Whether or not the group realized it, they had all relaxed a lot. They had managed to follow the flow of the carriage and start to focus on themselves and their beasts. This was a good thing since their running from the prior day had been at a major cost to their mental and physical endurance.
Since Ella had been fully focused on her brother, the others had taken their chances to learn where they could. One of the books that Isa had managed to collect for the group had been one that detailed basic herbs in the northern area. This was good for Maria and Grace since they wanted to look for some as they traveled. It also drew Clark's attention since he didn't want to dwell on the negative side of things.
all of them need to make the most of their day of travel in protection. the forest might get thicker soon...