Nydrian remained unconscious for the entire journey to the capital. It seemed that the Elf Elders had attached a small enchanted leaf to him, keeping him in a deep, immobile sleep. Ironically, those same haughty elders had been abandoned by the Imperial soldiers who arrested them, effectively becoming prisoners themselves.

The carriage, with even the windows barred, allowed no light inside. Lin couldn’t tell how many days had passed. In prisoner transports, they avoided using teleportation circles, deliberately prolonging the journey to wear down the prisoner’s spirit.

For Lin, however, this delay was an advantage, a valuable time window. By …