The gates of Boldizsár glowed like gold in the sunless sky, spanning from one end of the vast land to the other in a bowed line.

It was guarded by a dozen hybrid ogres, as tall as the golden gates, and their skin was as green as mucous.

Yet they were as beautiful as the deities themselves, who looked more like humans than the descendants of gods and goddesses sent from the heavens.

A cross between the ogres in Sál and the divine deities of Salwodor, they were created for the sole task of guarding this vast land with the strength of their hideous forefathers.

They protected the border in pairs with spears in their hands and chains on their bodies as sturdy as rocks.

Hain let out an exclamation of awe and dread at the sight before him, just as the hybrid creatures turned their heads in their direction like they were one soul and aimed the spears at them without batting an eye.

Hain backed away and watched as the druid continued unbothered by the sharp spears. Although hesitant, he followed the druid. His heart galloped out of control.

As soon as they were within reach, the creatures recognised the druid and relaxed their grip on the spears.

Hain held his breath as the hybrids greeted the druid, paying their respects despite them being thrice as big and strong as the druid.

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That was when Hain knew the druid was telling the truth. He wasn’t just a mere druid after all, but someone the guards were obliged to obey.

The druid greeted the hybrids back. His half-long locks, which draped down his shoulders, swayed to the subtle breeze.

As the golden gates gradually opened from the inside, as if by magic, the druid advanced without giving Hain a second look.

Hain barely took a step when the guards directed their stern eyes at him and aimed the spears at his bare neck.

Startled out of his mind, he lost his footing and fell onto the damp grass. Hs heart was beating so loud that he could hear nothing but its frantic beat.

“Let him pass. He’s with me.”

The guards didn’t tear their eyes away from him even as the druid pierced the silence with his booming voice.

When the druid repeated himself for the second time, the bulkier one of them loosened his grip and gestured the other one to back off to its designated spot.

Hain stumbled to his feet and cowered behind the druid. His breath came in quick gasps as the bulky creature spoke up.

“No apprentices are allowed to pass, sir. You know the rules better than anyone.”

“He’s not a threat to Boldizsár, let alone the Council.”

“You want me to take your words for it, sir, and risk my livelihood? My orders are clear: no apprentices shall pass.”

“It’s only a little over noon. I can’t let this kid miss an entire semester because of this.”

The guard glanced at him as soon as the druid said this, its greenish complexion a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

“He won’t make it in time even if we allow him in, sir.”

“I know the headmaster. I’m sure he’ll make an exception for me. Is that good enough?”

The guard exchanged looks with the other one, who nodded as if to confirm what the bulkier one was thinking.

Without saying anything, they stepped aside and gestured for the strange duo to pass before the golden gates closed.