Morning came slowly to the Osborn compound. The air still carried the cool weight of night, and thin mist clung to the stone paths between buildings. The cultivators were already moving through the courtyards. Some carried training weapons. Others hauled supplies toward the storage halls. Nothing looked rushed, but the compound had changed over the past months. There were more people moving with purpose now.
Robert stood near the edge of the inner courtyard, watching the activity. He had been awake for some time. The report from the night guards had arrived before sunrise, and he had read it twice before stepping outside.
No unusual movement around the walls. No suspicious visitors. Trade traffic remained normal.
