Because of the size of their entourage, the soldiers garrisoned at the borders of Vale stopped them for an inspection.
Alaric didn't want to cause trouble so he told his subordinates to go along with the inspection.
Luckily for them, one of the inspectors happened to be Anthony, the current commander of Vale's armed forces.
"Lord Alaric!?" Anthony was surprised to see him.
"How have you been, Sir Anthony?" Alaric cupped his fists while smiling lightly at him.
Hiding his surprise, Anthony peered at the equipment strapped on their horses and replied. "I have been well, my lord. Thank you for asking."
He then cleared his throat and asked with a serious tone. "Can you tell me where you are headed to, my lord?"
"We are headed to Ryvaad. You don't need to be alarmed, Sir Anthony." Alaric chuckled when he saw how cautious they were, but he also understood their situation.
