The harbor district outside Dawnlight City was idle and listless.
Several old sailing ships lay at the docks, their hulls thick with barnacles.
Sailors leaned against barrels in twos and threes, letting the sunlight bake their skin as they stared blankly out to sea.
A crane stood alone, with neither cargo nor workers waiting to load or unload it.
Veylin withdrew his gaze.
Though it was only early spring and quiet shipping lanes were normal, this place was far too quiet.
The Golden Sail Merchant Guild's nautical charts clearly marked this deepwater harbor as far superior to the one in the Gray Marsh Fief.
He followed the dirt road toward the white city walls.
At the gate, two chainmail-clad guards leaned against the battlements, idly tapping their scabbards against the stonework with a monotonous tap, tap.
When they spotted Veylin approaching, they merely shifted lazily, not even bothering to stand straight.
"Where are you from? What brings you into the city?" one guard asked, looking Veylin up and down.
He wore simple clothes, with no family crest and no attendants, carrying only a pack on his back.
"Weilin Klein. I'm here at Count Diana's invitation," Veylin answered evenly.
Only upon hearing the Count's name did the guard become somewhat more restrained and give a knightly salute, though his underlying disdain remained.
How important could a baron be if he had to walk into the city himself?
"Please wait a moment."
He turned and sauntered into the gateway.
Only after a long wait did an elderly man dressed as a butler emerge with him.
It was Hubert, the butler and treasurer.
"Are you Baron Klein of the Gray Marsh Fief?" Hubert bowed with impeccable form, making no attempt to conceal his appraising gaze.
"I am."
"The Count is waiting for you