in time for the next crossing.’ Rex pointed to the ferry gliding sluggishly across the water.
‘It'll be faster than if we tried to go all the way round the lake.’ Darius stated the obvious. ‘We’ll get to the citadel sooner, get on with the job sooner, and be back home sooner.’ He said this much more quietly, letting out a sigh.
‘I'm dreaming of that too...’ The corporal cleared his throat and glanced behind him.
Darius followed his example and looked back as well. Their small procession had stopped for a brief moment, and the Guards were looking around suspiciously. Ethman and McKinnon, whom the earl had decided to take along as witnesses, were managing quite well with the camels originating from the inn where the murder had taken place.
‘I hope we don’t stop at just dreaming,’ muttered the colonel. It was hard to reprimand the corporal, knowing that his own thoughts were firmly centred on Ed’heer. ‘We’ll deal with the murder, then the agents, and finally Quel-naza. Everything will go quickly and smoothly, without any complications,’ Darius whispered ironically.
Reaching the northern port took less time than they had expected. The well-maintained, wide road significantly increased their pace, and the empty track ensured a smooth journey. Even when they reached the harbour, everything was made easier by the fact that, just as in the previous village, most people here too looked upon the Guards with terror and hurriedly moved out of their way. The exception were the worldly, experienced merchants, who expressed respect rather than fear. It was a pleasant change.
Fortunately, or perhaps rather thanks to the fear they inspired, they managed to board the barge they had seen earlier. As they were informed by the trembling ferryman, the journey to the other side would take them nearly two hours. They were, of course, not the only passengers. Most of the deck was taken up by a huge merchant caravan consisting of carts belonging to several traders. The mercenaries guarding them politely greeted the Guardsmen passing by, but it was clear they were still ready to
