Though I was sure each step took us closer to the North Gate, the city seemed to be playing coy, not growing in size as we continued our advance. Our formation had changed, as well. Relias and Prince Mito rode shoulder to shoulder, protectively surrounded by the royal soldiers. I was somewhat in the middle, deep within the small platoon along with my companions.

“Don’t you think that over-the-top display of sight and sound screamed diversion?” I asked Aleph loudly from atop Aurum, my hearing still not quite right. “It might even prompt Pravum to concentrate a search in the opposite direction for something suspicious—like us!”

“It is a signature move of Silver’s,” he explained with exaggerated movements of his mouth for my benefit. “First and foremost, it is used to disrupt demons. Humans may cover their ears, but it causes demons to weaken and lose their grip over their form temporarily. It only works very short term, but that’s enough time for Silver to respond appropriately on the battlefield. The church may question Corwin for using such a blatant blast in a populated area, but all he needs to do is say he suspected a demon hiding nearby.”

“It certainly was quite a few steps up from the Blue’s brass horns,” I admitted.

He nodded. “More evidence that they have more resources for such spell components. Priestly castings of that magnitude require rare components that can conduct magic.”

On the other side of Aleph, Nora bounced in her saddle excitedly. “What kind of components?”

Aleph’s eyes traced her movements for a moment. “Precious gems… and rare metals,” he replied with a slight smirk at her antics before pointing to the now barely visible streaks in the sky. “In this case, silver, obviously.”

Nora’s bouncing stopped, a wary look crossing her face. “I suppose that is rather evident…”

“That’s why you should pick up a better staff after we arrive,” Tetora arrogantly advised. “I have no idea why you opted for a wooden one. Your best bet is gold if you can afford it.”

Nora’s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing with an angry twitch. “Was she trying to nerf me?”

“Now, now,” I began hastily. “Replicas, remember, replicas! I seriously doubt they had any real magic staves there!” She had picked it up at the Renaissance fair, after all!

Still obviously upset over realizing her staff was barely more than a child’s toy, she sneered. “I don’t have enough money for the real thing here!”

Vernie shrugged. “Just charge it to the church. As I see it, you’re due for quite the reward.”

Nora turned her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“You’re the one who found the hero first,” Vernie reminded her. “Brought her back, too. So, once we settle things in Chairo, you just demand your reward.”

“I keep telling you, it was Euphridia who did everything! I was just…” she trailed off, shaking visibly.

“Along for the ride?” I suggested as casually as I could.

Now wasn’t the time to discuss it.

Her gaze drifted off towards the city. “Right…”

“We all deserve a reward for everything we’ve had to do so far,” I declared, trying to change the subject. “I think we should ask for upgrades for everyone!”

The rest of my companions were smart enough to cheer in approval, lightening the tension.

Eventually, we were able to discern that there were several guards on duty around the North Gate. My heart fell a little upon seeing their crimson livery, but it was by no means an entire battalion. There were also quite a few weary-looking and frustrated travelers lined up along the sides of the gate. They stared at us with curious eyes, some shaking their head in disbelief while others elbowed each other, pointing at the standards our soldiers carried.

“Do you think they’re really from Amantia?” I heard one woman ask the man beside her as we trotted by. “Maybe they’re here to talk about the city’s closure!”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” the man responded dejectedly, wiping the sweat off his brow. “Council don’t listen to no one but themselves these days.”

“Halt!” a crimson corporal called, stepping in front of our foremost soldier with about half a dozen of his cronies. “Everyone off your horses. Identify yourself!”

Our column halted en masse, the soldiers planting their standards into the ground as we all complied with the order to dismount.

“Lieutenant Kendria, Royal Army of Amantia,” the woman who had caught me spacing out earlier announced loudly. "My platoon has been tasked by King Saulus with escorting Prince Mito, Holy Sage Relias, and the Order of Gold to the Sanctum’s High Temple. Open the gates!" she commanded as she swung her arm wide, her authoritative voice carrying on the wind.

The corporal’s face hardened as he looked at the lieutenant before him, but a few other red soldiers began to murmur and fidget, causing him to turn back to them. “Wait here,” he countered abruptly, taking a few steps back before conferring with his companions.

Wait. I had seen the list of soldiers before we left; no one had informed anyone of that rank was with us!

“Field promotion,” Aleph murmured after I glanced at him, his face almost entirely still. “Prince Mito bestowed the title at lunchtime.” No doubt as part of Relias’s plans, whatever they were.

The sidelined travelers looked on with renewed interest, and in some cases, they started to crowd around us. A few angry barks from those on patrol forced them to restore their lineup, with shouts demanding they remain against the walls.

