"Appreciate the ride." Kurt stepped down the public carriage, tossing two bronze coins up to the driver.
"Thank you! Safe travels, sir!" The driver snapped his reins and pulled away.
Kurt speed-walked toward the building of the academy. Right as he was just about to push through the doors, his ears caught the swelling chatter and footsteps of approaching crowds.
'Looks like the gauntlet is over. What a shame…'
Standing back for the people to come through, the division in the crowd was immediately obvious.
The Eldorian citizens were singing and cheering, while the visiting Myrians trudged past with scowling faces.
Recognizing his own personal household carriage waiting near the plaza's grand fountain, Kurt strode over and leaned against the wood, greeting the driver sitting up front.
"Evening."
"Good evening, Master Rossana! Where are Sadie and Hope? I thought they were with you?"
"They'll probably be spilling out of the crowd any second now."
