With a final, critical look at Luke, Aerion turned and strode out of the manor. Several carriages awaited, accompanied by almost fifty guards. I recognized many of the mages who had returned from the front lines, looking rested and alert in their ceremonial robes. My friends and I weren't alone in attending this banquet, as, aside from Aerion and Selena, almost ten other nobles from House Sunsinger were present. I hadn't seen more than glimpses of them in the time since our arrival, as most were assigned away from the estate, overseeing various positions in the house's business.
"Elise, your friends take this one," Aerion said, nodding at the middle carriage. "Many of the soldiers are still on leave, so I'm entrusting them with their own guard."
