5
Seconds later, I step out of Walker’s portal. Around me stretches a small outdoor clearing that’s encircled by sickly trees. The scent of stale rain and moldy grass fills the air. Brown and yellow leaves speckle the earth. Ah, the Alighieri woods. From here, it’s a short walk to my parent’s reception tent.
Walker steps out behind me. “Should I join you?”
“No, this is better on my own.”
“Good luck.” A moment later, my friend steps back through his portal and disappears.
Time to face my parents.
After a short and muddy march, I stand before the royal tent. As always, it strikes me how this place differs from our reception chambers in Arx Hall. Back at the palace, rooms are all gilded furniture and carved marble. Here the Master of Tents has done what he can, building a sizable square
