The forest beside the colony had turned pure gold by the time Isceradin and company arrived early in the morning. Unlike the autumn before, he was thankful for the growing chill this year, for the brisk breezes would wipe away all the sweat that soaked his body after so many days spent crossing woods, hills, and mountains. More than any other emotion, it was a cascade of relief that Isceradin felt as he lay his eyes upon the settlement’s walls for the first time since the start of summer.

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