CHAPTER 15: MERCHANTS REST

They travel through the night, following Lyra's instructions precisely.

The southern tunnel is longer and damper than the first, but it brings them

exactly where she promised—emerging onto Crossing Island just as the sun begins to set.

Through the trees, they can see the eastern bridge and its guard.

Robin, Henry, and Marcus watch from hiding, counting the minutes with practiced patience.

across the bridge to the far side. His movements are mechanical,

They run quietly. The bridge is narrow, the drop on either side disappearing

into clouds and mist. Robin doesn't look down. He focuses only on each precise step,

his breath controlled, his movements calculated.

Three minutes. They are halfway across. Four minutes.

The ancient stone bridge seems to hold its breath beneath their feet.

The guards are changing shifts. Two Citadel Guards stand at the far end,

their conversation drifting across the bridge.

"Cold night," one guard says, rubbing his hands together.

"Can't wait to get back to the barracks."

The other guard nods, adjusting his heavy cloak. Suddenly, a distant wolf's

howl breaks the night's silence. Both guards turn slightly, scanning the landscape.

Marcus freezes. One wrong move could give them away.

The guards continue their conversation, momentarily distracted by

something in the distance. A quick movement. A shadow.

Something that catches their professional eye.

They reach the far side and dive into the forest just as the guard

completes his turn, now only 30 feet from them.

"Did he see us?" Robin gasps, his heart racing.

Henry scans their surroundings, hand still resting on his sword hilt.

"Not sure," he says quietly. "But something felt... off."

Marcus says nothing. His eyes remain fixed on the bridge, watching. Waiting.

His silence speaks volumes - in these islands, survival is measured in moments

of unbroken silence. Finally, he whispers: "I don't think so," but his hand

is on his sword hilt.

Marcus knocks and gives the password Lyra taught them: "Starlight speaks at dawn."

The door opens immediately, and an older Elf with silver hair beckons them inside.

His eyes hold the wisdom of centuries, scanning each of them with a depth

that suggests he sees more than just their physical forms.

"Lyra's travelers," he says. "Good. You have maybe an hour before the night patrols

increase. Rest here, eat something, then you'll take the tunnel to Garrett's."

The Elf gives them bread and water—simple but filling. Robin realizes

he hasn't eaten in almost a full day. As they eat, the Elf prepares lanterns,

his movements precise and practiced.

"Merchant's Rest is dangerous," he warns. "Garrett is trustworthy, but others

on that island aren't. Stay in his basement until dusk. Don't let anyone see you."

Sophia's voice whispers in Robin's mind." Remember," she says,

"Your 'why'," she explains, "isn't just about reaching the Land of Time Freedom.

It's about who you become during the journey

The tunnel to Merchant's Rest is the longest yet—nearly an hour of walking

through darkness lit only by their lanterns. When they finally emerge,

they come up through a trap door to a dusty basement filled with barrels and crates

that seem to hold their own stories of survival.

A man appears at the top of the stairs—stout, with a merchant's apron and a

cautious smile. "Lyra sent you?"

"Yes," Marcus says. "Are you Garrett?"

"I am. Come up, quickly, before someone sees the trap door open."

They spend the day hidden in Garrett's storeroom, listening to the sounds

of commerce happening in the shop beyond. Garrett brings them food and water

but warns them not to make any noise.

"The Necrotic Lord has eyes everywhere on this island," he whispers.

"Three of my fellow merchants are his spies. They report anyone suspicious."

Robin thinks about the lessons learned - survival isn't just about avoiding capture.

behind my shop. Follow it down and across—you'll see the rope bridge.

It's old but sturdy. That will take you to Sanctuary Island."

Marcus nods, emotion crossing his face. "Thank you, Garrett."

"Don't thank me yet," Garrett warns. "Just succeed. That's all the thanks I

need—knowing someone made it."

The ravine is treacherous, a deep crack in the earth between islands, spanned

by a rope bridge that sways in the wind. Robin tries not to look down at the

clouds far below as they cross, one careful step at a time.

On the far side, they cross over to the Island. Through the trees, they spot a

structure that glows with soft golden light. It looks remarkably like a

cottage - but something feels off.

Marcus freezes. "Wait," he says quietly. "Something's not right."

"We made it," Henry exclaimed with excitement, not listening.

"It looks correct!" Robin jumped in.

"I'm not sure." Marcus said doubtfully

The three of them stood together, looking at that cottage with the light.

It sure looked like it.

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