[A few moments before…]
As the main gate swung open, a mighty warhorse galloped into the mansion's compound. It came to a halt before the grand entrance, and Eric quickly dismounted. As always, a stable boy hurried forward to greet him and took the horse's reins.
Without pause, the knight strode into the mansion, his steps brisk and purposeful, eager to deliver his urgent message.
"Sir Navin! You're back!"
Anryr came rushing down the stairs, eyes wide with excitement. It had been several days since he'd heard any news from the knight, and everyone in the household was waiting anxiously for updates from the palace. Would it be good news… or something worse?
The hope in the steward's expression was unmistakable. But before he could say more, the second-in-command knight raised a hand, stopping him.