Lilia expected her journey to and from the docks to be a simple one. She rode alone on Ember, a light mare with some training as a Knights horse. A lighter mount than the destrier she often rode in the mountains. Ember was able to travel faster over long distances, and moved eagerly, glad for a break beyond the city. From the Capital, it was a day’s journey North to the coast and docklands. Liliana had considered riding back overnight, but dismissed the idea, knowing that she would have been tired and unwilling to swap mounts and leave Ember behind in unfamiliar hands.
As it was, the majority of autumn daylight had faded by the time she reached the small town built around the docklands. At Sastra’s request for discretion, Liliana had made sure she traveled without her crest or shield. On
