Chapter 202: Searching and finding
Irwin lowered Jort to the ground in front of the gate. The guards and rangers on the walls were calmly looking down.
"By Yilda I'm glad we are back," Jort whispered.
"Yes," Irwin said as he watched the door open up.
A familiar guard walked out, nodding at him.
"Irwin," he said before looking at Jort. "Jort, report."
"I'll be reporting to the rangers in a moment," Jort said. "Just come along, and you will get the same information."
Irwin saw the guard's eyes narrow, then the man glanced at him and nodded. "Fine."
Jort said his goodbyes, and a few moments later, Irwin stood alone before the gate, trying to ignore the curious eyes of guards and rangers.
He was about to head back home to see his mother when a ranger in dark leather armor came running through the alleyway that led to the castle. When she noticed Irwin, she ran forward, stopping a few feet away.
"Irwin! Lord Rhym asks for your presence. The Sorceress Clarish has returned," he said.
"Lead the way," Irwin said, hoping Clarish had good news.
The city was slightly more busy than the previous times he had walked through it, and as they rushed towards the castle, Irwin saw that many people were talking animatedly—an almost palpable excitement hung in the air.