After a few minutes of heated discussion, the corporal came back. “Show me your orders,” he demanded, though his eyes appeared wild. His gaze turned almost terrified when they landed on Prince Mito’s and Relias’s faces, which were purposefully hardened in contempt.

“It’s in my saddlebag,” Kendria announced. “Will you allow me to retrieve it safely?”

Her question hung in the air briefly before the corporal replied, “Slow movements and no tricks!”

Whatever Kendria’s true feelings were on the corporal’s rudeness were never made clear. She kept an expressionless mask over her features as she casually retrieved the scroll she had mentioned, presenting it to him with a swift flick of her wrist.

“Corporal,” Prince Mito called out ominously. “Should anything untoward befall that scroll in your hand, rest assured, we carry numerous copies to verify our authenticity.”

“You would accuse me of misconduct?” the corporal shouted. “You’re the ones who have brought beastmen with you even though—”

“Aleph and Tetora, members of the Holy Order of Gold. Along with some other familiar faces, as well,” Prince Mito snapped. “Perhaps you should take a look at those you would insult.”

The color drained from the corporal’s face as he scanned each of us, lingering on some longer than others. It was almost as if he was trying to convince himself that what he saw wasn’t real, but when he looked at me, he couldn't bring himself to give a second glance.

Maybe it's best he thinks of me as an imposter for the moment…

Without comment, he then busied himself with reading the words carefully on the scroll he had been presented. Long after even the slowest reader would have finished, he continued to stare at the scroll as if confused, his brow furrowing as deep as possible. “No one is allowed to enter the city at this time by order of Councilman Pravum...”

“And yet, Corporal, that is the very same man I have been charged to meet with.” Prince Mito folded his arms, a look of feigned concern crossing his features. “Of course, I will allow you to send a messenger to him with a copy of those very orders… unless you’d rather tell him that you simply dismissed the need for Amantia’s annual contribution this year.”

It seemed that everyone’s breath wholly ceased as the corporal contemplated the repercussions of the choice he had been given. Finally, he let out a frustrated exhale. “Remain here!” he thundered. “I will return with further instructions from Councilman Pravum.” He looked at the other travelers, who whispered conspiratorially on either side. “Soldiers! Clear the area! Move everyone else to the east gate!” he commanded angrily before retreating through the gate we hoped to access.

The travelers seemed annoyed that they were losing their free show, but I was quite pleased. We won’t be involving innocents—at least not yet.

And so, we waited. I watched quietly as our shadows twisted and lengthened with the sun's passage. Aurum was exceptionally patient, with only the occasional ear flick signaling his contempt for being forced to wait. The other horses stomped and pawed at the ground, chafing at our delay. It seemed that Corwin’s efforts to draw the bulk of the army’s attention were successful, as the corporal eventually returned without reinforcements, appearing pale-faced, sweaty, and shaky.

Note to self: Pravum is probably the type to shoot the messenger.

“You will have to surrender your weapons,” he advised nervously, seemingly forgetting to share any other instructions he might have been given.

Relias, who had remained eerily quiet throughout the exchange, broke his silence with a booming voice. “I, Holy Sage Relias, vouch for every single person before you,” he announced, his arms folded in unapologetic defiance. “They possess the necessary tools to fulfill their Purpose, as commanded by the almighty Holy Euphridia herself. As the Holy Sage of Chairo, I insist they be allowed to retain these blessed implements, even if it opposes Councilman Pravum's most recent directives.”

With his bad day getting worse, the corporal crumbled under Relias’s steely gaze. “Very well. We will proceed on foot from here. Your horses must remain; we will ensure they are cared for.” While his voice was mostly unwavering, his eyes silently pleaded for our compliance.

“Your hospitality toward our steeds will be noted,” Relias replied in grudging agreement, waving us forward even as I was about to balk at the suggestion. I want Aurum to come with me!

I glanced apologetically at my horse before slowly handing the reins to one of the opposing soldiers, breaking my oath to Relias. “If anything happens to Aurum or any of the other horses,” I hissed under my breath just so the soldier could hear. “I will seek retribution on you tenfold. Do you understand me?”

“Y…yes, ma’am…” He quivered as he whispered back, his eyes wide as I flashed him a glowing gold fist that I was pretty sure no one else could see. “I mean… Chosen One…”

Some things just have to be communicated clearly, you know?

After we were stripped of our mounts, the condemned corporal turned on his heels and motioned for one of his accomplices to take point. “Follow him. Single file!”

Exchanging determined glances, we nodded at each other in unison, a silent understanding passing between us all. Together, we marched through the gate, fully committed to entering Chairo and facing whatever traps Pravum had set for us.

I could only hope Relias had prepared us with something up our sleeves as well.