Chapter 55

The two of them walked over to it and turned down the narrow path. They passed between several buildings until they reached a large barn-like structure with a few horses in one corner and crates full of hay along another wall. There was a man inside the building washing his hands when he looked up and noticed them. He must have seen the uniform he was wearing; otherwise, it would've been impossible to recognize him.

"Ah, Prince Corin!" he exclaimed, rushing out of the barn. "What brings you here? I didn't expect to see you again so soon after your father died..."

He seemed friendly enough, but Corin couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right about him. His eyes darted around, as if he was looking for someone else—perhaps trying to find the person who had sent them there. When he spotted Corin, he gave him a smile and held his hand out.

"Prince Corin," he said, extending his hand. "How nice to