Chapter 41: The RoadVarek joined the merchant caravan at a dusty crossroads a day's walk from Ironhold City.The caravan master was a broad, sunburned man named Harker who squinted at Varek's patched coat and worn satchel and named a price that was too high. Varek paid it without arguing. He needed the cover. The roads were watched, and a lone traveler would draw more attention than a boy riding in the back of a grain cart. So he climbed onto a pile of burlap sacks and kept his head down as the wagons lurched east toward the Capital.The Gnarl curled inside his coat, a warm, still weight against his ribs. Its voice pulsed through the bond, quiet and watchful. [These people are harmless. Farmers and traders. They will not trouble us.] "I hope so," Varek murmured. "I have had enough trouble for one week."The first day passed without any incident. The caravan wound through bare brown hills under a cold grey sky. The merchants talked among themselves about grain prices and road taxes.

Chapter 43: The Invitation The scroll arrived at dawn. A servant in dark blue livery knocked on Varek's door with three sharp raps and handed him a roll of parchment sealed with silver wax. The Lightbringer's sigil was pressed into the seal, a radiant sun with a single eye at its center. Varek thanked the servant, closed the door, and stood very still in the cold morning light. [Open it,] the Gnarl said through the bond. It was curled on the pillow with curious eyes. Varek broke the seal and read the words. The handwriting was elegant and flowing. Aurelius the Lightbringer requested the pleasure of his company for a private audience the following evening, to discuss his remarkable tournament victory. To welcome him personally to the Capital, and offer guidance and mentorship. Every line was warm and welcoming. Every line felt like a blade pressed against his throat. "He knows I am here," Varek said quietly. "And he wants to see me alone." [This is what we came for. A chanc