Bab 268: Retribution(1)

Under the scorching Sicilian sun, the parched landscape stretched out in all directions, a vast tapestry of golden fields and rugged hills. The relentless heat had transformed the countryside into a shimmering oven, where even the hardiest of flora bowed to the sun's oppressive dominance. The air was heavy with the dry, earthy scent of the sunbaked soil, and the occasional gusts of warm wind carried with them a whispered promise of relief, though it never truly materialized.

Amidst this arid expanse, a horse-drawn carriage lumbered along a dusty, winding road. The wheels kicked up small clouds of powdery dirt that billowed into the air, only to be carried away on the hot zephyrs. The horses' coats glistened with sweat as they plodded ahead, their powerful hooves stirring the fine dust beneath them.