"Our authority is absolute," she stated flatly. "It comes from the highest echelons of the Light. We are here to investigate a divine disturbance of the highest order."
Her gaze flickered for a moment. It moved past Riku and settled on the group from the Dark Empire.
"And to contain any potential threats from the northern wastes."
Lord Falco bristled at the insult. "Threats? We are nobles of the Northern Empire! We are on a diplomatic mission!"
The paladin leader's lips curled into a faint, condescending smile. "Your 'diplomacy' seems to involve magical fog and armed standoffs. Forgive us if we do not take you at your word."
She turned her attention back to Riku. "You will all remain within the valley. Any attempt to breach the quarantine will be met with lethal force. We will begin our investigation at dawn."