[h3][b]On the way[/b]
[/h3]

[b][u]25 days later[/u][/b]

For most of the journey, the party had developed quite a steady habit: they would travel when the sun was still up, and camping the sun was no longer on the horizon. Restock sufficiently in every town, and make sure the horses are well fed and well rested. 

It was never meant to be a comfortable ride for anyone, but at least their journey has been uneventful, and most importantly, safe. Many barren flatlands passed, yet no problem sprung out from the lonely grassland, neither from the hills nor steep riverbanks. Day or night didn't make any difference. Castediar really knew how to keep their vast territory conducive, and it made Carmen proud. 

It was the Captain's turn to be the outrider when they approached the frontier city of Dragon's Maw. From here they could see the mountain range and iconic hills that stood tall beside the city, like a body of a giant wyrm that guards an encased jewel. 

Still visible from here was Dragon's Maw Fortress. It was built on the hilly side of the town, right at the end of the mountain range. The morning sun shone on the citadel like some sort of divine light blessing a fully armored dragon slayer stepping on the head of a fallen wyrm. 

Upon entering the city limit. Captain Friston announced. "This will be our last stop." 

Despite being a frontier city, Dragon's Maw was a thriving settlement; the roads were paved, and the buildings were made of concrete, stone, and solid wood. It provided all services and needs commonly found in other notable cities across Westernant, making it a popular rest stop for merchants from Savoy, or Dagorlad.

It was, however an undisputed fact that Dragon's Maw owed its prosperity to the large presence of military activity around it. In every corner of the road, there were always Westernant Soldiers guarding the premises, the queue in Blacksmith's workshops was dominated by military orders, and the off-duty soldiers had always been the most frequent patrons for the local tavern. 

For Captain Friston, this was like a homecoming. He was stationed here ten years ago and some veterans might still remember him 

After going through Dragon's maw main road, he stopped the convoy in a military garrison near the city limit. 

After speaking with a soldier who apparently knew him and had been informed of his arrival, Captain Friston returned to the group. 

"Amigos, we will replace our horses here and resupply. Accommodations for you have been booked in the inn we passed earlier. Feel free to check it out, or stroll around the city if you please. But don't forget to get enough rest. We will leave tomorrow morning by horse. The carriage will have to stay here for security reasons. Any questions?"