Harold's smile only widened at the request.
''Good,'' he said. ''A mission like this isn't something you agree to on a whim.''
He resumed walking along the narrow forest path.
Theo and Owen exchanged a glance before following after him once more.
For a while, only the crunching of leaves beneath their feet disturbed the silence.
Eventually, Harold spoke again.
''The first thing you need to understand is that Petra isn't a place you simply walk into and walk back out of,'' he said calmly. ''It is protected by heavy sandstorms almost all year round.''
Theo frowned.
''Sandstorms…''
Harold didn't mind the interruption and continued right away.
''The storms are very unpredictable, some lasting days while others take weeks to clear up.''
''Only a resident living nearby would truly be able to guide you through them.''
Theo's expression didn't change much.
