They moved without speaking.
Adan knelt by the stream first, rinsing blood from his blade before wiping it dry on his cloak. The others followed, their movements efficient. Ennu washed her knives. Gilbert dunked his hands in the water, scrubbing at the dark stains under his nails.
Mera cleaned her palms last, the water running red between her fingers before the current carried it away.
Tess was already mounted.
The horses shifted beneath them as they climbed up, their breathing still labored from the previous run. No one checked the saddles twice. No one suggested waiting another hour.
Gabriel sat slumped, head resting backwards against Ennu, his weight pressing into her chest. Her arms came around his waist without hesitation, holding him upright as the horse started forward.
He kept his eyes open through sheer will.
