Book One, Chapter Four, Post Fifteen

Even as Terrence gives his performance, Flynn steps into the torchlight, allowing himself to be seen by the guards. "I can't in good conscience tell you to ignore him. He speaks truth about the High Lord Fennix." He motions Terrence to quiet down, slowly moving to the side of the gate as he speaks, then taking a slow deliberate step toward the guards. "We would be more than happy to wait here while you send someone to see if we lie or not."

The guard looks Flynn over then nods. “We’ll have someone go check out your story. You’ll need to wait here ‘til they return.”

As he says this, Tyrects and Del come jogging up. "There is no time to waste. The High Lord... his health is rapidly worsening. What are you doing standing about?" Tyrects says.

Flynn exhales and steps back, rubbing his wrist. "I hate to rush you, but please hurry. The High Lord is not well." He turns to face the lizard man. "We know what we need and where to get it. They are verifying our claims before we are allowed to pass."

The guard turns toward the nearby guard house and shouts, “Alej, I need you to run an errand.”

A young guard, probably who’s just joined the force, steps out. His eyes are bright and skin pale. He ruffles his red hair with a yawn. “Where to?”

“High Lord’s. Gotta make sure he’s sick before we let these blokes through.”

Tyrects directs his next words to the guard who seems in charge. "Wait, once our claims are known true, have some guards posted at the High Lord's grounds as well. Trusted men. I do not like that we are all here so soon after an attempt on his life."

Terrence turns to Tyrects and says, "Well, you've made it! Where were you when I needed a piggyback?"

"Piggyback? Did you find another meal? Any left?"

"No, but I'm famished. We'll have to keep our eyes peeled for sustenance."

"Yes, let's find a pig back. But first, finish this errand and see to the Lord's health. I have a feeling there will be more rabbits in it for me."

Alej nods at the lead guard’s command, then takes off in a lolling jog.

"How about less lolling and more jogging?" Terrence shouts after him.