Following the lively celebrations on the high marble terrace of Alika City, Sagiri departed for the Northern War Headquarters of Galka.
The massive black-stone fortress stood towering against the gray northern sky, its heavy iron portcullises wide open to the cool mountain winds.
As Sagiri stepped into the grand inner courtyard, a familiar figure in leather scout armor and feathered hunting bands darted across the flagstones.
Before the southern escort guards could even react, Captain Lotaga threw his arms around Sagiri's neck, squeezing the young sovereign in an enthusiastic hug.
"Look at you, my boy! The Supreme Chief of the South in the flesh!" Lotaga laughed heartily, ruffling Sagiri's dark hair without a shred of decorum.
"I told Salka you'd survive out there, but seeing you in one piece still warms an old hunter's heart!"
Sagiri could not help but smile warmly at his favorite former instructor, gently patting the eccentric western marksman on the back.
