Dawn broke over Stoneheart City, lifting a veil of white mist from the earth.
At the gates, a long line of merchants from various races stood quietly amidst the chiming bronze bells of pack oxen. Gabriel and Daniel waited among them. They were in no rush, using the time to observe the unfamiliar crowds and the imposing architecture.
"My lord, the relic points here," Daniel murmured. "This should be our destination."
Daniel served as Gabriel's lieutenant. The leadership of the Disorder Alliance had exiled them to this remote backwater to establish a new market front.
"So this is Stoneheart City?" Gabriel muttered, gazing at the battlements. The blood-red paint spelling "Stoneheart" was peeling, yet it didn't look dilapidated. Instead, it bore the heavy weight of history.
They reached the checkpoint. Smiling affably, Gabriel slipped a few coins into the guard's hand. "A little something for your thirst, Captain."
