Gatekeepers

The city came into view with a silver moon rising from the horizon illuminating the silhouette. I suppose there are pros and cons to arriving at the castle after nightfall.

Alina would not need to worry as much about commoners recognizing her in the streets. After nightfall the streets are typically bare except for patrons of the tavern. In my experience with that clientele, they could swear up and down they saw the Princess the night before and no one would believe them.

However, getting the guards at the gate to open it was another matter. I had come and gone a million times in the darkness of night to and from the city, but recent events made the guards more weary of late night travelers.

I was not sure if it would be worth showing the soldiers that the Princess was outside the gate. It would make our entrance to the city go faster, but would also cause more of a stir. I do not think that it was widely advertised that our Crown Princess was not safely in the palace.

There was also the fact that the Queen and Council expected us long ago. I only hope that our tardiness will be forgiven once everyone was safely accounted for. To ensure that we all do in fact make it to the palace, it might be best if Princess Alina does not reveal herself at the main gate.

"Put up your hoods!" I yelled to my traveling companions as we neared the fortress. It seemed hypocritical to give such a command as I dropped mine to my shoulders.

The intimidating stone wall of the city reached high above our heads as we approached the closed gate. Two guards saw us approach and lit torches to reveal their faces.

"The city is closed! Return at first light!" One of the guards yelled. I suppose that was the easiest way to deal with visitors after dark.

"My party has business at the palace!" I yelled back.

The two men spoke softly to one another. It seemed this breech in protocol was unheard of and that neither man recognized me. Maybe I should have started by shouting my name. I just didn't want to have to reveal the rest of my party and a single introduction seemed awkward.

"One moment!" The same voice yelled back. His counterpart disappeared from his post. I guess this was above either of their pay grades.

My horse snorted impatiently. After all this travel it seemed cruel to be so close to a barn and yet so far. I wholeheartedly agree.

The disappearing guard came back with a third gentleman. In the dim light it was hard to tell if I knew the man but his bearing seemed familiar.

"State your business and your name," the man yelled. The voice was familiar. This was the same officer that I relieved of Sir Gavin and Sir Balor. Maybe it was just my imagination, but even his threatening tone into the dark seemed more cheerful than our first meeting.

"Lord Holden, Swordsman of the clan of Bear with a company that has business at the palace!" I yelled back. No need to prolong this interaction.

Although I'm sure it was not meant for my ears, I could hear the commanding officer reprimand the guards for waking him. Clearly I was not who the wall was meant to keep out.

"Open the gate!" The officer yelled. "Lord Holden, please proceed with your party."

The metal grate slowly lifted as the sound of chains clanging as they coiled around a cog filled the silent night. Behind the heavy gate there was a small passageway before two heavy wooden doors protected the city. The creak of the doors almost rivaled the sound of the metal gate being lifted out of place.

I lead my companions through the city gates. Somehow after dark everything seemed more intense. We were met on the other side by a company of guards that slowly parted as we passed, almost guiding us to their commander. When we got close enough to him, a few men stood between me and the rest of the party. I involunentarily reached for my sword.

"Lord Holden, have you come to the city by your own free will?" The officer questioned.

I rarely entered the city gates after dark with such a large company. It never crossed my mind that this might send the city guards into a panic thinking someone was using me as a puppet to enter the city after nightfall.

"I am here by my own free will and by Queen Valerie's orders. My company is expected at the castle," I added, making my intentions clear. The entire company seemed to take a collective breath.

"Very well. Have a pleasant rest of your night," the man saluted and we were finally allowed into the city.

When we finally set foot on the palace grounds, Queen Valerie, Lord Garrison and Lord Bleddyn were there to meet us.

"I am sorry for the delay at the city gates," Queen Valerie apologized before any of us had a chance to even explain. "A messenger was sent when you all were granted access. We will have to update our system to better streamline."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Any improvements would be appreciated," I replied. I would prefer to not have men question me in a way that seemed on the verge of combat.

"It is late. Did you encounter trouble on the road that kept you? Where are my clansmen?" Lord Garrison asked nonchalantly. The last question should have been the first but he didn't want to seem too eager to point out his son's absence.

"We are fine. Your clansmen are safe." I was about to start giving a more detailed report, when a yawn escaped me.

"Lord Holden, you seem exhausted. So do the rest of you. Do you have any urgent news from your travels? If not, I suggest we postpone any meeting until before petitioners court tomorrow morning," Queen Valerie suggested.

"Wise indeed, Your Majesty. Let's reconvene then," I added and the company started to disperse to their homes for the night.

Something felt wrong about that statement. I could not quite pin down why until I was almost out the palace door. Carrion wanted to propose at the next petitioners court. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.