elder behind the Last Tribe, the sooner this will end. I won’t back down, but I just wish there was another way.”

She pulled up a chair and sat beside him. “We’ll learn more in Kardum. Most of the responses from the other cities must have arrived by now, maybe even all of them. I can’t make promises, but maybe it’s about replicating what we did here across the North: shifting the public mood to marginalize the cult and then cutting off its head.”

“Maybe,” he nodded, slightly heartened. “But enough about that. Sit down and eat something.” He stood, gestured for her to join him at the table, and moved her chair closer. “Enjoy your meal,” he added.

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“Thanks,” she said simply, and indeed began eating. Only then did she realize just how ravenous she was.

After the meal, the brothers joined them, and together they met with the captain, who hurriedly and tiredly summarized the latest events. He emphasized that the sentiment of the townsfolk had shifted completely. No one was afraid to report suspicions about members of the Last Tribe anymore, and if all went well, they would round up the remaining cultists in the city within the next few days. While some had undoubtedly managed to flee during the night, he was confident that those who remained would be dealt with.

He then moved on to a request. “The fishermen no longer fear going hungry now that they can fish again, for which I and the entire city are deeply grateful to you.” He nodded politely to them. “However, this means that many merchants, who were waiting to purchase fish and didn’t want to leave empty-handed, have bought up a great deal of goods today and wish to return south, the only feasible route being through Kardum.”

“I see where this is going,” quipped the younger brother, Berk.

“Yes,” the captain cleared his throat, unfazed. “It would greatly please them if you joined this large caravan, especially given the talents Miss Moira could bring to bear in case of trouble.” He raised his hands defensively. “Of course, we will thoroughly vet every merchant, groom, and laborer traveling in the caravan to ensure no acolyte of the Last Tribe sneaks in with you. What do you think?”

“Well, we need to head back to Kardum anyway,” Moira suggested. “I just need to sketch the remnants of the creature before you burn it, and then I’m ready to go. I think it’s a good idea.” The others agreed, following her lead.

They accompanied her when she went to sketch the runes visible on the creature’s hide. Its reeking carcass still lay in the same spot. Once she was done, she requested that the captain order the remains burned. She had no doubt that the runes were of the same kind and style of runic magic they had seen earlier on the crystals.

After everything was settled, it was decided that the caravan would set off at first light. Everyone had time to prepare. The meeting point was the city guard's garrison, where every individual wishing to join the caravan underwent a thorough inspection by the guards, accompanied by Ashan, just to be on the safe side.

The brothers spent their last hours enjoying the popularity of the heroic unit from Kardum, letting the locals buy them drinks and passing the time pleasantly at the tavern. Meanwhile, Moira alternated between studying her notes and napping, only to turn in early to ensure she was well-rested.

At dawn, the caravan's representative, a resourceful young dwarf named Hordur, reported that they were ready to depart. After final checks of luggage, horses, and equipment, the group set out at a slow pace just two quarters later. Five large wagons and a crew of about three dozen men and women initially moved under the protection of city guards within the city limits. Once past the gates, they were on their own, relying on Ashan, the brothers, and Moira for protection, with high hopes that this would suffice until they reached Kardum.

Ahead of them lay several tense days of travel along a route that, at least that morning, appeared calm and almost welcoming. The caravan's journey had truly begun.