The western bridge had been abandoned long before sunset.
It crossed a narrow ravine beyond the city walls, its cracked stones overgrown with moss and weeds. Merchants used the newer northern road now, leaving the bridge to smugglers and anyone who preferred not to be seen.
Teclos waited beneath the western arch. Harven's watchers were already in place: two beggars beside a broken cart to the north and a charcoal burner near the southern road. Serenna waited somewhere farther west. Teclos could not sense her unless she allowed it.
The courier boy arrived first.
He came from the city at a nervous jog, pushed the leather tube beneath the third stone, and left without looking back. Teclos remained hidden.
The bridge stayed empty for nearly half an hour.
A blackbird landed on the rail.
It pecked at the stone, tilted its head, and stared toward the western road.
Teclos watched it through Dark Sense.
No heartbeat.
