Answer

Early the next morning, Richard had already packed his luggage and was heading out with Waterflower in tow. Beye, who had stood silent all this while, finally asked, “Do you have to leave?”

“I’ll still be around, it doesn’t make a difference which specific fort I’m at. I might go to the Snowstorm Mountains or the Neverwilting Forest too.”

Beye sighed and nodded, “Stay alive.”

“Haha, I lived through this hell, what can kill me now? You be careful yourself, I won’t be around to save your ass every time you rush in. Think before you run in, okay?”

“Pfft, how could I die before you?”

The two shared a few moments of laughter before a heart-rending silence filled the room. Eventually, Richard spoke up once more, “You’re not coming?”

Beye shook her head, “The old man will only be alive for a few more years. I’m going to stay and watch him,...