A wave of tranquility washed over him as he stepped into the garden. He spotted Raymond, whom he had met the day before, tending to a bed of ocean-blue flowers in a corner of the garden.
Archer approached him, intending to exchange greetings, but Raymond asked without turning around before he could speak. "You're leaving?"
He nodded, explaining that he was going to Sarar City to visit some friends. The man turned to face him, a smile spreading across his face. "Be careful."
Raymond warned, his expression grave. "This kingdom is preparing for war. My cousin sent a letter a few weeks back informing me that the king is recruiting youngsters into the army."
Archer got excited at the news of an impending war. He thanked Raymond for the warning and promised to be careful on his journey. As the man looked on in confusion, he quickly excused himself and stepped through a white portal that had opened before him.
