Ric woke up to find himself in a cage hanging over a large balcony. When he looked to the side, he saw Ranar sitting next to him, small drops of blood still staining her clothes.
She simply sat there with her knees drawn up, staring at the distant mountains without saying anything.
Ric glanced down at his hands. He was weak, far too weak. The city lord had been so much stronger than him. His experience was greater, he moved faster, and he was far more decisive than Ric could ever hope to be at his current age.
He was stronger too, and because of that, Ric couldn't protect Ranar. He couldn't do anything. She had been the one protecting him.
Gunter was right. He was sheltered, and he hadn't even realized it until he stepped into the outside world.
Was this why his master wanted him to leave the tomb? So he could broaden his horizons and understand just how vast the world was? He had seen it now.
He had seen how weak he truly was.
