The guard was taken aback for a moment as the old man came onto the scene. Two. There were two more. He imagined Lord Cross must have been well into his deliberations with the others already, and he wasn't a man who liked repeating himself. He motioned towards the two of them to follow, and walked through the town at a hurried pace. They passed by the marketplace, where the people of Vulture's Roost were still going about their daily lives. As they walked, the guard began to speak. "Right, so, Lord Cross is interested in this business up north. The temple that this... Tikkis fellow wrote about. We've had a few coming through on their way north to look for it." The castle was coming into view, its banners still billowing in the wind. "There's a group already in the great hall, talking with Lord Cross at the moment." The guard sounded fairly young, and his hurried speech indicated a bit of stress. "I must remind you that Lord Cross is the sovereign of this city and its territory. Be respectful and mindful of his title if you want to avoid any... problems." 


   The guard beckoned his comrades to open the castle gates. "We've got two more joining the expedition to the Wastes. Open up." The great iron doors were slowly wound open, and the guard led the duo behind him into the courtyard. Soldiers were still drilling within the walls, seemingly paying no mind to the newcomers. Reaching the entrance to the great hall, the guard turned, pointing at the door. "The Lord is addressing the others in here. "Remember what I said about being respectful." He nodded as the old man reached for the handle. "Go on in."