They approached the gates wearily, the green and purple banners making it clear that the town had traded hands. Noah had strapped his weapons to his back but felt his hands itch to grab one as they approached the potentially hostile guards. When they came within 50 paces of the gate, the guards drew identical swords and the one on their right raised his voice.

  “Halt, travelers! State your business with the elven outpost!” The guard demanded, his voice clear and lacking emotion. Noah held out his hand in what he hoped was a universally placating manner.

  “We have been here before some time ago, we only wish to visit old friends.” Noah called out in response. He watched as the guards turned to each other and appeared to exchange words.

  “Approach the gates, but do not draw your weapons! Our captain will decide if you may enter or not.” The guard instructed. Noah nodded, finding that reasonable, and moved forward at a friendly pace. Upon closer inspection, he could see that both of the guards were elves, the tell-tale ears and sharp features the clearest indicators. The elves studied his group with strange expressions before the one on their left spoke up.

  “Yours is an odd group. How does an orc, a drakon, and a human end up in the same party?” She asked. Noah looked at the others before breaking into a laugh.

  “I suppose it is an odd group! We have been together for so long that it stopped striking me as strange sometime ago. It has been many months since I last saw another human. When we met this settlement did not yet exist and we were far up the mountain.” Noah replied. The elf nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. The other elf who had stepped away returned with another guard, though this one wore more decorated armor and had a sharp look in his eyes. Noah knew immediately that this elf was a warrior through and through. The captain, he presumed stared Noah in the eyes for a long moment before a grin broke out across his face. He extended an arm, a gesture that Noah gladly returned.

  “I see you all are warriors, yes?” The captain stated, his voice both rougher and lower than the elves he had interacted with to this point. The trio nodded.

  “That’s right.” Noah replied. The elf nodded but his expression turned thoughtful.

  “I respect that. There are far too few real warriors, something that everyone is learning the hard way. That being said, I cannot let three unknown warriors of your caliber into the town without more information. Would you follow me to the guardhouse to talk?” The captain asked. The three exchanged a glance. Noah shrugged and decided to play along. They followed the elf to a nearby building that jetted up against the wall. It was of sturdy construction, precise stonework with no visible gaps between the bricks.

  The captain opened the door and ushered them through into a well-lit room with a table made from a single piece of wood. Noah scanned the otherwise sparse room for other guards and exits but found neither. Noticing his inspecting gaze the elf coughed to get his attention.

  “My name is Gerald, and I am the captain of this outpost’s guard. May I have your names?” He asked politely, removing his helmet to reveal dark blond hair that was cut short and practical.

  “I am Recter, proud drakon and worthy among the lower realms.” Recter announced, exchanging his own embrace with the captain who appeared puzzled by his choice of words.

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  “I am Ta’Ku, warrior and Dan’Kar to my tribe’s chief.” He announced in a similar fashion. After the resulting exchange, Gerald turned his attention to Noah.

  “And I’m Noah, Sovereign of Ro’Kar.” He said, opting to test out his newfound title. There was a sensation at the back of his brain whispering that it was a bad idea, but he ignored it. The captain blanched.

  “Forgive me, I did not realize this was a political visit, sovereign.” The captain said hurriedly, lowering his head as if afraid he had made a serious blunder. Noah frowned but waved it away.

  “I’m afraid you misunderstand, Gerald. I am the sovereign of a territory but I have come for a personal matter, not political.” Noah replied. The captain chuckled nervously but kept his head lowered slightly.

  “That is very funny, your grace. I am no stranger to these matters unfortunately, and I know that even the personal matters of a ruler carry political ramifications. I’m afraid this decision will need to be elevated beyond me.” He replied, finally meeting Noah’s eyes. Noah’s forehead creased as he realized his own mistake.

  “Are we supposed to just wait here while someone else is called for?” Noah asked, a bit of frustration leaking into his voice.

  “Not at all, your grace. I will bring you to the town’s administrator and she can attend to you in the meantime. We will ensure you are comfortable and taken care of.” He explained. The deference, or fear, in his tone, spoke of a history that didn’t appeal to Noah’s sensibilities and he only hoped that this administrator would treat him like a normal person. He certainly wouldn’t make the mistake of introducing himself as a sovereign anytime soon. The captain led them back out the door they came through and began striding into the town. The trio had no trouble keeping up, but the pace was odd nonetheless. Noah took in the sights of the city, noting that the once lively market along the main street was hushed and nearly empty. He noticed several humans but they all moved about quickly and kept their heads down. He saw elves as well, though they carried themselves in relaxed postures and wore smiles on their faces. The difference was stark and alarming.

  When Gerald finally came to a stop Noah realized that he recognized the building. The town hall where Julie worked stood in front of him, looking much the same as when he last saw it. The captain stepped inside briefly while they waited, assuring them that he would just be a moment. True to his word he returned swiftly, this time holding the door wide as they passed into the lobby. An elven woman stood behind the reception desk and smiled as they entered, lowering her head in a polite greeting.

  “This is Lilian, she will make sure you have everything you need.” The captain said before making a prompt exit. Noah found the whole situation suspect, but he couldn’t contain the anticipation that he felt at the prospect of seeing Julie.

  “Honored guests, please right this way. The administrator is just at the end of the hall.” Lilian said, before leading the way. “I will alert her of your arrival, please give me just a second.” She said as she opened the door into Julie’s office. Noah heard muffled whispers through the door but couldn’t make out the words. He turned to his companions.

  “Would you two mind waiting for me out here while I go inside? I believe the person I’m looking for may be the administrator.” He explained. The two nodded, unfazed by the request. When Lilian stepped back through the door she tilted her head at the retreating forms of the others.

  “Sorry for the hassle, but would it be alright if I spoke with the administrator alone? My companions could use some rest.” Noah asked politely. Lilian nodded emphatically, her eyes lighting up as if in understanding.

  “Of course, your grace.” She said, gesturing to the now open door. He smiled and thanked her before stepping through. The door clicked shut gently behind him and Noah noticed the sole occupant of the room bowing at the waist with her eyes to the ground. Noah frowned at the sight, and his heart sank as he recognized her to be Julie.

  “Your grace, I am humbled to be in your presence. I am happy to get you anything you may need.” She said, never turning her eyes up. Noah stepped closer and saw her tense in response. He paused, not wanting to spook her anymore.

  “Julie?”