upper lip of the wall, two hundred feet above the ground. In the event of catastrophe, the ramp could be sent crashing to the ground by knocking out a pair of anchor pins.

As the company made its way through the city streets, Lily was at once struck by the level of activity of Lund's inhabitants and the general character of the place. Everyone worked with a diligence that spoke volumes for the level of tension permeating the air. To the last woman and child they were a quiet-spoken, stolid people, going about their business with an air of necessity stemming, there could be no doubt, from their direct knowledge of the world's woes, for Lund stood squarely in the centre of those woes.

When they reached a point nearest the base of the Great Tower, which rose to great height from the midst of a complex of buildings, they dismounted and continued on, entering the largest of the central buildings which was actually part of the tower. Here, they were relieved of their mounts and met by an aide to the Steward of Lund, who directed them to a visitor's wing where they were to be housed. Before leaving to take advantage of the amenities, Belloc addressed the company.

"I think that for tonight we shall rest. Tomorrow there will be a meeting in the main hall, presided over by the Steward of Lund. Many representatives from around the Four Kingdoms will be present. You men of Brand and elves of Normandon, we thank you for your assistance. We can never repay those who sacrificed all."




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