Royle didn't know if he was relieved or filled with dread the moment the gates to the palace opened to let him, Leira, and his—well, technically, they were Walden's—elite squad of specialised officers in. There were only eight of them, but they were specifically trained to protect those deemed to be high—value targets from all kinds of danger, including witches. They were one of multiple squads. Walden's personal protectors, in fact, which was why they weren't too happy about Royle taking over as their leader.
They made for stuffy companions, expressing their scepticism at every given opportunity, though they oddly got along fine with the girl. The travel had been exhausting, even more so than usual, and there had been a delay in their journey when the first shower of rain fell.
At least
