Violet helped Crystal to the gate. Crystal tried to walk on her own, but the wound in her knee was too deep. I wish Geoffrey were still here Crystal thought. We really need to find a new healer. Maybe I can find someone on my journey. Crystal shook her head. No, do not think about that. Focus on the task at hand.

Crystal and Violet met Chief Isla at the gate once again. Crystal noticed that the gates had been shut from when her mother had entered earlier. The elders had resumed their previous positions, and the crowd filled in behind the chief-to-be. Chief Isla stepped forward and declared, “Now, if there are no further interruptions, you will set out from the Prosperity Gate. You leave this gate with few allies.” Chief Isla glanced at the council. “Therefore, you will seek your own prosperity out in the larger world.

“Rila is your first destination. Travel due west down the main roads. Do not take any detours if you can help it. The roads are dangerous as many nobles have become complacent. Brigands, monsters, and petty thieves will assault you if you are not careful.” Chief Isla turned to Violet. “Violet Holt, I entrust you with the task of protecting my daughter. You are to make certain she returns home. Are you prepared for this responsibility?”

Violet nodded, still holding Crystal up. “I’m ready.”

Chief Isla smiled. “Good,” she declared as she stepped up to the two. The third chief of Velestot placed a hand on Violet’s shoulder and nodded. Then she moved over to Crystal. The chief pulled a book out from a satchel on her side. “This is a book I have prepared for you. It has basic notes on the cultures and major figures of each nation you will visit.”

Chief Isla offered the book to Crystal, and with her free hand, Crystal took the book. It was a fairly thick volume; Crystal guessed it must be around three hundred pages. “Read it carefully,” Chief Isla whispered. “The council asked me to only include basic details, but I may have left some…extra information in there.” Chief Isla winked, eliciting a moment of surprise from Crystal.

Taking a step back, Chief Isla raised her voice once again. “The time has finally come. Crystal Levin Whit will begin her journey to secure the alliances of our greatest benefactors. As many of you know, she will be taking this journey with only one bodyguard.” Some in the crowd booed, but Chief Isla raised a hand. “I know this is an unpopular decision, but I believe in my daughter, and I believe in Violet Holt. They will overcome and prove themselves victors.”

“Now, be off, Crystal,” Chief Isla continued. “The world awaits.”

Violet moved Crystal’s arm further up on her shoulder, and they approached the gate. On each side of the structure, beefy men stood, holding large ropes. They nodded to the chief-to-be and pulled. The gates opened, grinding against the stones. The work was slow, and Crystal could not help but feel a lump in her throat. This is it she thought. No turning back from here.

The gates were open. A path stood before them, mountains framing both sides of the road. Crystal took a step forward but found herself stopping. She turned back to the crowds, to the council, and to her mother. She took a deep breath. “I will not let you down,” she shouted. “For Velestot!”