Captain Ressa Kale entered Crag Mountain through the stables.
No army marched behind her. The Ravelle delegation consisted of five officials, two uniformed guards, and the modest luggage required for a diplomatic visit. Every weapon and piece of armor was openly carried. The stable workers treated them like any other armed travelers arriving at the mountain.
That ordinary reception unsettled Kale more than hostility would have.
Not long ago, she had led forces through an entrance created for an invasion. The route offered no market, no greeting, and no choice except forward or retreat. Every level beyond it had been designed to resist the army trying to reach the core.
Now a gnome directed the delegation toward a stone portal beside families, merchants, and adventuring parties.
"Destination?" The gnome asked.
"Sanctuary." Kale said.
The gnome marked the group and waved them through.
They stepped into a city.
