As they approached the mountain pass, the trees grew denser. The air turned colder, forcing Dayat to pull his jacket tighter. In the distance, a colossal stone wall began to loom. The entrance to the Terragard mountains.
The queue was quite long. Adventurers, merchants, and caravans waited their turn for inspection. Dayat cut the engine, and they joined the line.
"This is going to take a while," Dayat complained.
"Be patient." Dola patted his thigh. "This is the gate to the capital. Security is bound to be tight."
The guards here were different from those in Bolhart. They wore superior armor—likely the Enchanted-Gold of the Earth-Shielders, or at least elite troops. Their posture was rigid, their movements disciplined.
When it was their turn, a Dwarf with a thick beard and piercing eyes approached. "Identity and purpose?"
Dayat stepped down, reached for the hilt of Silver Thorn on his back, and revealed the blade slightly. "Hidayat Nur Mustafidl. Heading to Karak-Zorn."
