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Alaric

T he City of Night is bigger and grander by far than the Citadel of the GodKing. I hate to admit it, but it’s so. The vastness of the city can be measured by the sparkling lights that illuminate it. They spread across the dark horizon like hoards of flicker-flies as we approach.

We traveled here by magic, though I was concerned and didn’t want to at first. But Sylvanna assured me she was rested and recovered and though I thought she looked a little pale when we arrived at the city gates, she didn’t stumble or faint.

I’m staying close to her side anyway, though.

I don’t take my Lady’s safety for granted.

The guards—two NightBorn males in silver breastplates, both holding long ceremonial spears—stop us before we can enter the vast gates.

“State your name and business,” the first one grunts, speaking to Sylvanna.

“And why the fuck do you have a DayBorn with you?” the other guard demands.

“This is the Lady Sylvanna—she’s a great Sorceress,” I growl, glaring at them both. “You’d be wise to keep a civil tongue in your head around her or you’ll answer to me .”

“Who the fuck are you, then, DayBorn?” he demands, but he looks a little uneasy. I’m taller than both of them by at least a head. These NightBorn males are puny.

“This is Sir Alaric of Solaris, my Blood-servant,” Sylvanna says. “He’s wearing my colors, as you can see.”

Indeed, I am wearing a “tail” with purple and black horsehair.

I’ve gotten used to wearing one now—and there’s a discrete hole in my black leather breeches for it to poke out of.

I can walk, run or fight with it inside me with no problems. I’m also wearing a black leather vest as well as my sword strapped over my back and the blackened silver collar which never comes off.

The guards look me up and down and then nod at Sylvanna.

Apparently we pass the test. We are admitted through the gates and into the City of Night and we make our way up the winding circular road that leads around in a spiral.

It ends at the crest of the huge hill where the palace of the Queen sits.

The vast structure is built of black marble shot through with veins of silver. It seems to glimmer like a huge, dark star that almost fills the sky.

“Well…here we are.” Sylvanna’s voice trembles and she takes a deep breath, her eyes wide and uncertain as she stares at the palace.

At once I know that something’s wrong.

“What is it, my Lady?” I ask quietly, putting a hand on her arm. “What do you fear?”

“Nothing.” She shakes my hand off and lifts her chin. I see determination fill her lovely glowing eyes. “I’m just fine, Paladin. Come—we must seek an audience with the Queen. I have not seen her in three years.”

I’m not sure what’s going to happen next but I know a show of bravado covering fear when I see it. I resolve to keep a close eye on my Mistress as I follow her into the palace.