The morning air was brisk with the scent of damp earth and freshly baked bread wafting from the inn’s kitchen. Jim hurried towards the stables, gathering the two newly purchased horses alongside his own, which had been kept in the back. His movements were swift, deliberate—only he among them seemed incapable of easing his nerves.
Jill stood at the inn’s entrance, arms crossed as she waited. Her sharp eyes flicked towards Jim as he approached, noting the tension in his gait.
"Jill," Jim said, his voice carrying an urgent undertone. "Make sure everyone has breakfast now. We leave immediately after."
Jill raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. "Fine, I’ll see to it." With that, she turned and dashed up the stairs, her feet barely making a sound on the wooden steps.
Within moments, she was at
