Julian stepped forward.
The yard seemed to grow quieter with each step he took. Rows upon rows of knights stretched before him, their armor catching the pale morning light.
Now, finally, he stood before the full formation. Hundreds of eyes fixed on him, waiting for him to speak.
And he did.
"You all understand what day this is," he said, his voice easily reaching each and everyone present there.
"His Majesty is already on our duchy's soil. Before the sun climbs much higher, the royal carriage will enter these gates. From that moment onward, every movement you make will be seen not as the action of a single knight, but as the face of House Astran."
The soldiers maintained pin-drop silence.
"There will be no disorder," Julian continued, letting his gaze sweep once over the front line.
