Thales stared intently at the Seychelles Knight mounted on his horse, quickly assessing the situation at hand.
What's going on?
He had just arrived in Emerald City and had not even stepped into the Palace of Vacuity yet.
Was this city really so unwelcoming towards him?
Of course, an inner voice softly reminded him, Don't forget why you're here.
Don't forget the ring in your pocket.
Onlookers on both sides of the street had ceased their tasks, intimidated by the imposing parties on either side, yet they couldn't help but gossip among themselves:
"Is that really the Prince? The Polaris? The one who brandished a sword at the banquet and slashed blood everywhere, shattering goblets to pieces?"
"Where did you hear such rumors? At most, he just knocked down an assassin!"
"Wow, look at that prince, such a huge fellow, his expression as dead as a zombie's; he truly is a barbarian from the north..."