Side Story Chapter 19

"What a crowd," Ruth grumbled, pushing through the throng of people.

Riftan paid no mind to the mage as he strode toward the circular stadium. The entrance of the sand-colored structure teemed with spectators and gamblers placing bets between a sea of market stalls.

When he finally managed to break through the crowd, he spotted soldiers guarding the arched entrance. He showed his ticket before walking through. Ruth was right behind him, but when the mage attempted to breeze past the guards, one of them grabbed him by the shoulder.

"You there! Are you a participant? Show me your ticket."

"I-I'm with him."

The mage's anxious voice called after Riftan as he strode away, but he pretended not to hear. He continued following a soldier down a long, shaded passageway that opened onto a spacious waiting room full of burly men. Instantly, every eye in the room was on him. He could feel their keen gazes assessing him.