After riding a while as they neared the courtyard of the Aegis of Light, the scale and beauty of the place became clearer.
At the gates to the courtyard, a guard stepped forward.
He raised his hand and said firmly, "From this point, you must walk on foot."
Paul looked at him and said, "This is the way!"
"No big deal!" Arin smiled and climbed down from his horse, landing on the stone pathway.
The stones were laid out in patterns that looked like rays of light.
Ragna followed Arin, maintaining a calm but alert stance.
Her watchful eyes were scanning everything around them.
Stable workers came forward silently, leading their horses away with care.
The air felt heavier here than before.
It was quiet and still, as if the place itself carried the weight of something greater.
Arin could feel the eyes of the guards and workers on him as he walked.
He was feeling alert and a bit scared as well.
The courtyard was wide and open.
In the center stood a large fountain.
