There was only silence, silence and cold on the journey to Loringrad. The loss of their valiant Knights held an atmosphere of sorrow over the party as they continued on the path. Winter had already begun since their escape from Starguard and since then the snows in the north began to accumulate. White was the path on which they tread, the snows in covered the trees of the forests in which they passed through. For sixteen days they rode, at first their journey proved arduous as they traveled along the northern mountain range. The snows there were heavy and the risk of avalanches were frequent as a result of the wyverns native to the area. Once they'd passed the mountains into central Farendar the land began to change. The mountains they'd just breached held back the winter frost and so only minor snowfall had come to the rest of the realm. The air nevertheless was cold and bitter, with winds at some points biting at their flesh. 

The first five days were relatively quiet, they'd traveled off the main roads in northern Farendar to avoid the enemy which now controlled the region. On the sixth they'd encountered signs of a vampire in the area. Such a thing was not a concern so long as they slept in shifts. Their theory was proven right as that night the vampire had attacked the camp. It was made short work of, it's head severed and it's body burned before the knight continued on their journey. On the tenth day when they'd crossed into heart of the kingdom, the group arrived at the village of Deirandt. There they found shelter and supplies as well as hearing news of the current events in the capital. Apparently the king has grown sick, some fear his time to be near and now his children prepare for the naming of the heir to the throne. With this newfound knowledge, the company continued on with haste. Hoping to ensure what they visions showed would not come to pass. 

With such speed they were awarded with an early arrival. Rather than the normal twenty day journey they arrived at the capital in sixteen. At the gates of Loringrad they were greeted with the sight of the first city of man. A beautiful and old city, it's walls stood high and firm, it looked impenetrable due to the sheer intimidating architecture. The gates itself was a massive pair of steel doors protected by an equally massive portcullis. There the knights stood, after sixteen days of weary travel they stood at the feet of the most powerful city in eastern Miras. Atop the gates stood a guard captain, a large and bearded man who's voice seemed to echo due to its powerful tone. [b]"Who approaches the gates of the royal city of Loringrad?[/b], he yelled out to the visitors below. Evelyn held up her shield which bore the emblem of The Order,[color=fff79a]"I am Knight-Captain Evelyn Sunderland. My men and I request the audience of King Gregor"[/color].

The guard captain scowled at her answer before speaking again, [b]"You claim yourself Knights of the Dawn, though word tells of your order's demise at Starguard!"[/b]

[color=fff79a]"You speak the truth, our order was attacked though we are far from gone. I bring with me the last words of Knight-Commander Grathan which he wished for me to give to the king"[/color]

[b]"And what words would they be, eh?"[/b]

[color=fff79a]"Words for the king's ears only"[/color]

[b]"My business is to protect this city and those who reside within, especially his majesty. You'll not see the inside of this city unless-"[/b], before he could finish a city guardsman arrived delivering a letter to the captain. As he read over the letter his face went from a look of smugness from his remark towards Evelyn to a scowl as a result of what the letter meant. Lowly he addressed the Knight-Captain, [b]"You've been granted entrance into the city...as well as an audience with the king"[/b].

The look of satisfaction on Evelyn's face was not that hadn't been seen in almost a month. As the guard captain called for the opening of the gates, she couldn't help but feel a sense of victory. Her promise to her commander would soon be kept. 

As the company rode through the city streets they were greeted by the smell of fresh bread and other treats from the nearby bakeries. The sound of music and merriment from the local taverns flooded the air as children played in the streets. They passed by museums and art galleries, brawling arenas and jousting tournaments. The city had everything one could hope for and more. For now though, business was to be taken cared of. The gates of the royal castle met the knights with open arms. As they entered however, a castle servant rushed to give Evelyn a note. Curious, she opened it as she rode into the castle stables. Once her horse had been settled in she took the time to properly read the document, within it wrote:

[color=ed1c24][i]"Once the Eagle and the Lion have spoken, a council will meet in below the den of the Lion. The one light will be replaced by many and the gentle lover will grace the land with its radiance, such will by the terms of this conclave..."[/i][/color]

The note was cryptic but she knew what it meant. If it was given to her then the Eagle meant her family coat of arms and the Lion being the symbol of the king. Whoever this person was, they wished to meet in the lower levels of the castle. As for the part of the lights and lover, the one light being replaced by many was the sun's absence being replaced by the moon and stars. So at night in the catacombs was the arrangements of this meeting. For now Evelyn decided to keep this to herself, if she deemed it necessary she'd later bring backup down into the depths with her. 

