The next day,
The group's morning began long before the sun rose.
Inside the quiet halls of Drachenstein Mansion, the maids moved with practiced ease-checking coin pouches, wrapping food, and gathering what they needed for the day's errands.
Laya dressed warmly, bundling Archus in a soft wool blanket. Lyndis double-checked the list of supplies, lips moving silently as she ran through their plans. Rin adjusted her shawl and helped secure the empty baskets to be filled at the market.
With everything ready, they stepped outside, the heavy doors of the mansion closing with a quiet thud behind them.
The city of Alta was still asleep. The morning air carried the scent of wet stone and sea salt, cool against their cheeks.
Before heading to the market, they made their way through the dimly lit streets toward the city stables. Carrying supplies by hand wasn't practical-so, as usual, they planned to rent a Drayhorn and cart for the trip.
Laya held Archus close. The baby's bright eyes peeked out, blinking sleepily at the quiet world around him. He made a soft noise, nuzzling into her shoulder as she gently patted his back.
Ahead stood the stables-a sturdy wooden building darkened from years of smoke and rain. The air grew thick with the smells of hay, damp wood, and animals.
Inside, the peaceful morning was broken by the occasional snort of a beast, hooves shifting, and the low murmur of stable hands preparing for the day.
Several Drayhorns stood in their pens, their thick coats ranging from dusty brown to slate gray. Unlike regular horses, they had powerful, stocky frames and curved horns that pointed forward, giving them a fearsome, almost prehistoric appearance.
Nearby, mulebeasts and woolly hill rams dozed quietly in their stalls.
The stablemaster, Roger, glanced up as they entered. A rough-looking man with a scarred face and a missing finger, he squinted in recognition.
"Back again, Miss Lyndis?" he grunted, rubbing his stubbled chin. "Here for the usual?"
Lyndis nodded and produced a pouch of coins. "Yes. Something strong enough to pull a full cart."
Roger gave a weary snort. "Prices are up again. You'll be lucky to afford a mulebeast, let alone a Drayhorn."
Laya's brows knit. "Again?"
"Everything's climbing-grain, wood, even the nails for the carts," Roger muttered, waving them toward the stalls. "Governor-General's taxmen are squeezing the merchants, and guess who gets to feel it next?"
Despite the grumbling, he led them toward a large pen. Archus stirred in Laya's arms, his tiny fingers curling into her sleeve. His gaze drifted toward the beasts, eyes unusually focused.
Laya noticed, her tone playful. "What is it, Arch? Do you like the big beasties?"
Archus blinked, then let out a soft gurgle. But his gaze lingered, brow slightly furrowed in a strangely thoughtful expression-far too serious for a baby.
Roger stopped in front of a sturdy Drayhorn with a thick, gray-brown coat. The creature flicked its tail and huffed, amber eyes alert beneath the dim light.
"This one's Marge," Roger said, adjusting the harness. "Reliable. Doesn't scare easy. Just don't let the reins go, or she'll take you into a ditch."
Rin stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on the Drayhorn's neck. The beast gave a grunt but didn't pull away.
Roger raised an eyebrow. "You've got a good touch. Ever work with animals before?"
Rin hesitated. "No, sir. It just... feels natural, I guess."
Laya smiled. "Maybe you missed your calling. Could've been a stable girl instead of a maid."
Roger chuckled. "Not a bad gig, really. People pay good coin for someone who knows their way around beasts."
Rin gave a quiet smile, running her fingers through the Drayhorn's thick fur.
As they finished strapping the harness, Laya tucked Archus's blanket around him more snugly. The child was still staring at the Drayhorn, mouth slightly open. Then, without warning, he reached out-his tiny fingers wiggling toward the beast.
The Drayhorn flicked an ear and turned its head, eyes locking with Archus. It let out a low, rumbling huff-soft and deep, like a greeting.
Laya blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Well now... that's something."
Lyndis arched a brow. "Maybe he's got a gift for handling beasts, too."
Roger snorted as he turned away. "Or maybe the little one just likes big, scary things."
With their cart ready and the reins in hand, the group stepped out into the waking city.
Behind them, Roger paused, watching them go. He muttered under his breath with a faint shake of his head.
"Strange lot."
Then he turned back to the stables and got on with his day.