"The King welcomes the Council and the Duke of Saphira to his Castle," shouted the sentry. "Make haste, as His Majesty awaits."
Without delay, the Caravan moved over the bridge and entered Luxdale, the Gustavis on their trail. Amy gawked at the spectacle that was the Luxdale compound. She marvelled at the sharpened points of the portcullis overhead as they passed the arch. Beyond the gate was Luxdale's bailey. It was a vast courtyard paved with orange bricks that were arranged to look like an intricate latticework. She looked ahead and saw that the castle yard ended with another gate.
"Wow," remarked Amy. "The King is big on gates."
"Hush, my Duchess," Henri whispered to her. "The King might hear you. He can choose to listen to anyone within the enchanted walls."
"Oh, heavens. I'm sor
