Night always fell unusually early before winter arrived. After Brando and the others had traveled south of Maltaha for three or four hours, the sky darkened.
Taoqike's winter nights were especially damp and cold. Although the Dead Moon Inner Sea region did not freeze at night during this month, the ground still became cold and hard. Thick fog spread through the marshes, and there was almost no wind. The insects were quiet as well, creating an eerie silence broken only occasionally by the sound of water in the darkness.
The campfire crackled, sending out a spark or two from time to time. Its bright yellow light cut strongly through the fog and illuminated a considerable distance, but it also invited unnecessary trouble. Besides beasts and ghouls in the marshes, there were also swarms of mosquitoes. Even at this time of year, Taoqike still had an abundance of them. They came toward the light, and although everyone had prepared insect repellent, it was of little use.
Brando waved the mosquitoes away with one hand, occasionally using the power of laws. Delphine dried fish and mushrooms beside the campfire. The ingredients had all been gathered locally, and the Chancellor's daughter's cooking was astonishingly good. After everyone present tried a little, they all praised it enthusiastically. As a princess, Huang Huo only ate a symbolic bite. Her diet followed strict standards, and she maintained the same self-discipline even while traveling.
However, she suggested preparing more in case they needed it. After all, when they thought of the strange recipes of the Goathead Cultists on their way to Maltaha, everyone agreed wholeheartedly.
The red moon, Moya, had risen from the western horizon, but Fang Qi still had not appeared. It seemed he truly would not show himself until the appointed time.
Delphine took a