The remainder of the journey passed with a simplicity that, in hindsight, many would later consider a blessing.

The roads remained clear.

The weather held.

The wagons rolled steadily onward through fields, hills, and stretches of woodland road without incident.

The caravan paused at creeks and roadside clearings when needed. The horses were watered. Meals were shared. Stories were exchanged beneath open skies and beside modest campfires.

As the days passed, strangers became familiar faces.

The escorts settled into the rhythm of the road. The wagons continued their patient journey toward Ryken. The precious cargo remained secure beneath its canvas coverings, carrying the faint earthy scent of Petal Moss wherever the wind happened to wander.

Fallon gradually grew more comfortable around her protectors. Though still shy, she spent less time hiding behind her blanket and more time watching the world pass by beyond the wagon seat.

For Marla, each uneventful mile felt like a gift.

No bandits appeared.

No monsters crossed their path.

No wheels broke.

No storms threatened the cargo.

The road simply carried them onward.

And sometimes, that was enough.

By the afternoon of the third day, the walls of Ryken finally appeared upon the horizon.

The sight drew a long breath from Marla that she seemed to have been holding since the moment they left Bom Bom Farm.

The wagons rolled through the city gates without difficulty, joining the steady flow of merchants, travelers, and caravans moving through the capital.

Their destination lay beyond still, but the most dangerous portion of the journey had come to an end.

The cargo had arrived safely.

The contract had been fulfilled.

And for the first time in a very long while, Marla allowed herself to believe that perhaps her daughter had a chance.

The people of Bom Bom Farm would remember those who had accepted the job.

Not because of some great battle.

Not because of some heroic last stand.

But because when they needed help, the adventurers had come.

And they had seen the family safely to their destination.