Evelyn had visited Loringrad Castle multiple times, before as a maiden to learn of court intrigues and etiquette. Now she came as a messenger of tragedy, a herald of war. The Chamberlain led Evelyn and the knights to the entrance of King  Gregor's court. Outside the door, he informed them that he was in the middle of another meeting and would be ready for them soon. Evelyn took this time to address the men on how they were to approach the king. [color=fff79a]"I trust you remember your training in court etiquette? Bow before the king, do not turn your back to him, and address him only as 'My Lord' or 'Your Majesty'. I'll introduce us then deliver the message, I'll then look to you all to give your recollection of what happened. The king will need convincing of the severity of the situation. Hold nothing back, every...every detail of that day must be shared. Just...be careful with your wording"[/color]. Evelyn said a brief prayer to Altaia before the group was granted entry. 

There at the end of the chamber sat the most powerful man in eastern Miras, King Gregor of House Brundvik. Beside him sat his five children, each in their own throne but all eyes gazed upon his. As for the king himself, he looked weary though determined to hear what news the knights had brought from the north. With as much energy as he could muster he spoke, [b]"Welcome, brave knights! To what do I owe such a visit? Lady Sunderland, this been some time since we've last seen one another. How fares your family?"[/b]

Evelyn bowed low before answering, [color=fff79a]"My lord I thank you for granting us this audience, we are humbled by your generosity. I fear however that I shall not see my family for quite some time more as unfortunately my lord we bring news of tragedy. A darkness has risen in the north, an army of cultists, demons, and other abominations has gathered and claimed our order's ancient home of Starguard. Our numbers were decimated almost overnight and our leaders have all been slain. I know this my lord for we escaped such a horror to inform you of such an enemy and to ask for your aid"[/color]

The king became sullen for upon hearing of the slaughter he was reminded of something, [b]"And what is Aundair, my son? Was he present at Starguard?"[/b].

Evelyn's stomach suck at the realization of this. The prince was there at Starguard, he was under her command and it was now likely that he was dead. [color=fff79a]"Forgive me,my lord, Prince Aundair served under me at the time. During the attack I was unable to find him...I fear the worst"[/color], Evelyn came down on bended knee, a gesture of her sympathy for the old king. Gregor was instantly in anguish, resting his head in his hand he silently mourned the loss of his son. Beside him, Princess Vanessa came over to comfort her grieving father and the others followed suit. It was Prince Rodrick who felt more anger than sorrow, [b]"I swear to the old gods and the new I will slaughter every last one of those savages who murdered my brother! Father, give me an army and I will exact vengeance for our fami-"[/b].

[b]"NO!"[/b], King Gregor's voice echoed through the large chamber. Rodrick stood silent before the throne, waiting for a more sufficient answer. [b]"...I will not lose another child. First my queen, now my son. The gods have punished me, surely"[/b]

Just then another voice could be heard, Prince Davon would speak, [b]"Father I don't see why you are so distraught. You've five other children to succeed you, the kingdom is not in danger yet"[/b].

Gregor looked up from his grief to glare at Davon, [b]"It is for that same reasoning why you shall not be king"[/b]. Almost immediately Prince Davon jumped up from his throne and to the center of the court. [b]"You speak so highly of Aundair yet you saw no issue with sending him off to join them?! Now you sit here and weep while you wonder why the gods would do such a thing? You're nothing but an arrogant old man! A fool!-"[/b]

[b]"And your king!"[/b], shouted Prince Aedan, [b]"Whom you will grant the respect deserving of such"[/b]. Davon said nothing more, he only glared at Evelyn and the others as he stormed out of the court. 

Princess Vanessa steped away from the king's side to speak with the knights directly, [b]"I thank you all for this warning. I'm afraid my father is unable to hear more at the moment, perhaps tomorrow we may resume? I'll have the servants prepare chambers for you all"[/b]. 

[color=fff79a]"Thank you, my lady. We are grateful for your kind hosting"[/color]

[b]"Please, don't be so formal Evie. Our families have been close for generations, its the the very least we could do."[/b], Vanessa held a warm smile despite what she'd just heard. Evelyn noticed this and was reminded of their time as youths. [color=fff79a]"You always were the friendlier of the two of us"[/color], she said with a smile beginning to form. With that the two said their goodbyes before Evelyn and the knights retreated to the hallway. [color=fff79a]"That did not go as expected. Still tis better than nothing. Very well, we should unpack our things in our rooms. You all have free reign to most of the castle but please be civil. The city is yours to explore as well just do not stay out too late"[/color], With that Evelyn strode off towards the gardens, eager to see if it had changed since her last visit.