The massive fortified portal swung open another four paces to reveal a grand paved thoroughfare flanked by towering spires and slender suspension footbridges spanning the upper airspace.
Six mounted riders in fitted carapace plates sat upon broad-backed draft beasts near the inner barrier, their slender lances resting upright within stirrup sockets.
Hajin kept his left palm resting loosely against his weapon sash, his demeanor calm and observant as he addressed the mounted detachment.
"We accept an escort if the riders choose to accompany us, and no person here becomes our guard through assumption!"
The nearest mounted warrior tilted the steel point of her lance downward in a formal gesture of civic welcome.
"The Warden Council offers peaceful passage to the outer registry, where your names and purpose can be recorded."
Eirwen clutched the crystalline transit authorization against her chest, her clear voice ringing across the paved entryway to set an explicit boundary.
