Passing through several checkpoints, Phield entered the heavily guarded interior of the fortress.
Someone immediately came forward to inform him that Regin wished to "catch up."
"Good morning, Baron Vigor Elixir… Baron Phield." Regin had intended to follow proper etiquette and use the title first, but noticing Phield's displeased expression, he quickly corrected himself. "You're late. Elsa and I have been waiting for quite some time."
Waiting for me? And who is Elsa?
Phield's mind filled with question marks.
"My apologies, my lord. I ran into serious trouble on the way—something you may find hard to believe. I was attacked by a black dragon!" Phield spread his hands wide in the air to illustrate its size, shook his head slightly, then let out a long breath. "I nearly lost my chance to serve the Empire. Fortunately, my mount saved me—but the warhorse was devoured by the dragon."
"That's terrible!"
