Chapter 15It was bright daylight when Pettic emerged from between the standing stones. The sun had just passed the zenith and he was surprised at the heat he felt. He had not felt much sun all the time he had been away on Aqua. How long had it been, he wondered. He looked around to try to guess the season. The trees were bare, so perhaps it was winter again. A full year since he began his journeys. Well, at least a year. Maybe it had been a longer time. Maybe two years.
He walked down the hill to the city. He passed through the gates where the guards recognised him and saluted. Not too long then. The guards still recognised him.
He looked up to the palace. No flags flew. That was most unusual. He quickened his steps as he passed the shops and noticed there were few people around and many
