Garuda's footsteps were heavy, his sturdy arms encircling the golden pot, his beautiful feathers shimmering, scattering golden light. He walked through the colorful garden as if the sun itself was crossing the world.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
He took large strides and entered a palace supported by many columns.
Garuda stepped over the high threshold and into the grand hall, his golden pupils suddenly sharpened.
Swish!
In an instant, he saw his mother, Pinnada, standing beside a lamp, wiping the golden lamp with a rag. Pinnada was still in tattered clothes, looking no different from the last time they met.
"Mother!"
Garuda rushed over and supported his mother with his hands.
He stared at his mother incredulously and murmured, "Mother, what's happening? Didn't Gadalu promise to treat you well during this time?"
Garuda exclaimed in shock.
Hiss hiss hiss!
A series of harsh, deep hissing sounds suddenly resonated.
"Garuda!"
"You've finally come!"
