On the third day since the wagon, led by Diara, left Nordford escorting the statue, they were heading east. The Diure River, flowing between Froikton and Nordford, originates from the great Norwan mountain range to the west of both cities. It stretches eastward, passing through the grand city of Valla Glas and continuing to the large lakes known as Vitche's Eye and Vitche's Mirror. The river, with an average width of one tita (0.5 km), is a vital lifeline.
Many cities and villages in the northwestern part of the Esteta Kingdom rely on the main course and tributaries of the Diure River for drinking water. The river also supports a bustling trade, with numerous boats transporting goods and people. Diara had considered using a boat to transport the statue to Valla Glas or even further east to Vitche's Eye. However, if House Kavil targeted the boat with malicious intent, there would be little means of defense. Thus, despite the longer journey, it was deemed safer to travel by land with the caravan.
The journey to Ves-Dinas was still far, but risking a faster route was not an option. Safety was the priority. However, having lingered too long in Nordford to repair its fortifications, Diara's heart grew anxious, despite knowing they couldn't rush. She couldn't push the soldiers—who had patiently assisted with Nordford's unplanned construction—beyond their current pace.
The only comfort for Diara was that Gravel and Iris were accompanying the escort to Ves-Dinas.
Just the previous day, while passing through a forest path, the caravan had been startled by the roar of a red bear, causing the horses pulling the wagons to freeze. The red bear, standing 8 cubits (4 meters) tall and weighing over 900 stones (900 kg), with its distinctive reddish fur, was a common sight in the northwestern regions of the Laviroon continent. As the saying goes, "A merchant traveling between cities and villages will hear a red bear's roar, see its form, or find its tracks at least five times in a lifetime."
Red bears, fearless of humans and fiercely territorial, were a constant threat. Adventurers' guilds in the northwest always had bounty requests for their extermination. For adventurers, defeating a red bear was a rite of passage to becoming seasoned.
The warning roars of a red bear, alerted by unfamiliar scents in its territory, echoed relentlessly through the forest. The soldiers tugged at the reins, but the horses refused to move, shaking their heads in resistance. Even with several soldiers pulling, the horses stood firm, stomping their front hooves. Amid this struggle, Diara noticed Gravel pointing toward a spot in the forest. Iris darted in that direction, and shortly after her return, the bear's roars ceased.
As the horses calmed, Gravel approached Diara and said, "It should be safe to proceed now." before casually walking alongside the moving caravan.
The escort continued along the path following the Diure River's flow until the sun set and darkness enveloped the surroundings. The creaking of wagon wheels, the footsteps of soldiers, and the clopping of horses' hooves blended into a rhythmic chorus.
As night deepened, some soldiers lit lanterns attached to the wagons, illuminating the area. Others hung lanterns on the tips of their spears, casting light over their shoulders.
When the soldiers and horses grew weary from traveling the dark road, Diara rose from her seat in the wagon. Spotting several lights on the river in the distance, she addressed the soldiers.
"That's the village of Louwoul. We'll rest there tonight."
"Woo-hoo! No need to set up camp tonight!"
"My knees have been killing me today—thank goodness."
"Finally, some rest! Just a bit further, let's go!"
Quiet cheers of relief rose from the tired soldiers around and behind the wagons.
As Diara's wagon approached Louwoul, the lights on the river revealed their source at the village's dock. Rafts, neither rowed nor sailed, floated on the water. Varying in size but uniform in design, these rafts were tethered to a massive rope system leading to the dock, carrying wagons, people, or cargo.
"Those are unusual boats." Gravel remarked to Diara from the wagon.
"They're rope boats." Diara explained.
"In narrower parts of the Diure River, rope boats are common. They're used by those who find detouring to a bridge too long or the tolls too expensive."
"I see." Gravel said, observing the numerous small lights moving across the river.
"Even at this hour, there are so many boats."
"Likely merchants from the other side." Reave interjected, approaching with quick steps. Fatigue was evident in his expression and voice after a day of walking.
"For merchants, time is money."
At Louwoul, the sound of water lapping against the dock mingled with the creaking of wooden planks under the weight of people and the neighing of horses from cargo rafts. The dock was alive with activity despite the late hour.
"I'll go ahead and secure a spot." Reave said, dragging his weary body forward and breaking into a run.
"Reave! You won't find a tavern here in Louwoul that takes reservations!" a soldier shouted after him as he disappeared around a corner.
Moments later, Reave reappeared, sprinting back toward the wagon.
"They only take guests in the order the wagons arrive!" he shouted, waving his arms.
"Six of the eight wagon spots are already taken!"
At Reave's words, Diara urged the horses forward, their neighs echoing as the wagon sped around the corner, leaving the soldiers, Gravel, and Iris behind.
Thanks to Diara's skill in handling the wagon alone for days—or perhaps Reave's guidance—the wagon secured a spot in the stable of a tavern alongside seven others.
"Phew… phew… finally… no sleeping outside tonight…" Reave panted, wiping sweat from his brow and collapsing with a satisfied smile.
As the rest of the group arrived, they cheered for Reave, who greeted them with wobbly legs. They settled at a prepared table on the tavern's first floor.
The Rope's End Tavern, the largest building in Louwoul, was a three-story structure shaped like an "E" The stables between its wings accommodated wagons, while the second floor housed large group rooms and the third floor offered small private rooms.
The first floor, like any tavern, buzzed with voices, clinking plates of food, and wooden mugs of ale. Servers bustled about, carrying trays. Reave and Kein helped the staff deliver plates to the soldiers' table, where the warmth of steaming food and the sting of cold drinks soothed the day's fatigue.
Diara, Gravel, and Iris sat at a small, round table in a corner of the hall, away from the soldiers' long table. Kein set down a plate of bread, followed by a server with steaming bowls of soup.
"Louwoul is a lively place." Gravel said, gazing at the crowded hall.
"It's because of the rope boats crossing the Diure River." Diara replied.
"This place sees a lot of traffic."
"I noticed. It's my first time seeing rope boats. The variety in their sizes is impressive."
"You saw them, then? Larger rope boats sometimes use magical devices. They range from small ones for a few passengers to massive ones that can carry multiple wagons."
Diara picked up a piece of bread as she answered Gravel.
"I see." Gravel said.
"How many more days until we reach Valla Glas from Louwoul?"
"Hmm, It will be about five days." Diara estimated.
"If we follow the river path, that's the fastest route. Taking the forest path through the Sharabolas ruins would add at least a day."
"(The Sharabolas ruins… if this were a game, I'd definitely explore them.)" Gravel mused.
"I see…"
Having spent days together, Diara had grown familiar with Gravel's adventurous streak. She began sharing what she knew about the Sharabolas ruins.
"From what I read long ago, they're the remains of a fallen city-state. The only clue is the name 'Sharabolas' written in ancient script on the walls. There are no other records."
"(Since the forest path would add a day, I'd need to visit the ruins after this escort job…) I'd love to see them someday." Gravel said.
"If you're interested, I'll look into their exact location when we reach Ves-Dinas." Diara offered.
"I think they're in the northeastern part of the forest, but it's been a while, and the forest is vast. A map would be best."
"Thank you. I was thinking of visiting after this job."
Diara smiled in response, and their conversation paused. Their gazes drifted across the tavern's hall as they nibbled on bread, chewing thoughtfully while watching the lively crowd.