After saying their goodbyes, Hadjar and Einen hurried back to the barracks — the lanterns had started turning red, which meant that night would come soon. The friends weren’t afraid, but didn’t intend to actively seek out trouble.
This time, the ferryman wasn’t even surprised when the two of them, after stripping down to the waist, jumped into the water. Once they’d crossed the river and brushed off their clothes, they moved on and quickly reached the barracks. Light, music, and shouting were still pouring out from the open door.
“Don’t you want to join me?” Hadjar pointed to the high ledge which they’d noticed that morning. It was ideal for deep meditation, as no one would disturb them there.
“No,” Einen shook his head. “I don’t think today is the best day for me to meditate. I’ll p
