The guard stopped three paces from the group, and the first thing Lohan noticed was that he didn't look at anyone except them.
Dylan and Alice, who were up front with their posture firm as if they were in command, stayed exactly where they were, mouths slightly open, because the elf walked past them as if they were posts on the side of the road, and only stopped in front of Lohan and Lisa.
Then, without hesitating, without hurry, he brought his right hand to his chest, closed, at the height of his heart, and bowed his head in a short, precise greeting, the same one Lohan had seen soldiers give to high-ranking officers.
"Lady Lisa," the guard said, and his voice was deep, calm, with the soft, drawn-out accent of the ancient elves. "Lord Halon. In the name of the Council of Thalendor, welcome to the eastern walls."
The silence that formed around them was almost physical.
