Aira, Ria, and Kael looked at the two children.
They couldn’t leave them alone in the wilderness, especially with the news of the cruel General.
“We are also heading to Cloud Land,” Aira said gently.
“We would love it if you two joined us.”
The children’s eyes lit up, and they nodded quickly.
The trio shared their food with Pia and Tarin, letting them eat until they were full.
After a short rest, they mounted their horses—the children riding safely with the warriors—and continued the journey.
Soon, the horizon changed.
In the distance, a massive structure began to appear.
It was the gate of Cloud Land.
It was so large and tall that it could be seen from miles away, shining like a beacon of the capital’s power.
“Is that it?
Is that the city gate?” Tarin asked in excitement, his small hands gripping the saddle.
“And our father… Get faster updates on g.com.
will he be there too?”
Kael looked down at the boy and smiled encouragingly.
“Maybe.
We will have to find him once we get inside.”
However, as they drew closer, the mood shifted.
A massive crowd was gathered in front of the gate.
Thousands of people were pushed together, creating a sea of noise and dust.
Aira, Ria, and Kael exchanged a worried glare.
This was not the peaceful welcome they expected.
“Why is there such a large crowd here?” she asked, her voice commanding.
The soldier looked at her dusty travel gear and sighed.
“I think you are new here.
Maybe you’ve come from the Plain Grounds like the others?”
Aira frowned.
“The Plain Grounds again?
No.
We are from the North.”
“Ah, the North,” the soldier replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.
“That explains why you have no idea what is going on.
Between the recent floods in the neighbouring cities and the mess created by the new General in the Plain Grounds, everyone is fleeing to the capital.
The city is overflowing.
We have to check everyone carefully because there are too many thieves and conmen trying to sneak in during the chaos.”