Liar!” a citizen shouted from the gate. “The eyes of Athfarians are filled with terror. The Waylander has returned for good reason!”

“Yea!” cried another. “The devil cometh!”

Lish’s voice was strained but discernible over the rising din. “Forgive the hasty arrival of our northern neighbors. King Kydon is here on official business, little of which need concern you at this time. Fear and rave you bring upon yourselves with this senseless quibbling. Now go! Return to your homes and dwellings. I must consult your king.”

“We are not simpletons!” shouted a third protester. “You fabricate the truth, palterer.”
             
“Aye,” said a fourth. “What about the surging shadow? What do you expect us to believe? Bear witness to a passing cloud on a clear summer’s day?

Nay, old goat! The Shadow of Ker inflicts omen upon us.”

“Do not forejudge your king and his keepers!” Lish defended sharply. “A proclamation will be posted in the streets on the morrow. Now go I say!”

Prince Darc and his men used Lish’s words to their advantage. During the exchange they carefully pushed back the angry citizens, clearing them from the walled entrance. Darc gave the signal and the castle defenders backpedaled under the arched doorway as the thick gate creaked under the turning of metal gears. Darc and the gatekeepers breathed a sigh of relief when the gate closed with a heavy thud. Outside the crowd turned from Dracon Wall and milled about, bitterly disappointed, unsatisfied by the promise of a forthcoming announcement. While many meandered in the thoroughfare, Lish descended the lookout tower and entered the sunlit courtyard. He