The two riders pressed westward along the straight road, their horses' hooves kicking up dust in the fading light.
As the sun bled into the treetops, painting the sky in fiery hues, Ethan reined in his horse and turned to Kael. "Master Kael! Where are we bedding down tonight?"
"That's your call," Kael replied, her voice edged with battlefield pragmatism. "The sect leader's orders were clear—you're in command for this mission."
Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "But you're my senior! How can I possibly give you orders?"
"Mission above all—no exceptions." Her tone brooked no argument. "Every decision serves the objective."
"Then why didn't you mention anything when we passed that last village?"
"Figured you had it all mapped out," she shot back, her candor as sharp as the sword at her
