Never before had it been like this. So close, so immediate. Tied into his heart like his blood beat to the time of the pulse of the City itself. And he wasn't alone, nor would he be ever again, he was certain.

It was so incredible to be home. The City stretched out before him, the green valley, the stunning streets lined with gemstone buildings and polished doorways of the clearest stone reflecting back the sun to the flawless blue sky. It hurt his eyes and burned its way into ...