The wind off the lake carried the smell of water and rustled Ryo's apprentice robes.
For the fifth time, he stepped out of his tent and gazed at the surface of the water.
It had been five days.
Lord Velin had been down there for five whole days.
'He knew the underground world was vast, but weren't five days a bit too long?'
Lord Velin was the most enlightened and wisest noble he had ever known.
He was less like a lord and more like a magic instructor who treated his students kindly.
'He didn't dare to imagine the terrible possibilities.'
All he could do was keep a silent vigil by the lake, waiting for any message that might come.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind without warning.
Ryo, can you hear me?
'It's Lord Velin!'
Ryo shot to his feet. A rush of blood went to his head from the excitement, but he quickly suppressed his emotions and focused his mind to respond.
Yes, my lord! You…
