Three days passed.
Yggdrasil changed.
Not visibly.
Not immediately.
But the atmosphere had become heavier.
The laughter felt quieter.
The smiles felt forced.
The news of Oheyo had not been announced publicly.
Not yet.
But rumors spread faster than official statements.
They always did.
And rumors had begun arriving alongside refugees.
---
Every day—
More people arrived from the east.
Merchants.
Travelers.
Families.
Farmers.
Entire caravans.
Some had seen the aftermath.
Some had only heard stories.
Some simply followed everyone else.
Fear moved people better than orders ever could.
---
The city gates remained open.
Akshay refused to close them.
Even when advisors suggested it.
Even when supplies started becoming strained.
Even when food prices began rising.
---
"They're running."
Akshay had said.
"So we help them."
That was the end of the discussion.
---
Unfortunately—
Compassion did not create food.
Nor housing.
Nor supplies.
---
Within a week—
Yggdrasil's food reserves were being carefully monitored.
Additional farms were being prepared.
Storehouses were opened.
Emergency rations distributed.
---
And Akshay personally reviewed every report.
Every night.
Without fail.