A chariot rolled through the streets of Liria, going at a modest pace as citizens went about their daily business. Eventually, the driver had the vehicle halt at a checkpoint manned by Paladins. "Public chariots will go no further. Please drop off your passengers here." The Paladin said. The driver nodded as two men in Paladin armor stepped outside. One of which was Varkasan Trenact. The other was a taller Paladin named Aradus Dukevis, wearing [url=http://www.epictoon.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ffxiv-gladiator.jpg]his own set of armor[/url]. They both had their swords in their sheathes and their shields on their backs.

They approached the guards. "Show us your papers." The guard ordered. They both swiftly produced their citizenship papers and the letter of invitation sent by the Paladin HQ. Scrutinizing the papers carefully, the guard finally let them through.

The streets behind the checkpoint were much less active, but it was primarily because this was now restricted Paladin territory. Varkasan had noticed that security had been increased ever since The Azure Covenant began their activities. He himself had been assigned alongside squads from The Guardians to respond to Mage attacks in various villages. Every single time, The Azure Covenant would claim responsibility. [i]"Whoever these people are, they are very bold. I don't know whether they are powerful, or just plain foolhardy. Still, it is best to assume the worst."[/i] Varkasan thought as he and his companion continued their walk.

Eventually, his friend spoke. "So, what do you make of this?" Aradus asked. "I don't know... But I'm assuming it has something to do with that dangerous Mage group." Varkasan replied. Aradus chuckled. "That's not what I meant. I meant: what do you make of the higher-ups personally inviting a new member such as yourself for what could be an important operation?" He explained.

"Oh... Well, I'm not entirely sure myself. I've only been serving faithfully for nearly a year. In comparison to Paladins like you, I'm just a grunt. I guess they see something that I don't." Varkasan replied modestly. In truth, he really was surprised to receive that letter. Even their Covenant Leader was unsure why they would ask him to go, when they could easily ask for another veteran like Aradus. "Well maybe you've been able to impress them in that one year even more than the older ones. You always were the first to volunteer for the tough jobs." His friend responded with a short laugh at the end.

"True..." Varkasan replied, smiling a bit under his helmet. Soon enough, they arrived at the building that housed the Paladin HQ. "This is the place. Time to find out what's gotten the brass all bothered." Aradus said. Varkasan nodded in response. With that, they entered the structure, wondering what new orders were waiting for them.