"There's no need to hide. Welcome to Silver Radiance City, my friends from afar."
The voice had a strange resonance, as if it were sounding directly in their minds.
Roland and Avril exchanged a wary glance. His right hand was already on the hilt of his sword as he stepped out from behind the sand dune to face the uninvited guest.
He was a tall but unusually gaunt man, as thin as a reed.
Beneath deep-set sockets were a pair of narrow eyes. His dark amber pupils gleamed with an eerie light, reflecting the faint blue crystals.
A prominent, aquiline nose gave him a sharp look. And while his almost-too-handsome face wore an amiable smile, the unique combination of his features made him seem sinister and inscrutable.
"I am the Reception Envoy of Silver Radiance City."
The man gave a slight bow, his movements as elegant as if they had been rehearsed a thousand times.
"Do you wish to enter Silver Radiance City?"
