The horses, though tired, seemed to quicken their pace as the first low walls of Elysia Kingdom appeared on the horizon. The sun had risen fully now, showing the land in its harsh reality.
The green fields they were used to seeing were dulled, patches of sickly yellow and brown spreading like a disease. Trees had thin, brittle leaves, and the air carried a faint, sour smell, different from the usual sweet scent of fertile earth.
This was the blight, showing its ugly face even at the very gates of the capital.
A sense of heavy quiet hung over the outer farmlands. Fewer people worked the fields. The usual bustling roads leading to the city were quiet.
When they reached the main gate, the guards, normally stiff and formal, looked tired, their faces drawn with worry. But their eyes widened in surprise and quick relief when they saw Princess Viana, Prince Rayne, and Joel.
"Princess Viana! You're back!" one guard shouted, his voice rough with emotion. The gate opened quickly.
