The courtyard near the council hall was alive with movement. Dozens of carriages lined the stone square, their lacquered panels and gilded trim flaunting the wealth of noble houses. Liveried attendants clustered near each, polishing wheels, brushing horses, or standing stiffly with banners raised high.
Garius guided his gaze across the crowded field once, his expression calm but unreadable. Then his eyes narrowed slightly at an open stretch of ground set apart from the press of wagons.
"Let's head further from this place," he said evenly, his voice cutting through the bustle. His hand lifted, pointing toward the empty ground.
"Alf. Erinnette."
"Yes, my lord?" the two answered in unison, guiding their Pekko forward.
"Secure that space for our mounts. It's far enough from the others, and it will serve us well. But go ahead and check it first."
"As you command, my lord."
