George had often overheard noble kids on vacation talking about the gate of Veridiana. A great border for a great country, they said, always guarded, always vigilant. But standing before it now, all George could see was an eerie emptiness that clung to the massive bronze gates. No guards. No people. Just silence. The stories felt distant, impossible to relate to. Even so, the gates loomed tall and imposing.
Akshar crouched by the dirt, tapping the ground and bringing a handful to his nose. After a brief sniff, he rose and turned to the others. "The guards left a day ago."
George blinked. "How can you tell that from the dirt?"
Akshar ignored him, but before George could press further, Peyton stepped forward, swinging open the unlocked gate without a word. The two others followed, wary.
Suddenly, a scream cut through the silence.
"Ahhh!"
