"Go on without me. I want to look around the Imperial Capital."
"All right..."
The Vice Dean looked as if he wanted to say more, but said nothing. He probably had no idea where to suggest Annan go.
The Street winding around Montreal Mountain was unexpectedly gentle, though its curve became more pronounced as it stretched into the distance. In the Upper District, the Streets grew broad and level. A solemn cluster of buildings rose ahead.
The entire area belonged to the Empire's Ceremonial Affairs Department. Its main building was the towering structure of red and blue.
The Vice Dean stepped down from the carriage. Annan scanned the street for students from other academies. He caught the attention of the guards, but they looked away when they spotted the Montreal family crest on the carriage.
After telling Annan not to come back for him, the Vice Dean spoke to a guard and entered one of the buildings.
Hooves clopped against the Street again. At the far end, Annan finally saw unfamiliar students climbing out of a Carriage bearing an academy crest he did not recognize.
Once they left the Imperial Ceremonial Affairs Department, the streets grew busy with pedestrians again.
Watching the streetscape pass by outside the window, it was hard to imagine a Lower Hive full of chaos and evil beneath the city.
Annan asked the Stablehand if he knew anywhere worth visiting.
"Would you like to see the Mountain-Ring Palace Gardens? Part of the grounds is open to visitors."
"I'll pass."
What if one of the Royal Family's children takes an interest in me?
"How about the Opera House? A famous dancer from Wilhelm is performing there on tour."
"No, thanks."
What if the famous dancer falls in love with me?
"The Museum, then? The Imperial Capital Museum