Flocks of thick-feathered birds landed on the snow-covered farmland plain, pecking through the snow for grass seeds. The morning mist gradually lifted, revealing a dark speck on the vast horizon. It was a quiet Town, and beyond it stood a solitary black castle on the snowy plain, far from the Village.
But dark clouds churned above the plain. A snowstorm seemed about to strike.
The long convoy was soon spotted by the Village.
"There's a convoy outside!"
The Villagers' shout woke the Town. Guards climbed the watchtower and rang the alarm bell in the Village, its peals carrying over the Town.
"They're Soldier!"
The Town stirred amid crowing roosters and barking dogs. Guards formed ranks, while farmers, women, and merchants rushed from their homes with pitchforks, spoons, and weapons. Then came a third shout:
"Weiss is back!"
Annan sat at the front of the Carriage. Hooves thudded around him, solemn and steady, sending crystalline snow into the air. Beneath his black hair, his face looked handsome and calm.
He saw residents pouring out of the Town, calling "Levis" as they surged toward him. Sensing no hostility, Annan told the Knights not to stop them.
The warmhearted residents crowded around the Carriage, touching and jostling him with easy familiarity, as though Annan were the boy next door rather than the King of the North.
When Annan appeared on the streets of Breeze City, all he received was awe and adoration.
"King! King!"
Annan looked toward the voices. Two boys with Freckles squeezed up to the Carriage, puzzled that Annan seemed not to know them. "Don't you remember us? We're Minister Mossley and General Marcus!"
Were they Levis's childhood playmates?
"Sorry, but I need to go to the Castle first."
The convoy passed through the residents and the Town, heading toward