I had not suspected their presence, until they had risen from the ground as quiet as shadows. Looking over at Rolf I noticed that he didn't seem to share my surprise at the occurrence of the armed warriors. The man had senses as keen as any marsh cat.
The guardsmen seemingly satisfied of our authenticity eased off on their bows and parted to let us pass by, as the large outer doors of the gate ahead of us swung open without the barest hint of sound. We proceeded into the tunneled gateway that was lined with lit torches and proceeded to make our way through the tunnel to the upper gate that opened to the city. The clipping of our horse's hooves echoed loudly within the confines of the tunnel carved out of solid rock. Coming to the second gateway it too swung open before us without the barest hint of sound. As the doors swung out a courtyard opened up before us that was ringed with soldiers silently standing in formation.
The level of security was impressive. Making our way out of the courtyard I got my first glance at the city that lay beyond the wall. The city lacked the size of the Zoarinian cities, as well as some of their appearance of opulence, but I liked what I saw here better. The buildings weren't grandly embellished, but they were neat, orderly, and solid in appearance.
There were throngs of people out and about their daily activities already, something that would have been an uncommon scene in any Zoarinian city, as they lived for the night and shunned the early light of day. Making our way through the crowded streets we drew the attention of the early morning goers. Wondering what they were thinking I made chance eye contact throughout the crowd. Their expressions were almost universal in their shared curiosity, and I sensed a feeling of anticipation directed specifically at me.
We made our way through the city, until we came to a larger and more opulent structure that was set apart from the rest of the city. We paused as the gates were opened and we were ushered into a courtyard lined with ornately dressed guardsman. Pulling up to the stairs in front of the building I dismounted and followed General Nadero, as I handed my reins to a man-at-arms, who stepped forward. Moving stiffly I fairly limped up the stairs. My whole left side was stiff from my injury and the long ride through the night. Seth and Rolf flanked me on either side. I felt more secure for their presence with me in this foreign environment.