Darion walked through the castle gate, his steps normal, his face calm. The guards at the gate greeted him as he entered, their voices familiar and routine. He nodded to them, offering a brief smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"M'lord," one of them said, "welcome back."
"Thank you," Darion replied, his voice steady.
He walked into the courtyard, his mind still churning with everything he had learned. The name Vrethka kept repeating in his mind like a drumbeat, a constant reminder of the threat that was looming over Percvale.
He had to tell Garren and Seren. He had to prepare his people. But before he could do any of that, he noticed the wagons.
Several large wagons had arrived at the castle, their beds piled high with wooden frames, mattresses, blankets, and other basic sleeping supplies. Workers were moving around them, unloading the cargo with efficiency. Garren and Seren were among them, their clothes dusty from the road, their faces tired but satisfied.
