Chapter 113: Traders Caravan

The road narrowed as it wound along the base of the hills, worn deep by years of travel but still uneven enough to demand attention.

Loose stones shifted beneath the horses’ hooves, and the air carried the dry scent of dust and distant pine.

Ru Yi kept her gaze forward, though her thoughts were anything but steady.

We’re waiting.

The whisper had not returned since—but its echo lingered, like something just beneath the surface of her awareness. Add that to the nightmare and it was no wonder she couldn’t keep the thoughts in her head under control.

Ahead, the road curved around a low ridge, it was at that time they heard voices. Loud and unrestrained, alive with movement.

A caravan came into view.

Three wagons, heavy with goods and covered in patched canvas, rolled slowly along the road. Around them walked a group of men, some leading pack animals, others carrying long staffs or short blades at their sides.

Their clothes were practical, mismatched and worn from travel. But their energy filled the quiet road with something almost chaotic.

One of them spotted the triplets first.

"Well now!" he called, raising a hand. "Travelers on this road? Either you’re brave or very lost."

The others turned, their attention shifting quickly to their new companions.

Ru Yi felt Yexue’s grip at her waist tighten slightly in awareness.

Lieyin guided their horse forward, her posture relaxed but alert. "We’re just passing through," she said evenly. "Heading north."

"North?" another trader echoed, letting out a low whistle. "Then you’re heading toward Emberfall Village. Aren’t you?"

Qingyue kept her expression neutral. "That’s the plan."

At the name, a few of the traders exchanged looks, half amusement and half something either of them could name.

"Then you’ve picked an interesting destination," the first man said, stepping closer. He was broad-shouldered, with a sun darkened face and a grin that came too easily. "Emberfall is not like the other villages. You won’t find much in the way of normal goods."

"What you will find," another added, "is anything touched by magic or cursed by it."

A few of them laughed.

"Enchanted trinkets, illusion charms, weapons that do more than cut flesh," the first trader continued. "If it’s strange, someone there is selling it."

"And if it’s dangerous," another muttered, "they’ll sell it anyway."

Ru Yi listened quietly.

Emberfall.

A place where magic was not hidden but traded. Her fingers curled slightly against her robe. Would she be able to find someone who had knowledge on the shadow hunting her?

"Are you four heading there alone?" the broad shouldered trader asked, glancing between them.

"Yes," Qingyue replied.

The man let out a low hum. "Then you might want to reconsider that."

"Why?" Yexue asked from behind Ru Yi, her tone casual but edged. To the traders they were men, all except Ru Yi. It made her feel protective.

The trader’s grin faded a bit. "Because this stretch of road doesn’t belong to travelers anymore."

A few of the other men shifted, their earlier lightness dimming.

"Bandits?" Lieyin asked.

"Not just ordinary bandits," the man replied. "They call themselves the Black Thorns."

At the name, even the air seemed to go still for a moment.

"They don’t raid villages," another trader added quietly. "They don’t waste time on farmers or passersby."

"They hunt caravans," the first man said. "Traders. Supply lines. Anyone carrying goods worth stealing. Including beautiful women. You must keep your sister safe."

Yexue’s hand tightened around Ru Yi’s waist.

"And they’re patient," someone else muttered. "They watch and wait until you’re far enough from help."

Ru Yi felt Yexue’s fingers press more firmly into her side.

"Have you encountered them yourselves?" Qingyue asked. She wanted to make sure they were speaking facts instead of the exaggerated stories most travelers tell.

The man shook his head. "Not directly. But we’ve seen what they leave behind." Then he exhales, forcing the tension away with a sharp clap of his hands. "Which is why we prefer not to travel alone."

Others nodded.

"It’ll be hard for them to attack a large number of people at the same time." He gestured to the wagons. "You’re welcome to join us."

Qingyue didn’t answer immediately. She weighed their options. More people meant more eyes and attention, she didn’t like the unpredictability that came with it. But it also meant protection in case they encountered bandits.

"They’ll slow us down," Lieyin said quietly.

"Not by much," one of the traders replied quickly. "We’re heading to Emberfall anyway. Same road, same destination."

"There’s safety in numbers," another added.

Lieyin glanced over her shoulder. Qingyue met her gaze, unreadable, but there was a quiet agreement there. Joining the caravan was the practical choice.

Qingyue nodded at once. "We’ll travel with you."

"Good!" the broad shouldered man said, clapping his hands again. "Smart decision. My name is Gao Ren. We trade whatever keeps us alive long enough to sell it. You seem to be the leader of the group."

Qingyue inclined her head. "Lin Jian."

He nodded. "And the rest?"

Lieyin answered first. "Mo Ren."

Yexue leaned slightly forward behind Ru Yi, her voice carrying just enough amusement. "I’m Shen Yu and she’s Xu An."

"I think the lady can answer for herself," Gao Ren replied with nervous laughter. "Welcome to the road.:

The caravan shifted to make space for them.

Wagons creaked forward, wheels grinding softly against each other. The traders fell back into motion, their earlier tension replaced with something lighter.

As they rode, the conversation picked up again.

"Where are you coming from?" one of the traders asked.

"South." Qingyue kept her answer vague.

"That explains it," another said. "Things are worse the closer you get to the capital."

Ru Yi’s attention sharpened as she turned to the man speaking. "How so?"

The trader glanced at her, then spat lightly to the side. "The Emperor increased the taxes. It’s a new one every week, heavier each time. How do they expect people to pay when they can’t even feed themselves?"