The Gate receiving yard opened on day 1307 with a spilled sack of oats, two impatient drivers and Jora Sen asking who had signed for a crate that did not belong on her desk.
It was a good place to return to. People were working, and the work had not become simple in the travelers’ absence.
Tavin went first to the carrier’s owner copy. The unloading slot was theirs. The team had taken the actual road from Three Wells: departure on day 1296, High Sill’s three-day storm delay, the subsequent staffed stages and the final night at the outer shelter. The driver received the agreed balance and weather allowance before anybody congratulated the passengers on arriving safely.
Brin carried the sealed message bags to Jora. He was an adult paid relay worker who knew which ledger could receive a private letter and which one needed the public stock manifest. His healed forearm moved freely under the strap. Tavin gave him the lighter box anyway and endured his look without comment.
Iven took the three-section steel shaft and his tool roll off the wagon himself. The working point and tested usable spare stayed wrapped. Dey’s old short shaft, rejected socket and bent first point remained at Ember Wash, where their actual labels belonged.
