The setting sun of Starlight Castle hung below as Aeric of Starlight dismounted Sylver at the base of the grand gates.
He didn't want to think about it, but the journey back from the Dawn Region had left him weary.
In honesty, was that really the way the Dawn women acted or were they all teasing him? Anyway, he was back at home and muttered a "Finally" to himself, shaking his head at the memory of their cloying smiles and relentless pursuit.
As his boots hit the cobblestone path, his eyes were drawn to an unusual sight, one he had first noticed from high above:
There was a long line of people stretching from the Castle entrance and snaking toward the central fountain of the courtyard. Some of these individuals appeared haggard, others impatient, their faces etched with the grime and struggle of everyday life.
