Lyra nodded in agreement as they started down the trail towards the road. The sun was just starting to set as they gained the road and traffic was almost nonexistent. Lyra let her eyes wander to the farms lining the road, their uniform rows of tilled earth reflecting a warm glow in the light of the setting sun. Half height painted fences lined the road with a scattering of gates for the access trails leading to the farmhouses. It was a pleasant view and prettier than Tala’s scattered farms. The walls to the city rose up before them and Lyra felt excitement run through her. She had only been to Gatong once before and that was so long ago that she had all but forgotten those childhood memories. She tried to anticipate what the hustle of city life must be like with people running every which way on shopping sprees or errands of some sort.

The city gate was clearly visible now and Lyra could pick out the shining white uniforms of the Imperial Guard manning the entrance. Beyond them she could see fine carriages on the road and a long line of storefronts with gaily-painted signs. As they got up to the gate, she saw Antello standing beyond the Imperial Guards and he was making some strange gestures. Syman halted and grabbed the reins to Lyra’s horse just before they passed through the gate.

“Darling,” Syman cooed, “maybe we should inquire about work with the farms out here before we try to get a job in the city. I am pretty handy with a plow and it looks like they might need help.”

Lyra stared at Syman, but watched the Imperial Guards who were only several feet away. “Whatever you wish husband. I think living on a farm again would be good. Which one should we inquire of first?”

Syman mumbled an unintelligible reply as he turned, leading Lyra’s horse with him, and headed back up the road. He slowly and calmly passed two or three gates before selecting one to open. They traveled up the trail to the farmhouse and Syman dismounted and walked up to the farmhouse door.