It was 9:03 AM when the party departed. Jazdia took the frontmost position and began guiding the convoy out of that small valley and return to the main road. 

The terrain was mostly flat, just like what she remembered four months ago, however, the route was significantly more curved than before, with several unfamiliar turns here and there. If one would spare a moment to look closer at the blocked road, there were some unnatural formations of barbed ivies conjoining themselves together to form a thorny blockade so thick and persistent government inspectors and travelers alike would rather open a new route to get around them. 

And considering it was a newly beaten path, it was fortunate that they did't start this journey in a rainy season. 

Besides the unexpected detour, there was nothing else happening. Fanghorn was ahead; soot and dried ivies were still tainting its decrepit walls, its great gate was closed, and although Jazdia could see activities inside, half of the city's population had been relocated to the field outside the wall. Sheltering in tents, or wooden hovels for those who can afford it. 

The last four months hadn't been very kind to them. To say the disaster was happening at the worst moment possible was an understatement. Not only did they lose their lodging, holdings, and even loved ones in the fire, the hailstorm and hard rain that came after also damaged what was left of their food supply. Winter being just a short month after was the final nail in the coffin. If not because of Fredricus' quick response, the casualties might be more exponential. 

They were welcomed by a cavalry soldier who seemed to have been informed about their arrival. He guided them to the left, through the road where the refugees erected their inadequate abodes. 

"Anything happened?" he said, offering a small talk out of courtesy.

"No." 

"Good then, some of our supply convoy was not so lucky."

"Why?"

"Brigands, bandits, or just hungry civilians seeking the opportunity," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "We had the entire wagon raided three days ago just a few miles from Pesti, and it was the fourth accident this month. Couldn't believe it myself! How can people be so cruel as to steal food in the middle of a crisis like this? Many times me and my boys had to share our rations with the locals. We get hungry together with them, but that's the right thing to do, aye? I just hoped His Highness would assign more soldiers to secure our supply lines. But that seemed impossible eh? Day by day more soldiers are being recalled and sent either to Rascade or the Border these days."

Jazdia didn't answer, in front of them, three children and one adult woman blocked the way. One of the children, who seemed to be the eldest stepped forward and languidly reached out his hand. "Spare some gruel, Sir? Ma'am?"

The soldier rubbed his forehead before slowly walking his horse toward the children, intending to disperse them aside. "Come one Tomson, Brenda take your boys out the road!"

He then turned to the party, "Sorry you all have to see this."