Baines strode from the secluded restaurant, suddenly, ten golden knights flanked him, their armor gleaming under the sun. He paused and calmly glanced around.
Beyond the knights, he detected soul outlines of faint, shimmering presences lurking in shadows, tracking his every move.
At this point, word of my meeting with Vole Malakar would have already been old news.
The knight at the center spoke, his voice firm. "Sir Jin, please come with us." The command brooked no refusal, but Baines nodded calmly, allowing himself to be escorted.
The destination wasn't far from the palace, reinforcing his suspicion about who it might be. Passing rows of golden knights and bowing servants, they reached a massive set of double doors.
After a knock, the doors swung open, revealing a chamber that dwarfed his Dawnless office, its grandeur almost blinding.
The sick emperor, the elite golden knights, stronger than normal, and the lavish decor.
