The cliffs rose from the river gorge. Stone showed long wear from the weather. Gabriel followed the narrow path along the face. He kept a steady pace. The drop beside him fell deep.
He carried the bounty notice inside his cloak.
The air grew colder. It cut against his skin. The stone smelled wet. Beneath it lay another trace. Feeding had happened here before.
Wind moved through the gorge. It pulled at his hood. Sound scattered and faded.
Gabriel left Bridgedon at midday. Guards gave clear directions. He followed them exactly. Three miles north along the river. Then the climb began. Rock formed ledges and shallow crevices. Winged beasts could reach the place from above. From below, the route tested any climber.
The land changed as he moved on. Fields gave way to trees. Trees thinned into bare stone. The path narrowed with each step. Worn grooves marked the way in the cliff.
