Shahin watched nervously as the two giants squared off in the middle of the road. For the first time, an unshakable fear gripped him—a terrifying thought he dared not voice: Was this Black Star here to deliver death to Averkane?
Little Milo appeared at the doorway of the inn, rubbing his small paws over his head repeatedly before trotting over to Shahin. The kitten arched his back, brushing affectionately against Shahin's legs.
"You're not from Genib," Averkane stated, scrutinizing the stranger. The man gave a faint smile. "And you look strong. If you were from Genib, I would've heard about you."
The stranger's golden cloak flapped noisily in the warm gusts of wind, which carried with them swirling clouds of brown dust.
"No, you're right," the man replied. "I'm from the Peak of Eternity."
"Ah!" Averkane took an involuntary step back, his surprise evident.
"The Peak of Eternity?" Shahin repeated, his voice tinged with confusion.
