The carriage slowed as the old dwarf eased off on the reins.
Khaz Vordun rose ahead, a gigantic fortress that Ryn never expected would be lying out here in the vast open space.
The gates opened quickly while guards waved the merchant dwarf through. Ryn quickly hid underneath the layers upon layers of the dwarf's wares.
The guards didn't even bother to check, just had a look and left.
As soon as they had passed the hurdle, the carriage stopped on a nearby empty street.
Ryn slipped out the back and brushed dust from his cloak. He reached into his coin pouch and pressed a few coins into the merchant's hand.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "For the ride."
The old dwarf closed his fingers around the coins, then gently pushed them back.
"No, no," he said, leaning forward with a small grin. "It's fine. Just goodwill."
Ryn couldn't help but give a soft grin of his own.
Even now, short on supplies and under an economic crisis, the dwarves still held onto hope and kindness.
