The snow outside was thinner, the sky brighter than it had been since Kade’s arrival. Bracken Hollow bustled with morning energy. Merchants opened carts, guards changed over between shifts, and smoke curled from chimneys across the valley.
Edric led Kade to a small building behind the Council Hall. Inside, a pack sat on the floor beside an armor stand. Both items looked new.
“This is for you,” Edric said, gesturing at the gear with a wry smile.
Kade stood still, “Edric… I can’t accept more. You’ve already-“
“You’ll take it,” Edric said firmly. “This isn’t charity. It’s a thank you.”
The pack was sturdy, stitched from thick hide, reinforced with metal buckles, and lined with wool. It reminded Kade of his own, only newer and better crafted by a skilled leatherworker. It held dried food,
