[Dacorum]

They did not tarry long outside the city, passing down the causeway among the stream of travelers coming to attend the festival. As Mira took in the sights of what must have seemed a marvel from her dreams, Dacorum did his best to guide her through the crowds, making for the tiered edifice of the palace in the distance.

Though he still feared for the future, the knight of Ascaria could not deny that in coming to know this remarkable young woman, he had found a measure of hope, and with it, resolve to stand at her side through what was to come. He could feel a profound strength deep within her, for when the time came. Until then, his mission would be to ready her in every way possible.

At last, they left the crowds and the noise behind, ascending the steps to the palace in quiet. “Be at ease,” he told her as they approached the grand gates. “We will find friends here.”

She smiled at him in answer, nodding deeply, before taking the first step within.