Finally, they arrived at the port city where they could cross the Carib Sea.

Valentin looked around, blending in with the people from different regions, each wearing slightly varied styles of clothing. Even the pungent smell of fish wafting from the nearby market seemed like the scent of people’s hard-working lives, and it made Valentin’s heart swell. Without realizing it, he took a deep breath. Life and vitality, no matter when experienced, were always magnificent.

As he stood there with an excited expression, Asif ran over, leading a camel and a donkey, both relieved of their burdens.

“I’ve paid the …