Alex and the three elves moved through the city. As they passed, conversations and daily work slowed or fell silent. The elves turned their gaze from their tasks to stare at Alex in disbelief. Never before in the history of this place had a human walked among them. And certainly not in such unusual company—Thalien, their chief mage, his apprentice Elarin, and the renowned huntress Lyra, recently rescued from the hands of desert dwellers.
Alex felt uneasy. Every step on the wooden walkways and bridges made his neck stiffen under the weight of their stares. He felt hundreds of elven eyes piercing through him. Behind him came whispers and pointing fingers.
"How do you like it here?" Ela broke the silence, walking right beside him. "You've never seen such building marvels, have you?"
